ID:21017
 
Relevant to the near-expiration of BYONDscape.com (or was it really so near?) is http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/03/ how-to-snatch-an-expiring-domain, a good chance to learn about a process about which I, at least, hadn't previously known the slightest.
yuck it's all so nasty :S
"If a domain enters this [grace] period, it is a good first indicator that it may not be renewed, but since the owner can re-register without penalty, it can also just be a sign of laziness or procrastination." >.>
In my case it was a sign that I'd changed my email address and didn't get the early warning emails!