[aklug] Re: OT DNS and Domain Registration question

Mike B. said it well -- short and sweet. But I still want to rant a bit.
:-)

I concur 100% that there is *zero* technical reason for either a web
designer or web developer (two different types of geek) to have
administrative control over the domain itself. It sometimes happens, but
it is by no means technically necessary. The power to push files to the
server, change server configuration, and even make DNS moves/adds/changes
can all be delegated without any change to the domain registration itself.

In fact, if they continue to insist that there is a technical requirement,
then they should have no problem explaining it *in writing*, in precise
technical terms. And if they think that it's too technical for you to
understand, tell them that the collective AKLUG "we" would be more than
happy to translate. ;-)

The fact that they either 1) think that they have to have it, or 2) want to
convince you that they do ... is a very, very bad sign either way.

I've seen web toads do this so that they can squat on domains -- to
basically extort payment from non-technical business owners. But they
shouldn't need to. The terms of the contract should clearly outline
deliverables and SLAs, so that everyone is clear on what "done" looks like,
so that the path to payment is clear.

Royce

On Wed, May 7, 2014 at 2:43 PM, James <marblemunkey@gmail.com> wrote:

> The answer to 1 is no, there is no technical reason, it's either for
> control or for lack of competence.
>
> If it's for control that's going to depends on what the contract is for:
> if the developer is just doing design and isn't providing hosting and
> ongoing support services, then its inappropriate. If they are providing
> those services, it may be appropriate, but you'll want to make sure that
> how and when the host would transfer the domain back to the client was
> spelled out.
>
> It could also very that the designer lacks the competence to set their own
> hosts file or transfer the designed site to a different (virtual) host, in
> which case you have different problems.
>
> - James Gibson
> On May 7, 2014 6:12 PM, "JP" <jp@jptechnical.com> wrote:
>
>> I have a client that is hiring a new developer to design a new website.
>> However, the new developer is demanding that the domain be transferred, and
>> refuses to allow me (the contracted IT person for the client) to set dns
>> records to point to their services.
>>
>> I have gotten the advice from several colleagues and friends in the
>> industry, but I would like to get some non-biased replies. I will not state
>> my opinion either way.
>>
>> The crux of the question is this:
>>
>> 1. Is there any technical reason why a web developer would require a
>> domain be transferred to their account to do website design? Specifically,
>> design a website and promote it with various SEO and submission practices.
>>
>> 2. What is the risk of the client transferring the domain from the
>> current registrar reseller, with whom they have an established
>> relationship, when the current registrar reseller has volunteered to make
>> any DNS changes the developer requires?
>>
>> Thanks, I hope this doesn't ruffle any feathers with the off-topic-ness.
>> BTW, the current host is Linux, and I am sending this email from a linux
>> laptop, if that satisfies ;-)
>>
>> _____ _____
>> /\___ \/\ __`\
>> \/__/\ \ \ \_\ \
>> _\ \ \ \ ,__/
>> /\ \_\ \ \ \/
>> \ \____/\ \_\
>> \/___/ \/_/
>>
>> 907-748-2200JP Technical <http://www.jptechnical.com/>helpdesk@jptechnical.com
>>
>>

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Received on Wed May 7 20:26:00 2014