understanding the drop process...

[mogtnomr]

Every domain must not be deleted precisely at 2PM EST because during my hand-reg attempts, domains appear to become available anywhere from 2:05-2:20 (from my couple tests).

Is there any documentation on the drop process? I basically want to know how long can it last, and is there any rhyme or reason to why domains seem to randomly become available during that time span. And if there _is_ a pattern, what is it? Alphabetical order? ordered by reg date? totally random?

Thanks!
Rob

 

[ToastyX]

The com/net drop process starts at 2 PM EST/EDT and ends when all of the domains to be dropped that day have been dropped. I've seen com/net drops last over an hour when many domains are dropping. It simply takes time to process all those domains.

As for a pattern, it's definitely not alphabetical order, that's for sure. My guess is the order is based on the order in which they were deleted by the registrar, but I cannot be sure since as far as I know, there is no official detailed documentation on the com/net drop process, and the registry's Whois server only returns dates, not times.

 

[mogtnomr]

Over an hour? wow, didnt expect it to take that long.
thanks for the info.

The com/net drop process starts at 2 PM EST/EDT and ends when all of the domains to be dropped that day have been dropped. I've seen com/net drops last over an hour when many domains are dropping. It simply takes time to process all those domains.

As for a pattern, it's definitely not alphabetical order, that's for sure. My guess is the order is based on the order in which they were deleted by the registrar, but I cannot be sure since as far as I know, there is no official detailed documentation on the com/net drop process, and the registry's Whois server only returns dates, not times.

 

[actnow]

It all depends on how many names are scheduled to drop.

I can alway tell when it is over - when Pool sends out an email announcing
the names they caught. It usually shows up around 2:35 - 2:40

 

[mogtnomr]

so you figure that when the pool notices go out, that all the drops are done?
Interesting. Sounds like a reasonable theory, just wondering if pool actually
gets some kind of notification that all drops are complete for the day, and
they then run a batch process to start the auctions and send out notifications.

Good thought, I'll have to pay more attention to when those emails from pool
come in.

Rob

It all depends on how many names are scheduled to drop.

I can alway tell when it is over - when Pool sends out an email announcing
the names they caught. It usually shows up around 2:35 - 2:40

 

[actnow]

I am talking about the email notice saying "The auction for XXXX.com has started".