[car1son]

I have 3 domains registered with 3 different host (one business, including hosting, and 2 personal, both URL-forwarding.) It's true some Hosting companies aren't registrars, but the one's I've used are.
They all show up in the WhoIS as mine, e.g.

code:
  Registrant:

   Bruce Carlson

   (postal address redacted)

   Phoenix, AZ

   US

   Registrar: DOTSTER

   Domain Name:    (redacted).COM

      Created on: 10-JUL-03

      Expires on: 10-JUL-04

---

I would definitely make sure you show up as the registrant.

[sonjay]

I don't have enough experience with enough different registrars to feel confident making a recommendation......
My experience with Verisign/Network solutions was awful. They were originally the only registrar in existence; they were a true monopoly, and as of a year ago they were still behaving like one. Things might have gotten better in the past year, but I'll personally never use them again.
My domains are registered with DotRegistrar now, and I'm happy with them, but I haven't been with them all that long.
I bought a domain once through a hosting company, who stated that their policy was to register your domain in your name, but they registered it in their own. Somehow (I don't remember how) I got access to my domain account anyway, and I was shocked to see that I also had access to every other domain they had registered for customers. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I transferred mine out of there real quick-like to a different account, and then from there to a different registrar altogether.

[Philbert]

Not that I've looked that hard, but I've never seen any registrar (hosting company or otherwise), who became the actual owner of a customer domain name. I'm sure there are scams out there but if you pay to register a domain, it should be yours to take where you want, when you want. I've transfered a domain or two and I don't think I even contacted the original registrar (who was also my original host) - just gave my consent to the new web host to transfer it. A domain is your property - you shouldn't have to ask permission to move it.
I wouldn't write-off registering through a web host - you can often get pretty good deals. I took these guys up on their offer for a free, 1-year extension on my existing domain when I signed up for a hosting package (great deal in itself), and couldn't be happier. They also offer free registration for new domains with a hosting plan.

I've also use these guys for domain resistration with good results but the registrar is actually dotster according to BetterWhois.com
Of course, always ask questions and read the fine print.

[d00d]

I was actually looking to use these guys as a web host.

[Philbert]

I might be missing some feature you need but that seems pretty high for what you get.
$10 a month for: 150mb storage | 10GB transfers | 100 email addresses is really poor compared to other hosts. The only cool thing is the alternate domain capability but even that can be had for cheaper with much more bang for your buck.
Is there a specific reason you're looking at them?

[d00d]

Well, partly because they supply IMAP email addresses (I can't go back to POP).

[d00d]

However, looking at iPowerWeb, it looks like I get more for less.
Additionally, it looks like I can get my domain name for free if I get a 12 month contract.

[joetaxpayer]

well, you might have said so... /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I can look it up, but what does IMAP do for you that's special?
1and1 offers 1 free domain, 50 POP emails, for $4.99/mo.
JOE

[d00d]

Well, I have multiple computers and using a pop account with two computers is painful. I like having my email stored on the server so I can use multiple computers and also access via the web.

[SueG]

Space hungry types speak well of these guys.

[d00d]

Well, I'm now the proud owner of godlikenerd.com. "Godlike nerd" is actually an anagram for my name if anyone's interested in why I chose it.

[SueG]

Congratulations, d00d! Should we be watching for fascinating content, or is it a more personal thing?

[joetaxpayer]

congrats.
You may want to whois yourself to see how you're listed. Looks like you didn't want too much personal info there, but whoomp, there it is.
JOE

[d00d]

I'm going to start hosting the OS X FAQ there, so that content will be there. I might also start a weblog, but no firm plans yet. It's more for playing. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif