I feel like I’ve stepped back into the mafia run days of Chicago. The days where you paid protection money to make sure that nobody “bothered” you. When I get emails from Register dot com with the headlines “Protect Your Online Brand – Secure Your XXX Domain” I am reminded that the tld or the registries are fulfilling the prophecies of many domain owners. That the new tlds have no value other than to force people to buy them to avoid brand infringement.
I have no issues with the .XXX extension or the ICM Registry and believe it has a place and a purpose as a TLD. It is a perfect place to locate adult websites. When you type in .xxx you will know exactly what you are going to get (well not exactly, but it won’t be for kids). What I have a problem is the fact that registries are not selling it as an alternative. They are scaring buyers into buying domains to protect themselves. While they are not threatening anyone, they certainly are reminding everyone that if they don’t register their name, there will most likely be porn on the .xxx version of their name.
As a result, schools are having to waste their money buying .xxx domains and bringing unwanted attention to the fact they have to do it. “University X bought a porn name today” are the headlines across the nation. They didn’t have to buy the dot net or the dot biz, but they feel the need to buy the .xxx because of the possible results. I find it absurd that they protect celebrity names but not Universities and education. This has nothing to do with my personal beliefs either. As I stated before I have no problem with porn. Heck I may even buy a name to do a humor site I am planning. What I DO have a problem in the sales tactic of this tld. It is using fear to sell which is ironic because they are in the industry that involves the tactic most often used to sell, Sex.
Fear is a great method to sell. Business 101.
Blackmail is a great method to sell. Business 101.
Whatever…
And fear got them 80k applications. I wonder how much they will fetch with the landrush.
Course mainstream media did an excellent job here also telling people they better secure their smut domain and include some hyped up horror stories.
A very candid, and necessary post. You tell it like it is, Shane. Well done.
This is basically legal extortion, and a sign of things to come.
That is why the vast majority of major companies are against the new TLDs.
It will be a total nightmare for major TM holders.
Just think of how well a .sucks will do.
Brad
Every business finds his own way to do business and as long as it is legal I don’t see any problem! If you own domains you should know the general rule –
PROTECT THEM!