When I was developing my new site, I gave thought to several names - then when I was fairly sure, I checked it on one of those "see if the name you want is free" services. It was, but I didn't have the cash right then.
a couple of weeks later, I went to see if it was still free - and the .com had gone. Lucky for me I wanted .co.uk (I know you should get both, but I'm on a tight budget!) When I looked at the site, it wasn't in use - just one of those "do you want to buy this domain" places.
Am I being paranoid? Or does everyone else know not to check a domain name till you're ready to buy it?
chicken posted this at 01:12 — 17th May 2001.
They have: 98 posts
Joined: Jan 2000
I don't think you are being overly parnoid. I've seen this type of post at the forums I moderate at (3 large web hosting/site dev. forums). It isn't completely out of the question that the script logs your queries, and that someone take a peek through them.
However, quite a few domains are registered on a daily basis, and it could just be coincidence. Generally, if you find one you like, it is better to get it while it is still available. As you found out, next time you check, it might not be.
Live Hosting Chat! at http://www.HostHideout.com
Jaiem posted this at 12:59 — 17th May 2001.
They have: 1,192 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
Agreed. That's a very dirty little secret. Very underhanded.
I only use my own WHOIS lookup for checking domains because I know for fact we don't log them.
Jaiem
Ocean View Host - FREE domain name, 1 month FREE hosting!
JP Stones posted this at 09:24 — 24th May 2001.
They have: 2,397 posts
Joined: Nov 1998
I now do like you because I am sure someone logged my queries (based on time searched and subsequently registered).
JP
JP Stones
Perforated Edge - Tearing Through Convention
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