For .co.uk domains I normally use either nominet or demon whois.

Get some foreign chap who works for next-to-nothing, but who is a genius script-writer to write the code for you.
You then set up your own service for free. Send the details to all of those in a hurry, but who want the ‘pleasant’ experience you mention. Bung on some high paying banner ads, and Hey-Presto….You’re rich.

I’m just too dang lazy, (wish I wasn’t)

Pete.

PS….Check my blog to see just HOW lazy I am.

What if I want a German .de domain?

Then you’re out of luck unless you know a guy in Germany to serve as the contact on the WHOIS page, since Germany doesn’t give them out unless the guy on the WHOIS lives in Germany. ]]> http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2008/05/08/what-do-you-use-to-check-for-domain-names/#comment-67298 Andrew Fri, 09 May 2008 02:15:26 +0000 http://www.geeksaresexy.net/?p=2542#comment-67298 This sometimes doesn't work - sometimes a registered domain has blank spaces in their registrar account where the nameservers of their hosting company should go. This displays the same message as if the domain isn't registered at all, I think, though I may be wrong and it might just be a 'similar but different' message. Having said that, it's how I do it and I've learnt that over 90% of the time it's right to assume that the domain is unregistered. Some of these websites/widgets/applications, however, also give information as to the current registrar (if the domain isn't unregistered) and the account in the registrar, allowing you to send an email if that information is there enquiring about maybe buying the domain. So basically, it's a domain checker, registrar, who-is and email application all in one :-) This sometimes doesn’t work - sometimes a registered domain has blank spaces in their registrar account where the nameservers of their hosting company should go. This displays the same message as if the domain isn’t registered at all, I think, though I may be wrong and it might just be a ’similar but different’ message.

Having said that, it’s how I do it and I’ve learnt that over 90% of the time it’s right to assume that the domain is unregistered.

Some of these websites/widgets/applications, however, also give information as to the current registrar (if the domain isn’t unregistered) and the account in the registrar, allowing you to send an email if that information is there enquiring about maybe buying the domain.

So basically, it’s a domain checker, registrar, who-is and email application all in one ]]> http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2008/05/08/what-do-you-use-to-check-for-domain-names/#comment-67291 Mackenzie Fri, 09 May 2008 01:32:03 +0000 http://www.geeksaresexy.net/?p=2542#comment-67291 Can't you just go to the URL and see if you get a "server not found" page? Can’t you just go to the URL and see if you get a “server not found” page? ]]> http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2008/05/08/what-do-you-use-to-check-for-domain-names/#comment-67269 Andrew Thu, 08 May 2008 23:30:34 +0000 http://www.geeksaresexy.net/?p=2542#comment-67269 I buy a mix of domains - some to work with and some to squat on. I bought "dotcomgo.com" a few days ago. However, most of my sites are blogs/forums and the domain is much more worthy of a hosting company/web development company, so I plan on squatting on it until I've found either a buyer for the project, or someone to team with to work on said company. I buy a mix of domains - some to work with and some to squat on.

I bought “dotcomgo.com” a few days ago. However, most of my sites are blogs/forums and the domain is much more worthy of a hosting company/web development company, so I plan on squatting on it until I’ve found either a buyer for the project, or someone to team with to work on said company.