I think this is entirely separate from the WLS, although I think the "master plan" is to offer customers new domain names, already registered domain names, and WLS all at the same point by the domain name registrars, and all of course provided by Verisign GRS.
What has me a little worried (besides the expansion of Verisign's role) is that Secondary Market Program listings can only be offered by the registrar of record for a domain name, and if OpenSRS doesn't offer it there may be a mass exodus by speculator/warehouser types to a registrar that does. Whether or not the name store idea works or is popular, the perception that it might work could be enough to fuel the change. I have seen a lot of discussion about WLS, and maybe I have become so numb to it that I have missed some discussion about the Secondary Market Program, but this is the first I've heard of it. I am intrigued by the notion that someone could go to a registrar, enter the name of the domain name they want, see that it is already registered and for sale, and immediately purchase it from that registrar (regardless of where it is currently registered). There do seem to be some potential difficulties in offering the service through resellers. If an OpenSRS reseller has a balance of $1000 in their account, and someone purchases a $5000 domain name through that reseller, what happens? It also makes the $15 chargeback problem not seem like such a big deal. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Loren Stocker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Chuck Hatcher" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 1:12 PM Subject: Re: [Verisign Name Store ???] > I think they are. Isn't this WLS? > > Wait until they see the "shrinkage" in this inventory! > > Best, Loren > > "Chuck Hatcher" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >From www.greatdomains.com: > > "Beginning next year, you will be able to buy, sell, and appraise secondary > market > names in a single, streamlined process through participating registrars. > Through > the VeriSign Name Store model, you will no longer have to register a name at > one Web site, and sell at another. All buying and selling can take place > through a > certified registrar that you know and trust. This new model enhances the > value > delivered to the market by simplifying processes for both buyers and > sellers. Talk > to your registrar about how you can list your names." > > More information at: http://www.verisign-grs.com/namestore/smp/ > > Is OpenSRS planning to participate? > > >
