What does this domain info mean?

Domain name registration

[spikedo55]

Updated Date: 12-feb-2003
Creation Date: 08-jan-2002
Expiration Date: 08-jan-2003

This info is from whois.org for a domain name that I want, but it puzzles me. The name expired on Jan 8, but the record was updated on Feb. 12. Will the name come up for renewal? I remember hearing something about a hold? What does that mean? If the owner doesn't choose to renew, when's my earliest chance to snag the domain? I have signed up for free service that will notify me when the domain registration info changes. I appreciate any help.

Spike

[pearl]

Spike,

If this name has value to anyone else, it will be picked up by one of dozens of drop services the millisecond it "drops".

Your best bet is to contact the existing owner, have them renew the name, and buy it from them. Use escrow.com (not affiliated with me at all) to handle the transaction for your safety.

Good luck.

[spikedo55]

Can you tell using the info above when it will "drop"?

[marcs]

Updated Date: 12-feb-2003
Creation Date: 08-jan-2002
Expiration Date: 08-jan-2003

An updated date after the expiration date usually means the registrar placed it "on hold". That's when it stops functioning as it will no longer resolves.

[pearl]

I havent kept up with the "drop" game in the last 6-7 months- and I believe there have been some significant changes since then. But, you usually don't know when they will drop. The registration info will change a day or 2 before, then it drops. May take 6 months - may never drop. Many names are (or were) hung up in place like the registrars "unpaid names" departments forever. Many famous names have been on hold for years.

Talk to the owner. Trust me - there are thousands of people (and large Internet businesses in China:)) out there vying for dropped names - you dont stand a chance of getting the name in the drop.

The only other option is to wait til the name drops and negotiate with the new owner.