Expired domain name - what can I do?

[DreamThrall]

This is the second time this has happened, and I'm now I'm really pissed.

I've had two domain names - dreamthrall.com and dreamthrall.net - which I've bought, and accidentally let expire. I know it is ultimately my fault that they expired, but some asshat company snatched them up as soon as it happened, and they are holding them ransom. The company in question is directNIC.com. When I tried to get dreamthrall.com back about a year ago, they told me that they would sell me the domain for $500. If you've never bought a domain before, a new domain name will run you around $10, if not less. Meanwhile, when you go to www.dreamthrall.net or www.dreamthrall.com you get one of those worthless search pages that all lead to spam or advertising. I've searched, and there isn't anyone else on the internet that uses the name "Dream Thrall", so one can be fairly sure they're just trying to cash in on the fact that I didn't get the email about my domain expiring.

Is there anything that can be done here? Needless to say, I'm pretty pissed.

 

[Angry Lawyer]

Kill them in their sleep. You know you want to.

-Angry Lawyer

 

[63]

When directnic.com expires snatch it from them and charge $50,000 to have it back!!

 

[DreamThrall]

I'm fairly sure they have an automated system, which is how they were able to snatch it up as soon as it expired.

Kill them in their sleep. You know you want to.

Well, they ARE only an hour or so away... heh, jk

 

[HunterSeeker]

Perhaps you could get a nationalised domain name?

 

[Raziaar]

This is from wikipedia.

Controversy

Solares has been the focus of controversy because his business has been accused of cybersquatting and trademark infringement, using its status as a registrar to acquire domains for little or no cost the instant they expire and then selling them back to the original owners. The WIPO has ruled against them in over 200 domain name disputes, although it has also upheld their claim in a few others.



Maybe you can dispute it?

 

[DreadLord]

I've always purchased my domains through DirectNIC. It's unfortunate to hear they are doing such things. Perhaps you can bring it up as Raziaar said.

 

[Dog--]

Copyright the domain name, then let it expire, then when they snatch it up, SUE THEIR ASSES!