I use GoDaddy to register all of my domains. I’ve been using them for 5+ years, and I’ve been happy with them. I’m well aware of the horror stories out there, but thankfully I never saw that side of them.

A couple of years ago, I received a free domain – I believe it was through a Buy.com promotion or something. In any event, they forced you to register the domain through a different registrar. No biggie. I filled out the info, got my domain, pointed the nameserver to my server, and all was good in the world.

After my free year was up, I got an e-mail that it was time to renew, and I paid for another year with them. I was planning on moving the domain over to GoDaddy, but I guess when it’s time for renewal, they won’t let you do that. I got caught up in a number of different projects, and didn’t pay much attention to this site for awhile.

In November, I tried accessing the site, and it wasn’t coming up. After checking everything, I came to find out that my domain had expired, and I never got a renewal notice! The company claims that they sent it out and I never responded. I don’t think so! GoDaddy will send 4 or 5 reminders, as early as 90 days before renewal, and even after a domain has lapsed and is still in the redemption period!

This company never sent me a single e-mail! Then, to add insult to injury, they offered to sell my domain back to me, for $150! (Or I could bid on it through their auction service, with a minimum bid of $75) I cursed out the rep, and hung up.

Fast-forward to April, and on a whim I decided to see if my domain was available through GoDaddy. And guess what? It was! 5 minutes and $7 later, I’m back in business..

Now to properly build out this site, so I can turn around and sell it for some big money.