Inconsistency in how whois.srs.net.nz works compared to whois.verisign-grs.com.

README.md

It seems that typing domain example.com means "give me this domain only", but just saying "example.com" is a query for things with example.com in them.

With the SRS, if I type nodejs.geek.nz it returns the details as though it is a domain command like above, but typing domain nodejs.geek.nz gives 500 Invalid characters in query string.

i.e. either it is not recognised as a valid command or a valid query.

(Note: I'm going off what I see, I'm not sure what it should actually do.)

Does that help?

domain-example-com.txt

$ telnet whois.verisign-grs.com 43
Trying 199.7.58.74...
Connected to whois.verisign-grs.com.
Escape character is '^]'.
domain example.com

Whois Server Version 2.0

Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.

   Domain Name: EXAMPLE.COM
   Registrar: RESERVED-INTERNET ASSIGNED NUMBERS AUTHORITY
   Whois Server: whois.iana.org
   Referral URL: http://res-dom.iana.org
   Name Server: A.IANA-SERVERS.NET
   Name Server: B.IANA-SERVERS.NET
   Status: clientDeleteProhibited
   Status: clientTransferProhibited
   Status: clientUpdateProhibited
   Updated Date: 14-aug-2013
   Creation Date: 14-aug-1995
   Expiration Date: 13-aug-2014

>>> Last update of whois database: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 09:05:10 UTC <<<

NOTICE: The expiration date displayed in this record is the date the 
registrar's sponsorship of the domain name registration in the registry is 
currently set to expire. This date does not necessarily reflect the expiration 
date of the domain name registrant's agreement with the sponsoring 
registrar.  Users may consult the sponsoring registrar's Whois database to 
view the registrar's reported date of expiration for this registration.

TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our Whois 
database through the use of electronic processes that are high-volume and 
automated except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or 
modify existing registrations; the Data in VeriSign Global Registry 
Services' ("VeriSign") Whois database is provided by VeriSign for 
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information 
about or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not 
guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a Whois query, you agree to abide 
by the following terms of use: You agree that you may use this Data only 
for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data 
to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass 
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone, 
or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes 
that apply to VeriSign (or its computer systems). The compilation, 
repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly 
prohibited without the prior written consent of VeriSign. You agree not to 
use electronic processes that are automated and high-volume to access or 
query the Whois database except as reasonably necessary to register 
domain names or modify existing registrations. VeriSign reserves the right 
to restrict your access to the Whois database in its sole discretion to ensure 
operational stability.  VeriSign may restrict or terminate your access to the 
Whois database for failure to abide by these terms of use. VeriSign 
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. 

The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and
Registrars.Connection closed by foreign host.

domain-nodejs-geek-nz.txt

$ telnet whois.srs.net.nz 43
Trying 202.46.191.5...
Connected to whois.srs.net.nz.
Escape character is '^]'.
domain nodejs.geek.nz
% New Zealand Domain Name Registry Limited
% Users confirm on submission their agreement to all published Terms
%
version: 5.00
query_datetime: 2013-10-30T22:05:23+13:00
domain_name: domain nodejs.geek.nz
query_status: 500 Invalid characters in query string
%
%
%
%
%
% Users are advised that the following activities are strictly forbidden.
%
% Using multiple WHOIS queries, or using the output of multiple WHOIS
% queries in conjunction with any other facility or service, to enable
% or effect a download of part or all of the .nz Register.
%
% Using any information contained in the WHOIS query output to attempt a
% targeted contact campaign with any person, or any organisation, using any
% medium.
%
% A breach of these conditions will be treated as a breach of the .nz Policies
% and Procedures.  Sanctions in line with those specified in the policies and
% procedures at www.dnc.org.nz may result from any breach.
%
% Copyright InternetNZ
Connection closed by foreign host.

example-com.txt

$ telnet whois.verisign-grs.com 43
Trying 199.7.58.74...
Connected to whois.verisign-grs.com.
Escape character is '^]'.
example.com

Whois Server Version 2.0

Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.

EXAMPLE.COM.RAFAELYALUFF.COM
EXAMPLE.COM.FLORAMEIYUKWONG.COM
EXAMPLE.COM.AU
EXAMPLE.COM

To single out one record, look it up with "xxx", where xxx is one of the
of the records displayed above. If the records are the same, look them up
with "=xxx" to receive a full display for each record.

