I was very surprised today to find out that GoDaddy has a scam going on...

Yes, GoDaddy...

Not sure how aware you are of what BackOrdering is. Essentially, it's when a domain name is expiring, you get the opportunity to place a back-order through a registrar for them to try to snatch it up as soon as it becomes available.

They charge a premium for this service. GoDaddy charges $18.99.

Well, I recently placed a back-order for a domain. And I got lucky!! GoDaddy got possession!!! YAY!! No, not yay... see, because GoDaddy decided that they don't want to play the backorder game anymore.

See, if you place a backorder with GoDaddy on a domain name that was previously registered with GoDaddy, before they release the domain name to the public, they first place it into their TDNAM (The Domain Name After-Market) auction system, and now you have to BID on the domain name THAT YOU BACKORDERED, and pay GoDaddy an elevated price!!!

So what is the premium price for??? :shrug:

Since when does a REGISTRAR get the right to play the front-running game on domain names they're posturing to be helping you acquire?

BIG TIME WTF!!

GoDaddy is a total scam anyway. I had the mispleasure of trying to get a (free) domain from them today and just gave up.

Namecheap is my preferred registrar as you know. Remember to use a promo code: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/namecheap.com

It's been a while since I've registered a domain, but if I recall correctly, GoDaddy registers your domain in their name and are none-to-pleased if you want to take your name elsewhere. That coincides with the situation you have, about them being possessive over names.

Someone told me if you want to take your name to a different host, they won't let you. Not sure if that's true or not, but I've always been wary of them.