What does this domain expiration date mean?

[coolshop]

I have my eye on a domain whose WHOIS info is as follows:

Record expires on 23-May-2002.
Record created on 22-May-1995.
Database last updated on 30-May-2002 07:54:13 EDT.

What happens(ed) on May 23? Shouldn't I be able to register this domain now (I cannot).

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[topr8]

i'm not sure of the exact timescales but i know that different registrars keep back domains for a while after they are expired to allow the original owner time to renew,

this time can be considerable.

[korkus2000]

Registrars will keep the domain for at least 60 days after expiration. I have seen netsol keep domains for over 2 years. Once it is ready to be deleted you will see a notice in the whois that says the name points back to the local database, like its an error. That means the name is in purge. Then you wait for about six days while it is in purge. Once thats over you can register it.

If you see a domain that has been expired for over 90 days on netsol you can call them and have them delete it. I did that and it took 2 weeks from my call to when it was dropped.

[angiolo]

Netsol has a Back-Order service called "SnapBack".

SnapBack will monitor the name around the clock, "24/7".

You can book in advance, hoping that the legimit owner will not renew it.

SnapBack is not free.

[lazerzubb]

Korkus pretty much gave it to you, if it's registered to NetSol / VeriSign former Network solutions, i got a domain 9 months after it expired, my tip is to call them about once a week, to check how it's going, that helped for me.
It's useless to email them, don't help at all.

[coolshop]

Thanks, I have it registered with Expirefish.com.

[korkus2000]

You may want to read this post. I used expirefish and snap names for a domain that wasn't really that great. Buy domains got it instantly. If your domain is in demand don't waste your money on these services.

[webmasterworld.com...]

[angiolo]

You can find a domain name that has good linkpopularity with listings in Yahoo, DMOZ etc. If it is not a trademark name, but a generic one, could be a bargain to buy it.