Domain Registry of America - Scam or Fair Advertising?

They're Baaack! The Domain Registry of America is again misleading consumers with fake renewal letters. This company monitors the expiration dates of domain names and when they come within 2-3 months of expiring, an official looking notification is sent to the owner.

DRoA (actually a Canadian company) exploits the fact that Small Business owners are busy, not always tech-savvy and most are conscientious about paying their bills. So, when they receive an official- looking notice warning them that are in jeopardy of losing their domain name, it is easy to write a check in error and send it off in the handy enclosed envelope.

Unfortunately, when you send the payment to Domain Registry of America, you are granting them permission to take over registration privileges of your domain name.

This company really ticks me off. Their business is built on advertising that confuses, scares and takes advantage of people. If this is the way they try to get your business, imagine what they will do to once they've got it. Legal action was taken against them several years ago but their doubtful practices have resurfaced.

How to protect yourself:

• When it concerns something as important as your domain name, please read carefully anything that is mailed or e-mailed to you.
• Never respond to requests for information without checking with the person who administers your Web site.
• If your Registrar has a Domain Lock - use it. Domain locking is used to prevent unwanted domain name registrar transfers and domain name hijacking.

If you have questions or concerns about your domain name renewal or registration, please call or e- mail me and I would be glad to help.

In case you were wondering...

Domain names are limited to 63 characters and can start with a letter or number. The character count does not include the domain suffix, (e.g. ".com") or the prefix ("http://www." ). Many Web sites claim to hold "the record" as the longest URL. Here are two I found interesting:

www.llanfairpwllgwyngyllgo gerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch.com
A town in North Wales meaning "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave" in Welsh.

www.thepersonwithanewideaisacran k-untiltheideasucceeds-by-marktwain.com
This one is for Mark Twain fans.

The 39th Olcott Polar Bear "Swim for Sight" sponsored by the Olcott Lions Club is this Sunday, March 2, 2008.

The Swim for Sight is day of fun and fundraising to help the blind, visually impaired, and our community. Last year drew a record crowd of 579 swimmers - and although they may be a little crazy to jump into the freezing water, they raised a heart-warming $15,000!

Too chicken to swim, but still want to help?
You can bring a donation or mail donations to: Olcott Lions Club, P.O. Box 316, Olcott, New York 14126

I am included in the "too chicken to swim" category, but I am glad to be able to help the Olcott Lions Club with their Web site to spread the word about this worthy cause. This year a registration form was included online that can be printed and filled in ahead of time. You still must register on-site, provide your contribution and receive your prize on the day of the swim, but this will save you time so you can partake in the days many other events.

For more information about the Olcott Lions Club "Polar Bear Swim For Sight," you can go to their Web site:

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings. My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let's put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.