Updated GoDaddy Terms?

by 7 replies
8
Just noticed today when renewing a domain name that GoDaddy's terms now include an agreement to pay them $1 per spam message sent from or connected to your account, determined, if I remember right, by their sole discretion.

I hate spam, like most people, but the connected to bit is a bit worrisome. What if an affiliate sends out spam? Even if you have an agreement with your affiliates, good luck getting $1 per message out of them! Or Clickbank!

Of course, GoDaddy has long been a troublesome registrar for marketers, as they've long had perhaps hyper-sensitivity to spam. Seriously, what does spam have to do with a registrar anyway? If they host a site sending spam, or connected to it, that's one thing. But, just for domain name registration?

Some recommend NameCheap as an alternative, but the NameCheap horror stories I've heard involve them not being highly secure about transferring domain names, meaning that, apparently, it's not terribly difficult for someone to swipe your domain right from under you.

Sometimes I wonder if Network Solutions might be "ol' faithful" in regards to domain name registration? When they were top dog, as GoDaddy seems to be now, there were horror stories coming out of there too. But, since getting knocked down a few pegs, those horror stories don't seem to be as frequent anymore. Sure, they are more expensive, but, if your domain names are important, might it not be worth paying extra for, perhaps, extra peace of mind?
#main internet marketing discussion forum #godaddy #terms #updated
  • Hi Dan,

    I haven't read GD new TOS yet but they do also provide hosting.

    Maybe that is what the new TOS refers to?

    Just a thought.
    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
    • [1] reply
    • The agreement says it's applicable to all software and services.

      If they determine your account is being used for or connected with spam, they reserve the right to "re-direct, suspend or cancel" your domain name registration (as well as hosting and other services) for "no less than 2 days."

      The latter part is not new, but the former and the agreement which has the $1/spam message is dated 3/31/2009.
  • Network solutions is just as bad, if not worse. I've seen them sieze accounts over spam with forged headers before.

    If you're worried about it, try gandi.net
  • Banned
    There are plenty of domain registrars out there so there is no obligation to use GoDaddy - just happens to be that they are the cheapest. However, I will certainly bear in mind the new terms. I'm sure if a real case was brought regarding spam you could turn it over in a court, providing you were innocent. But that's a lot more bother than I expect most webmasters are prepared for.

    Just brainstorming out loud: spammers might send 10,000s of spam messages from one account or even more, which could leave someone exploited by a spammer heavily out of pocket...

    I guess you should just remember: 'Caveat emptor' (Buyer beware). Make sure you know what you're agreeing to before you agree to it.

    Ed
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
    • [1] reply
    • I've heard that Go Daddy will suspend your domain for spamming. Even if you aren't the one doing it! If you have a rogue affiliate out there you're screwed.
  • ICANN controls the terms of domain registration, not Godaddy. They are simply a reseller of registration services on behalf of ICANN. They cannot somehow or another impose some extra terms over and above ICANN's terms.

    This has to be related to their hosting services.
    • [1] reply
    • Under the new terms, you are also required to change your password every 6 months.
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    Updated GoDaddy Terms?

    Just noticed today when renewing a domain name that GoDaddy's terms now include an agreement to pay them $1 per spam message sent from or connected to your account, determined, if I remember right, by their sole discretion. I hate spam, like most people, but the connected to bit is a bit worrisome. What if an affiliate sends out spam? Even if you have an agreement with your affiliates, good luck getting $1 per message out of them! Or Clickbank!