gtlds

Today, we're delighted to introduce a new Domain Sherpa, Steve Webb, the baby-faced Computer Science PhD with tech experience that could fit into several lifetimes! Joining us for a casual, geeky conversation is Shane Cultra, the local business owner and domain name expert. We chat about SEO & marketing, and particularly about Gateway.io, the new EPP based registrar built to serve handshake TLDs.

In Australia and the Australian ccTLDs, a mere 64,000 registrants own a whopping 1,000,000 domain names. There's a very unique and specific perspective, network, and culture in the Australian domain space. So, we bring in Ed Keay-Smith and Rob Kaay to discuss the Australian market, trends, possible changes to the ccTLD, and much more!

Jothan Frakes has one of the most storied histories and resume in the domain name industry, with his rare combination of super technical skills, boardroom expertise, and incredible timing. We discuss ICANN policy and concerns, brand protection, digitalization, and Jothan's ratio of time to explain vs domain name value.

Mike Carson, the savvy programmer and founder of Park.io, explains the launch of Gateway.io and what that means as an opportunity both for new types of domain name investing as well as decentralization of domain names and/or DNS.

GoDaddy has amassed a significant premium domain name portfolio over the past years via several valuable portfolio acquisitions, and in their next strategic step, GoDaddy created a new position, Senior Premium Domain Name Consultant, with Jebidiah Burnett filling the consultative sales role with his tremendous expertise. Given the rising tide of the domain industry and the tipping point we've been discussing in end user education on domain name values, this is a statement for the entire ecosystem.

On today's show we examine what I believe is a historic development for the future of the domain industry. Jeff Sass joins us from Names.Club to discuss how their new financing model is impacting both domainers who want to invest and end users who want to pay for a domain, short term or long term, in a different fashion.

Many believe the .CO registry is the "poster child" for how a new top-level domain answers all the above questions and is succeeding in the minds of individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs. That makes the top-level domain a better investment than many, if not most, other top-level domains other than .com. With new gTLDs going live every week for the upcoming couple of years, this interview contains critical information that both new registry operators and investors alike should familiarize themselves with.

Hundreds of new top-level domains (TLDs) will launch in the next few years, but not all will survive. Jennie-Marie Larsen, from DomainDiction.com, wants to protect your new TLD from obscurity.

On June 20, 2011, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) unleashed a new era of competition designed to create a more accessible, secure and innovative Internet. And unlike any time in history, you can unite your unique community -- your ”niche” – around a top-level domain. For a real-life example, the sustainability community is coming together to create a “.eco” domain. In that same way, perhaps you represent the community of all medical health providers around the world and want to unite around “.health”. Maybe sports enthusiast would like to use an email address that ends with “.nfl” or “.fifa” or – more broadly -- “.tennis” or “.cricket.”? To find out more visit out dot Niche page.

Watch our video on the opportunities created by dot City TLDs. This short video illustrates the many benefits and new approaches that City Leaders can gain with a dot City TLD. Learn more about dot City TLDs and what to expect by clicking here.

October 19, 2011, the Columbia Business School's Center on Global Brand Leadership presented a global webinar, “Who Should Invest in a dot Brand? Evaluating the Business Case for a Top-Level Domain Name,” sponsored by Afilias. One of the most important questions from applicants about the new dot Brand TLDs is how much will they cost. The panelists provide useful insights to help you understand and estimate the total cost of a new dot Brand TLD. For more information visit our gTLD Webinar page by clicking here.

Michael Berkens of Right of the Dot answers questions about the opportunities, costs and legal aspects of the new gTLDs being launched by ICANN.

For anyone thinking about launching a new TLD under ICANN's new rules, there are many lessons to be learned from the successful launch of the .CO top level domain.