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Domain Name Registration Links
If your website isn't devoted to e-commerce and doesn't contain multimedia files, you can probably use your Internet service provider (ISP) as your web host. You won't have a private domain, but you will have a free website. A private domain is more professional and credible for a professional services website, but ISP domains are suitable for learning how to manage a website, family-oriented sites, basic enthusiast sites, and for other sites, if being indexed by search engines is not critical.
ISPs have many rules and limitations regarding personal websites. Check your ISP's website for details. Our report on web hosting covers this alternative in more depth.
GoDaddy does anything and everything to generate a constant buzz. You can find the company's rejected Super Bowl commercials on a number of websites. You may find them amusing, titillating or offensive. Founder and CEO Bob Parsons generates more buzz with his blog and satellite radio program.
A RegisterFly ownership battle was just settled in court, but news accounts indicate the battle is not over. Some speculate that ICANN will force RegisterFly to turn over all domain names in its registry. Customers are infuriated by the interruptions in service.
The U.S. government is considering VeriSign's request to raise wholesale prices by seven percent. A one-dollar difference, even if passed on to consumers, probably won't matter much to anyone other than VeriSign's shareholders.
The following websites are the best resources for information and advice about web domain names:
ICANN-Accredited Registrars (official list)
Domain Tools has lots of advice.
Changing Domain Name Registrar, Transferring a Domain Name
"How to Get Your Own Domain Name - a Beginners Guide to Earning Money Online" by Rhonda J. Rains.
Registrar Market Share lists the 50 services with the most domains. Of particular interest, it shows the gain or loss in the past 30 days.
CNet.com article, "Why domain registrars can be worse than the DMV" by Matt Lake (about transferring domain names).
Fear Based Domain Name Transfer Marketing
CNet.com article, "Pick a registrar, any registrar - even a cheap one" by Matt Lake.
Internet Goldrush Domain Guide covers everything related to domains.
About.com list: "Cheapest Domain Name Registrars" by Gregory Go.
Web Host Industry Review is an informative industry website.
Netcraft is a fine source for industry news and information.
Domain Name Journal is an industry trade journal.
DomainState.com is a forum.
Domain Food compiles industry news.
Forbes.com article, "Master the Domain Name Game" by Maureen Farrell.
Syndicated column, "Making a Name for Your Site" by Reid Goldsborough.
Instantdomainsearch.com allows you to check the availability of any domain name:
Article "What you should know about domain names":
Registrar sites are the best sources for information about plans and prices: