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Ask HN: Should I become a DNS registrar?
I want to update the root servers for my few dozen hobby domains and I can see running a registrar as a hobby. The requirements look rather easy to meet. [1] I sit through audits all the time. Not sure if I really still have to run a Whois server, since that is going away.
I can not find an existing registrar that meets my requirements:
- No web UI, just an API
- Easily define apex nameserver records in API
- Drop domains no longer in use via API
Has anyone else tried to create a registrar and what technical or bureaucratic challenges did you run in to?
[1] - https://www.verisign.com/en_US/channel-resources/become-a-registrar/verisign-domain-registrar/index.xhtml
- ohiovr 8y agoI had no idea this was possible. I would like to see what people have to say about it.
- jaxtellerSoA 8y agoI think you are vastly underestimating what it takes to become a registrar, specifically requirement #1 from your link "ICANN Accreditation". Take a look at points 24 and onward for yourself. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/application-2012-02-25-en https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/application-2012-02-25... Additionally there are fees associated with being ICANN accredited. The application fee alone is $3,500, on top of that you have to pay a yearly $4,000 accreditation fee. I seriously doubt you would even get approved if the required business plan you provide them is "Hey, this is my side hobby/gig".
- LinuxBender 8y agoI am ok with the fees. I suppose I could create a business model and even use a funding site to get more interest. Perhaps there are a handful of other hobbyists that could benefit as well. I agree this is non trivial. That said, I have done crazier things on a whim with some level of success.
- 1996 8y agoTell us more! I love crazy stories!
- type0 8y ago> No web UI, just an API I'm not sure there's is a market for it unless you have a bunch of other dev related services that you'll provide and also are willing to spend a lot on promo campaigns besides the ICANN accreditation fees.
- gus_massa 8y agoPerhaps "All the options of the UI are available in the API and more!" is a better selling point. Disclaimer: I like UI. I use TortoiseGit 99% of the time and I use the CLI for scripting and weird cases.