Domain Search: confusing error message when looking up a subdomain

[fabianapsimoes]

Originally reported by @supernovia and @SiobhyB.

Steps to reproduce:

• Go to wordpress.com/start or wordpress.com/domains
• Type a subdomain in the site name box
  Receive message: "Sorry, but _____ does not appear to be a valid domain name." Regardless of the subdomain used.

[klimeryk]

The problem here is that the user has to click the Map button to map it (both on the start and domain pages). Then, he'll be presented with a different input box, where he can input a subdomain and successfully map it.
I agree that the wording of the error is confusing - it should be a warning at most that should hint that since this is a subdomain, the user should try mapping it.

[kriskarkoski]

I had a user run into this error today and didn't know how to get around it myself until I found this issue.

[klimeryk]

Thanks for the info, @kriskarkoski 🙇 This is issue is on our radar, but it'd be best to fix it along with a general overhaul of the domain mapping UX (#2443). I'll ping our designers there to see if there's an ETA so we know how to proceed (wait for the designs or hack a fix now).

Edit: looks like hacking it is! 😉 I'll try to work on this issue soonish 👍