I recently came across a common problem with a new client that I thought was worth sharing with you. For the purpose of this post, we shall call this client Bob.
Bob came to me to build a new web site and as you would expect wanted to utilise his existing domain name for the site.
No problem … wrong … big problem!
Unfortunately Bob had purchased his .com.au domain name for the fabulous price of $10US for a period of two years from an overseas domain registration company (who shall remain nameless) and trying to get it released was like trying to get blood out of a stone.
Bob experienced many difficulties contacting the international domain registration company as they did not supply anything but an email to contact them and with no phone number or mailing address, transferring the domain without the password (which he had forgotten) made the transition long winded and extremely frustrating.
After 4 months and countless emails with no return contact and no result, together we finally managed to push through the transfer and move forward.
While this is a severe case and one of the worst I have ever experienced, I still cannot stress enough how important it is to register your domain in Australia!
IMPORTANT REASON 1
We have legislation in Australia that protects and serves domain name registrants; you can view the legislation and policies at http://www.auda.org.au/policies/policy-index/.
IMPORTANT REASON 2
In Australia we have a Code of Practice for all registrars and resellers in the .au domain. Compliance with the Code of Practice is compulsory and auDA is responsible for enforcing the code.
IMPORTANT REASON 3
If you need to change information or wish to move the domain to another hosting company, it is cost effective and simple to call or physically visit your local registrar or reseller if need be.
In my next post I will be talking about a similar and just as important measure to ensure you do not lose control of your online presence, hosting on Australian servers.
