ICANN just voted to open up custom top level domains (TLD) of the internet to the highest bidder. These are currently an integral part of a web site address, .com, .org, .uk, etc. etc. They plan to charge at least $100,000 and you have to pass a ‘morality’ test to get one. Popular domains will go up for bidding.
This is a terrible idea.
First off, unlike the original ‘land-grab’ of the internet, back in the 90’s, most people cannot participate or benefit from this system. It’s mainly the big-players who can bid and make heaps of cash off this system.
Imagine for a minute, that you are youTube (google), and that you want the .video for www.youtube.video. However, some media speculator grabbed it up (and you missed the bidding process…). They can then turn around and charge you whatever they want for the .video TLD suffix.
Not to mention, what if you are metacafe, 5min, youporn, or even Digg video? You’re going to have to pay the ridiculous prices demanded by the .video owner.
This creates a virtual monopoly for whatever entity registers a particular TLD. That is the authority for a given industry. What about video production companies, video rental stores, or closed circuit video installation services? They will all have to pay the same exorbitant rate for a .video domain!
When it’s confined to categories (.com, .net) or trademarks (.coke), sure, custom TLD’s make sense. When you’re talking about an entire INDUSTRY (.video, .internet, .trade, .bank, .food, .shop, .book) then you give too much power and control to a single entity, which by definition:
1 : exclusive ownership through legal privilege, command of supply, or concerted action
2 : exclusive possession or control
3 : a commodity controlled by one party
is a monopoly.
In case anyone feels similarly upset by this, I have created a graphic to publicly acknowledge your outrage.
For being a non-profit entity, ICANN has certainly found a good way to enrich it’s coffers.
The only GOOD use of this, that I can forsee, is that some humanitarian registers something like .free, and gives away domain names for anyone who wants, and eliminates spam as much as possible.
ICANN has released more information on the topic today: http://www.icann.com/en/announcements/announcement-4-26jun08-en.htm
Registration is going to be free but there is going to be a review process.
I think that “monopolies” will not be formed any more so than we currently have with the available TLDs. Some current TLDs are going for $50 – $100 which is far more expensive than some that are nearly free.
I do however like your .free idea. This would be an incredible way to really allow anyone to have their own domain and publish on the Internet – I smell a not-for-profit in the making.
Comment by TLD Managers — 27 June, 2008 @ 10:31 am
I refer you to this blog post which points to the original AP press release that says $100,000+ fees.
While ICANN says they are not “selling” TLD’s, that verbage does not exclude fees. :)
How can you currently own a $50-$100 TLD? They’re not even opening the process until 2009.
Comment by Sean Canton — 27 June, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Correction
Original Post: “Some current TLDs are going for $50 – $100…”
Correction: “Some current domains are going for $50 – $100…”
That is just the flat-priced purchase of a domain from a registrar.
Comment by TLD Managers — 30 June, 2008 @ 4:24 am