Domain Registration

Ok, not strictly limited to Zen, but they play (lquite badly cost wise) in this space so with that tenuous link I'll ask.

I already have 3 domains with a US registrar (a .net, .org and .name), but I need to get a .org.uk domain for a club I belong to and the registrar doesn't do .org.uk.

I tried buying a domain through 1and1 yesterday, only to get a mail today requiring that I send then proof of address and identity within 3 days. Apart from the fact they suggested I send images of my passport or driving license, and proof of address via email (shortly after telling me that they needed the ID to "reduce the harm associated with online fraud and identity theft"), I'm abroad at the moment and don't have access to a scanner or fax, and wont be back until next week. I was really hoping to get this running this week...

Zen seem quite expensive - �25 a year for just the Domain - so any other suggestions out there for this. I've heard bad things about 123-reg customer service which puts me off a little?

What think the great Zen board?

Cheers
Ruz

I use Easily. Service has been fine over the couple of years with them. Moved lots of domains from 123-reg due to total lack of support.

Heart Internet ?

Surprised that 1&1 wanted that sort of proof, but then it may be that if you are abroad they've picked up on this via the IP address you were using to order the domain, and want to be sure it isn't some sort of offshore (outwith UK) scammer trying to quickly register a .org.uk domain.

FWIW I have two domains, both .me.uk, and both registered/hosted with 1&1, and haven't had any problems or hassles with them (either the domains or 1&1).

I have used Virtualnames http://www.virtualnames.co.uk/ for many years without problems.

Registration only for a .org.uk domain will cost you �8.50 plus vat for 2 years. That also gives you free mail forwarding and a very small amount of webspace. Proper web and mail hosting naturally costs more.

In my experience, if you pay by credit/debit card online then you should see your new domain appear on whois within hours or even minutes. DNS may take a few hours to propagate.

I use 123-reg for all of mine and have absoloutely no problem with them.

Thanks for the suggestions - I went with Heart Internet on the back of 2 suggestions, and my new domain is now up and running. There was a slight glitch - when I created the account they asked me to call for security verification before activating the account.

The process to do this was quick and painless though, just requiring a quick call to sales. The phone was answered promptly, and when I asked why the verification was required the chap confirmed that it was because the IP address of the request was not a UK address, which makes sense.

My domain appeared a few minutes later, and I was able to point it at my hosters name servers which were primed and ready to go.

Goodness all round, at under �6 inc VAT for 2 years.

Cheers
Ruz

I use domainmonger.com for all my domains. Not especially cheap ($20 for two years), but includes free well-performing DNS, and I have never known a failure. Their tech support was responsive the one time I used it, too.

I chose them when I discovered that a disproportionate number of posters on the NANOG list use them.

Paul