I was really surprised by the news today that Network Solutions has launched a new "service" that combines front-running with domain tasting. Since separating from Verisign, I had the distinct impression that the new management team was trying hard to separate the Network Solutions brand from some of the company's past evil practices. As noted by ICANNWatch, Network Solutions says the new practice "protects" consumers, but the explanation makes no sense. The only protection runs to Network Solutions, which has an exclusive on any name looked up through its web site for a four day period. It's a clever exploit of the add grace period, but a step backward in the effort to rehabilitate the NSI brand.