How to read WHOIS

[armengrecotech]

Hi all!

I'm having trouble with WHOIS databases... big time!

There are three domain names that I really like. The registrar shows they are on the "redemption period." When I look at the WHOIS, they say redemption period. But the expiration dates were from like July of this year... but the servers are updated up to date.

How is this working? Can someone kind of guide me?

Thank you!

 

[Kate]

Probably you are looking at the registry date vs registrar date.
But domains can drop early sometimes (compliance reasons etc).

You can check with the registry here: VeriSign WHOIS - Domain Name Lookup from VeriSign, Inc.
Look at where the domain is registered at, then check the whois on the registrar website.

 

[armengrecotech]

Thank you for the info! Very helpful!

Here is what I get for a desired domain:

Status: redemptionPeriod
Updated Date: 09-sep-2009
Creation Date: 31-jul-1997
Expiration Date: 30-jul-2009

>>> Last update of whois database: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:54:06 UTC <<<

I don't get it. Is it not dropping because the whois database keeps on getting updated?

 

[Kate]

The name is shown as expired as of 30-jul-2009 so everything is pretty normal. But it won't be released immediately. Redemption period lasts 40 days then pending delete 5 days, and finally the name is released.
ICANN | Life Cycle of a Typical gTLD Domain Name

If the domains are decent you may have competition so consider placing a backorder if you are motivated to get them.

 

[thewebhostingdir]

Yes, agreed. Also I wonder if that name is cachy then the current registrar might extend the RGP date of the domain name and keep the domain with them.