>>> Last update of whois database: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 09:05:10 UTC <<<

NOTICE: The expiration date displayed in this record is the date the 
registrar's sponsorship of the domain name registration in the registry is 
currently set to expire. This date does not necessarily reflect the expiration 
date of the domain name registrant's agreement with the sponsoring 
registrar.  Users may consult the sponsoring registrar's Whois database to 
view the registrar's reported date of expiration for this registration.

TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our Whois 
database through the use of electronic processes that are high-volume and 
automated except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or 
modify existing registrations; the Data in VeriSign Global Registry 
Services' ("VeriSign") Whois database is provided by VeriSign for 
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information 
about or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not 
guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a Whois query, you agree to abide 
by the following terms of use: You agree that you may use this Data only 
for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data 
to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass 
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone, 
or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes 
that apply to VeriSign (or its computer systems). The compilation, 
repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly 
prohibited without the prior written consent of VeriSign. You agree not to 
use electronic processes that are automated and high-volume to access or 
query the Whois database except as reasonably necessary to register 
domain names or modify existing registrations. VeriSign reserves the right 
to restrict your access to the Whois database in its sole discretion to ensure 
operational stability.  VeriSign may restrict or terminate your access to the 
Whois database for failure to abide by these terms of use. VeriSign 
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. 

The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and
Registrars.Connection closed by foreign host.

nodejs-geek-nz.txt

$ telnet whois.srs.net.nz 43
Trying 202.46.191.5...
Connected to who-ak.srs.net.nz.
Escape character is '^]'.
nodejs.geek.nz
% New Zealand Domain Name Registry Limited
% Users confirm on submission their agreement to all published Terms
%
version: 5.00
query_datetime: 2013-10-30T22:05:13+13:00
domain_name: nodejs.geek.nz
query_status: 200 Active
domain_dateregistered: 2012-10-25T10:49:49+13:00
domain_datebilleduntil: 2016-10-25T10:49:49+13:00
domain_datelastmodified: 2013-10-23T17:01:26+13:00
domain_delegaterequested: yes
domain_signed: no
%
registrar_name: Domain Agent
registrar_address1: PO Box 302829
registrar_address2: North Harbour
registrar_city: Auckland
registrar_country: NZ (NEW ZEALAND)
registrar_phone: +64 9 551-8160
registrar_fax: +64 9 475-5976
registrar_email: [email protected]
%
registrant_contact_name: Apps Attic Ltd
registrant_contact_address1: 2-8 Hildreth St
registrant_contact_address2: Wallaceville
registrant_contact_city: Upper Hutt
registrant_contact_country: NZ (NEW ZEALAND)
registrant_contact_phone: +64 21 891681
registrant_contact_email: [email protected]
%
admin_contact_name: Apps Attic Ltd
admin_contact_address1: 2-8 Hildreth St
admin_contact_address2: Wallaceville
admin_contact_city: Upper Hutt
admin_contact_country: NZ (NEW ZEALAND)
admin_contact_phone: +64 21 891681
admin_contact_email: [email protected]
%
technical_contact_name: Apps Attic Ltd
technical_contact_address1: 2-8 Hildreth St
technical_contact_address2: Wallaceville
technical_contact_city: Upper Hutt
technical_contact_country: NZ (NEW ZEALAND)
technical_contact_phone: +64 21 891681
technical_contact_email: [email protected]
%
ns_name_01: ns-1254.awsdns-28.org
ns_name_02: ns-820.awsdns-38.net
ns_name_03: ns-106.awsdns-13.com
%
% Users are advised that the following activities are strictly forbidden.
%
% Using multiple WHOIS queries, or using the output of multiple WHOIS
% queries in conjunction with any other facility or service, to enable
% or effect a download of part or all of the .nz Register.
%
% Using any information contained in the WHOIS query output to attempt a
% targeted contact campaign with any person, or any organisation, using any
% medium.
%
% A breach of these conditions will be treated as a breach of the .nz Policies
% and Procedures.  Sanctions in line with those specified in the policies and
% procedures at www.dnc.org.nz may result from any breach.
%
% Copyright InternetNZ
Connection closed by foreign host.