New top level domains
 

Hi all

Anyone interested in the new crop of top level domains out there?

I'm not thinking of .cat (for Catalan-language sites), but rather things like .mobi (for web sites designed for mobile devices) and .tel (too hard to explain in a parenthetical).

.tel seems to be using the DNS in a new way (they haven't launched yet, but from what I can see from their website and their materials sent to ICANN, this is what I have been able to piece together). It's not about websites and email (the killer apps for the internet) but rather about contact information. You register a .tel domain (e.g., baldersash.tel) and I put up my work number, my email, my skype name, my AIM name, etc. Sort of like a business card hosted at the DNS level so it is instantly updatable. I think the intersting app there is using the DNS as a tool to constantly let people know where to find you (e.g. if in the office, leave your office number.. if traveling, leave your hotel number or cell number etc).

Business types can put up a whole series of numbers and contact information. For example, a car rental agency can put up numbers for different countries, different services (reservartions, report a problem, corporate HQ, etc), with navigation tools to help the user get the info they want.

Given such a resource (people putting personal or business contact information online), what would you do with it?

Thoughts?

seems like a more verbose finger command.

personally, nothing. too many things, too many choices, too many decisions to make. Should I call? Should I email? Should I go to website and click on CHAT WITH REPRESENTATIVE. Should I .tel? It would have to be really compelling... otherwise, why not just use the current tools that already exist?

basically what is the point of difference for me to use .tel?

I'd say the point is to give them money for something that seems kinda useful to the desperate businessmen.

Still waiting on the .xxx domain, which sounded like a smart idea. Also, if you can have a four letter .mobi (worst TLD ever), then they need a .l33t domain.

I think it's a good idea so long as it doesn't get out of control. .com, .net, .org, .tv are all pretty simple. .cat, .mobi. and .tel are a bit more complicated. I do wonder where it will stop. I personally have to remember different countries (.co.uk, .de, .it, .es, .ru, and .co.jp) already, so this could get bothersome if the trend continues. We'll have to wait and see, I suppose.

Not again. New TLDs are close to useless as anything but food for the registrar fishies. They increase user confusion are serve as a squatting PITA for TM holders.

So you have a great business idea? WTF's wrong with greatidea.com? It's taken? Better try again if you have real plans. Just because you found it under a new TLD doesn't mean you aren't infringing someone's TM.

Like we really need more "this domain for sale" sites.

-A cranky bastard

...or more generic porn sites.

-a similar cranky bastard