by Marita Hines, Artspell Web Solutions

From dot.com to dot.comeonnow (June 20, 2011)

The world keeper of domain names, ICANN, announced that it would soon allow website extensions beyond the common .com, .org, or .edu. Actually, there are currently 22 in all and the technical term for them is generic top level domains (gTLD). Did you know that .museum, .jobs, or .travel even existed?

Peter Dengate Thrush, Chairman of ICANN's Board of Directors has this to say about the board’s decision to allow additional gTLDs, "We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration." Creativity, inspiration and opposition--the Commerce Department cites concerns about trademark and intellectual property rights. Large companies and industry associations are raising issues as well. But ICANN stands by its objection-based process and promises to halt proceedings should the legal rights objection be upheld.

ICANN tells us this 4-month application round that is set to start in January 2012 is totally different. The process of adding a gTLD is complex. The applicant for a new gTLD will actually be applying to create and operate a registry business in support of the internet domain system. Being a registrar comes with its own set of responsibilities and controls. And a hefty price tag.

It’s hard to believe that with an application fee of $185,000 that there would be any takers. ICANN’s Frequently Asked Questions explain that imposing a fee such as this keeps the normal registry process from subsidizing this new round of gTLDs. And I’ll resist the temptation to subsidize the new gTLDs and just sit this one out.