Name.com 1. Search domain name. 2. Click to add the .com to my cart. 3. Click to continue to my cart. 4. Login. 5. Click to pay with saved information. Done.
GoDaddy 1. Search domain name. 2. Click to add the .com to my cart. 3. In page popup with "STOP! Don't miss your chance to SAVE 65!" (for the net, org, info). Spammy. Click "Don't show this again." I just want a domain. 4. Default registration length was listed as 5 years. This is unacceptable. Click to change to 1 year. Just give me the domain. 5. Click next to arrive at privacy options. No, I just want a domain. 6. Click next to arrive at activate your domain, with email and hosting options. I don't care, I just want a domain. 7. Click next to arrive at my cart.
At this point, GoDaddy has already lost. I can have a confirmation email from Name.com in my inbox by the time I arrive at GoDaddy's billing information. GoDaddy does have a huge market: people that are new to buying domains and would like to see all the available options. Another registrar is preferable once you know your way around and just want a domain.
Guess which market reads Hacker News.