A little over a year ago, Go Daddy’s position on SOPA brought quite a bit of negative publicity (deservedly) onto the company, although it later changed its position and opposed SOPA. Go Daddy competitor NameCheap spearheaded a domain transfer initiative known as “Move Your Domain Day,” and many people joined in and transferred domain names from Go Daddy. Earlier today I received notice from NameCheap that they will be holding a “Move Your Domain Day” this year as-well – with the scheduled day of January 22nd.
“We want ‘Move Your Domain Day’ to become an annual protest and a commemoration of sorts that will continue to shine a light on the issue of a free and open internet, an issue we at Namecheap strongly believe in. Last year showed us what could happen when the entire internet mobilizes for a cause and we want to continue that spirit that inspired so many to make a stand. We donated over $60,000 to the Electronic Frontier Foundation to continue fighting bills like SOPA. We invite and urge every registrar, hosting company, or online entity that shares these same beliefs to participate in their own way and every customer to vote with their choice in company they do business with. As long as it brings more attention and focus to this extremely important issue, everybody wins.”
On January 22nd, Namecheap will be running a transfer special for qualified domains to Namecheap. Domain transfers on this date will be $3.99. In addition, Namecheap will donate $0.50 to the Electronic Frontier Foundation for every domain transferred to Namecheap. If more than 10,000 domains are transferred within this 24 hour period, $1 per domain will be donated to EFF. If more than 20,000 domains are transferred on that day, $1.50 per domain will be donated to EFF.