Dropped/expired? I don't get it.

[kwan]

I'm sorry to ask this for the xillionth time

I read a post that states: "These domains are set to drop NOV. 24". Today (11/25) the whois status is:
Status: redemptionPeriod
Updated Date: 18-nov-2006
Creation Date: 18-oct-2001
Expiration Date: 18-oct-2006

How do I know this domain is set to drop on 11/24? And if it dropped yesterday, why is it still in the redemption period?

 

[swimjenni]

It should drop anyday. Also the whois may have not updated. Make sure you check one that updates at least everyday.

 

[kwan]

It should drop anyday.

Does that mean there's no way telling exactly when it will drop? Then how do the "dropping names" websites get their dates from?

Also the whois may have not updated. Make sure you check one that updates at least everyday.

I checked www.internic.net/whois.html. Isn't that the most recent database?

 

[swimjenni]

Some people and sites know almost to the minute when it will drop. Sometimes things can change. I rarely go after fresh dropped names so it is hard for me to give an exact date.

I checked that whois and they update at least every day it looked like. They last updated about 4 1/2 hours ago. I normally use whois.sc or the namepros whois but the internic whois should be fine.

 

[Beachie]

In the 'old' days there was a set pattern to the drops - a domain expired and there was a fixed time period in which the owner could renew (REDEMPTIONPERIOD), then the domain went into the PENDINGDELETE period of six days, then the domain was released back to the registry by the registrar for re-registration. They were all released at a set time, so it was possible to grab them within milliseconds of them dropping.

Today things are a lot more confused, with many registrars auctioning off expired domains via Pool, SnapNames and ClubDrop before they are released back to the registry.

However, some do follow the old process. The example you've given above seems a bit odd - I would expect the REDEMPTIONPERIOD to last 30 days from the 18 November (the UPDATED DATE), then it should change to PENDINGDELETE which will last 6 days, so I'd expect it to drop on the 24th December. I could be wrong though, as these days the whole process seems entirely dependent on what the registrar wants to do.

 

[kwan]

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to know. I thought I was missing something but apparently I'm not the only one who thinks it's confusing.