Earthlink Offers Alternate DNS Without "Dead DNS"

Joshua Flory writes, "In response to the story about Earthlink and their version of 'Site Finder', I learned today that Earthlink has provided alternate DNS servers that will remain outside of their 'dead DNS' service. However, this is a completely unsupported service, which begs the question, WHY? Everyone can gain access to public DNS servers, or create their own. The point is that people wanted DNS servers supported by EL that do not include this dead DNS service." Sounds like it's time for Earthlink users to check out OpenDNS.com... they make it easy to turn off the bad-URL behavior.

But wait!

[OverlordQ]

I thought Earthlink Engineers were so amazingly intelligent that they said that their Dead DNS would only affect Web traffic.

Oh wait, no they're not. They *still* dont get what's wrong with what they're doing.

Re:OpenDNS doesn't work for everyone

[Aladrin]

I have Earthlink, sad as it is. I chose it when I got cable because I had them for Sprint DSL and their news servers were very good for free. Then they changed them and they suck now. I'd change to roadrunner, but every change I make is a 2 week interruption in service no matter what change I make, so I refuse to change anything.

I almost made that mistake of using OpenDNS as well. I used Level 3's servers instead.

Less savy people will not know

[Opportunist]

Who knows OpenDNS? Who knows of the alternatives? You do, I do, Joe Average doesn't. Ya know, the internet and a lotta tubes...

Why do you think AOL is still in business? If people knew about their options, a lot of the large providers would go out of biz.

Re:umm

[caluml]

Buy your own domain, and point the MX records wherever you like. Get a VPS somewhere?
Or just open a Gmail account.

That's funny

[deinol]

Sounds like it's time for Earthlink users to check out OpenDNS.com... they make it easy to turn off the bad-URL behavior.

Strange, it sounds to me like it's time for Earthlink users to find a new provider. I know sometimes there are very few options for broadband in an area, but last I checked there were plenty of dialup companies still competing and about.

Re:But wait!

[Anonymous Coward]

Most of the engineers didn't know this was being done until it was far too late, and they aren't happy about it. And even if they had, it's doubtful it would have made a difference to the folks looking to make some money. So as an engineer distressed by this whole idea, you have two choices:

1. Make a fuss and become a potential target.
2. Complain amongst friends, and pray for a PR disaster that gets it shut down.

I think the bulk have opted for door #2.