designer is right definitely that if your registrar is based or has an entity based in the US, your registration is not private no matter what they say -- 1&1 WILL NOT KEEP YOUR INFO PRIVATE, NOT GODADDY NONE OF THEM -- it doesn't matter what they promise: they get one verbal or written threat of being sued and they will give them your info at the drop of a hat. It is far more worth it to them to save $$ and avoid legal fights than spend all those dollars to keep their promise and stand up for one paltry domain registrant. I speak from experience with 1and1 -- they are a sham. and I have known others using godaddy's privacy service that had the same experience. you're not worth it to them. it's just a marketing tool and a way for them to make money not a legal protection to you.
and if the registrar has your personal info from the PAYMENT method (forget fake other stuff), that is what they give to the person who threatens legal action -- it doesn't even have to be a lawyer who threatens them -- merely someone anyone who says "My attorney will be suing you if you don't give their contact information to me NOW" -- that is all it takes I swear to you.
so now I am trying to learn too: just how to get around these obvious NON-protections.
I need to know more about offshore domain registrations and reseller programs as a tool and strategy for managing many domains or bulk domain registrations and re-registrations. anyone know much about this?
also, i know netfirms is based in canada and they have a free privacy option too but i don't know what their terms are if they are given the same threats from US based persons, corporations, lawyers, law enforcement. i'm not doing or advocating anything illegal at all--and those things vary by state in US (promoting adult porn in one state might be but not in another for example). but does anyone here know about canada domain regisration issues? and can i post an affiliate link to netfirms for anyone who might want to get a link for a discounted price on a domain name ?
anyways, i'm learning all this still but really need to figure out where I can find an ideal reseller plan (or bulk registration/transfer if that's cheaper) based in a safe, secure, HONEST, non-theiving, non-US, (non-china/russia based on what I've heard/read) which would be a buffer so to speak and a way to stealthily register/transfer/renew lots of domains that we gotta move away from 1&1 ASAP.
will go thru your affiliate link if it's the right set up, price, solution, etc.
I would guess I'm not the only one seeking this kind of solution?
appreciate hearing from someone who actually has done this same thing. I want to do soon but I need to analyze and ideally hear from others who have faced this dilemma -- or if you know where I can find that discussion if it's elsewhere but I figured this is the best place based on how I've found so many smart and talented pros here. I'll also be happy to refer others to the winning solution(s) from other groups where we're all having the same kind of issues and quandaries.
I looked at myorderbox*com and although that's in india, it is a horrible interface that I can't stand to use -- overly complex, plus you have to use paypal and I'm not sure yet it's totally legit (honest). again, solutions from actual similar type experiences most welcome.
"myorderbox" is the name for a user interface provided by ResellerClub*com which is a subsidiary of DirectI in India.
I have used them for domain registration and DNS management since August 2007 with no problems. The system is automated and 100% reliable to date.
The RC user interface IS a bit clunky and it took me quite a bit of work and study to get it all set up. So this solution is NOT for the lazy or helpless. But it does work fine once you get used to it.
You can sign up as your own sub-registrar or even sub-sub-sub etc. This means you can add buffers between complaint and action. Also it is you that is vetting the sub-account application - so you can be pretty lax if you so choose!!
The privacy option is free and the agent is based in Holland, if I remember right. I can't swear to it's effectiveness as I've never needed to test it. I use "privacy option" as an anti-spam device mainly.
Real privacy is to be a "phony" client of your own registrar set up. (Read that again - it's the key to happiness).
Paypal is not the only payment option but it is the one I have used for convenience. The easiest way is just to pay a lump sum in advance and then you get instant registrations. If you really want to be anonymous (as Master registrar) you have to pay cash (Money Order?) and use a another name.
However, payment method is really only relevant for the Master registrar.
Because if you are your own client no money has to change hands at all - the Master registrar can just give his client a credit to his account and record that it was cash or money order or a contra for kind, whatever. So long as ResellerClub get paid by the Master registrar they don't care how he gets paid.
I suggest a client address outside the USA - true or false, nobody is going to use it for anything much but it can be really discouraging for a lawyer to see an address in Indonesia!! Their legal system is so corrupt it's a joke. A hijacked real address (not your own) is interesting because it checks out - and creates a smoke screen - but that might be illegal where you live so I cannot advise it as an option!
RC web hosting support sucks BTW but they do offer the option of hosting in India or USA - which is interesting if you want to hold "iffy" stuff offshore.
I also use RC for some email as they do allow catchall addresses which is handy for setting up splog farms etc.
The great advantage of India is if you were an ambulance chasing lawyer, would you start a speculative lawsuit there? Not so likely I would imagine. Too many uncertainties - different legal system, timezones, travel costs, corruption, etc.
If you want to try it out my RC reseller account is hxxp://4mostdomains*com/login.php?action=signup
Use a disposable email address and mail me on rc at 4mostip.com
- but don't look to me for much support beyond the ample site documentation provided. It's an automated system not a nanny state.
We can talk discounts if and when I know you are serious. And I have a US bank account if you want to send anonymous payments to it.
PS I have also used Netfirms and found them efficient for registration although their hosting wasn't much good. Can't speak for their confidentiality but Canada is a little close to home for US residents......and vulnerable to pressure by US feds. Whereas India couldn't give a shit about the USA.
PPS If you are being really naughty and fear being sued then offshore incorporation might be a smart idea too.
(and I use a """pen name + address""" too 
