Pool.com is reliable and must be used for dropped names you want, but they use too many small registrar partners. They catch drops better than clubdrop, nw, and gd/br. I've spent over 6 at pool.com and i trust them, but I still have to manage domains at 15+ registrars that dont have any support or english whatsoever. But the domains that were caught, once they are transferred where I need them to be, are worth the effort. 30-90 days depending on registrar. Make sure if you use pool, that you sign up as your own affiliate, the savings are worth it. I've secured domains for under $200 that were bid up to thousands on namewinner, etc. And vice versa. plus, pool will help you if you need it, call them. I've stopped using them as much only because I have all the domains that I need right now. LOL.
More info here:
Time For ICANN to Reign In Out-of-Control Registrars
http://www.dnjournal.com/editorial.htm
"In the midst of this gloomy storm, there may be one glimmer of hope on the horizon. On July 12, ICANN issued a new set of transfer rules governing registrars that are to take affect November 12, 2004. Among other things, these would require accredited registrars to use one standard form for transfers, have English language sites, provide auth codes within 5 days of request and would make transfer approval the default in case a registrar fails to respond. "
"You can file a complaint online with InterNic on any issues involving registrars here:
http://reports.internic.net/cgi/regi...lem-report.cgi"
lots of good info at dnjournal.com plus top ten sales charts that will open your eyes to the new domain market tsunami. nearly $3M for creditcard.com/creditcards.com 2 weeks ago. harmony.com for $50K last week (no doubt to monetize eharmony.com traffic) I bought up the domains I wanted earlier this year because the prices were set to explode. I'm not suprised that the market has returned. checkout cnn, msnbc, fox, all the wire services are buzzing again.
topten chart and sales archives:
http://www.dnjournal.com/domainsales.htm
and no i'm not affiliated with anyone I mentioned above.