Friday, June 30, 2017

.SEARCH new gTLD coming...from Google

Charleston Road Registry, the legal entity belonging to Google in charge to create/launch its TLDs, has three extensions coming to the market:
  1. The .SEARCH new gTLD;
  2. .MAP
  3. .PHD
(Amazon also applied for .MAP and .SEARCH but applications were withdrawn in the end).


Google is about "search": isn't it?
This domain name extension comes late in the ICANN new gTLD program and there is a reason for this but what matters is what use is Google to have of ".search" domain names.

What the application says
Extracted from the application submitted to the ICANN:
The mission of the proposed gTLD, .search, is to provide a domain name space that makes it easier for Internet users to locate and make use of the search functionality of their choice. The proposed gTLD will open possibilities for new, more convenient ways for Internet users to navigate to the services they like and use.
Most of the time, the purpose of the extension is explained in question 18 A from the application ("Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD") but it is in the following question (18 B) of that Google explains in one line how ".search" domains will be used:
The goal of the proposed gTLD is to provide a space dedicated to Internet search offerings, and to make it easier for users to access the search functionality of their choice. The proposed gTLD will signal to the general population of Internet users that .search websites are indeed websites that offer search functionality, and adhere to basic technical standards.
Shoot in the feet?
When you are the number one search engine worldwide, do you want to offer a tool to incite others to start building search engines? I seriously doubt it and maybe this sentences extracted from the application gives more info about the real use ".search" registrants will be able to have of their domain name:
Charleston Road Registry plans to develop and publish eligibility criteria for all registrants in the proposed gTLD and will work with its registrars to execute the eligibility verification process. This process will imbue additional meaning to all second-level domains in the gTLD and enhance the gTLD’s reputation by establishing an authoritative community of websites that offer search functionality. When Internet users visit a website in the proposed gTLD environment, they will be able to reliably expect services relevant to the proposed gTLD.
Will this be a restriction? It is a little unclear to me but
Innovation
Again, some sentences are unclear but innovation seems to be around the corner:
The .search gTLD will provide a new mechanism whereby websites with search functionality can enact second-level domains that offer search-related services. This signification is not currently available in the gTLD space.

...it provides a simple technical standard describing how users and other software can interact with search functionality within the TLD.

Even more importantly, a consistent query interface across all search websites in the TLD makes it easier for third-party developers to create new and innovative services that will allow users to interact with search functionality in new and creative ways.
Trademarks
Charleston Road Registry will also develop policies to limit registrations within the domain to the names that registrants commonly use in trade related to their provision of search-related services, possibly including restricting registrations to exact matches of trademarks.
Technical requirements
Here we are, it appears that registering a ".search" domain name will not be as simple as registering a ".club":
Charleston Road Registry will implement a validation service to verify compliance with these technical requirements.
Check 18.b.iv. Registration Policies from the application "TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION WITHIN THE .SEARCH GTLD" for details.

Interesting too:
Supplying Google account information will be optional for registrants.
I understand from this sentence that it will be possible to connect a ".search" domain names to Google' services.

(My) conclusion
I am a fan of Google's products and I use them everyday. I like this last idea to be able to supply my Google account information to a ".search" domain name because it will probably help one develop his business: few know much about coding so if connecting a Google account to a ".search" domain can save time developing a search engine, it adds credibility to this Registry's project. I don't think Google is selling ".search" domains for money and even if the application does not say it explicitly, the ".search" Registry looks like it is a restricted one so I expect content to be found on ".search" websites...not to be crap. A candidate to the Verified Top-Level Domains (vTLD) Consortium maybe?

Google.search coming? Probably...but I don't expect Google.com to change to Google.search :-)

Thursday, June 29, 2017

gTLD.club : WTF?

I frankly admit that I have no idea with what's going on at the moment at gTLD.club. Below is a copy-paste of the stats.


Wednesday, June 28, 2017

New gTLDs: what was said recently

Extracted from our Newsletter, below are the latest NEWS related to new gTLDs from previous days:
  1. Follow-up: ICANN and new gTLDs (slides);
  2. Domain registrars hate registry exceptions;
  3. Phishing: the Worst of Times in the DNS;
  4. .BRANDs : a solution to face Phishing;
  5. Boots becomes latest company to terminate new gTLD;
  6. 3 Keys to the Right Domain Name for Building a Brand;
  7. Which New gTLD Is Winning The Website Development War?
  8. New website for .GLOBAL Registry;
  9. Greatest Benefits of New gTLDs is PR;
  10. Backend Registries: who are they?
  11. Heading to South Africa for ICANN 59: A Quick Preview;
  12. New gTLD to be delegated soon: .MERCKMSD;
  13. .BNPPARIBAS went down;
  14. Draft Framework for the Registry Operator to Respond to Security Threats;
  15. Navigating the World of New gTLDs – Read the Latest Trends;
  16. .BOOTS self-terminates;
  17. .NYC’s most trafficked websites are actually legit;
  18. HOT - Announced today and started: the .BASKETBALL Sunrise Period (...);
  19. Domain Names Looks Kind of Random;
  20. Analyzing Donuts’ deal to acquire Rightside;
  21. Dot .BAWSTON : gTLD application denied by ICANN (joke of the day);
  22. What is Happening with ICANN Reviews?
  23. Changing to a .INTERNET new gTLD?
Subscribe (for free) to receive latest News directly in your email.

.BRANDS : numbers


Friday, June 23, 2017

A ".dash" new gTLD coming?

About.com just announced: "Hi. We're Dotdash. We were About.com".

I don't know the reason for this change but it reminds me that a lot of people secured domain names starting with "dot" before round one of the ICANN new gTLD program to start. This was a way to secure a good domain name before the activation of the extension's first domains. It was a way to use the corresponding name of the extension to start publishing after "reveal day" in July 2012.


There was no application submitted for a .DASH new domain name extension in the first round and the design of this new name added to this new domain name could be a sign that a .DASH new gTLD project is coming... or not.

The .BOND Sunrise Period starts

As published on the Trademark Clearinghouse's calendar, today starts the .BOND Sunrise Period.

WHEN
  • START: Friday, 23 June, 2017 - 16:00;
  • END: Sunday, 23 July, 2017 - 16:00.
OK, so what first comes to your mind when you read this? "James Bond"? Well no: this is the new gTLD application for the Bond University.

I went through the application to learn a little more about what the plan is for this TLD and you will find it below; but while I am here, it is my pleasure to say "hello" to the Bond University's Digital Marketing Manager whose first name is "James" ;-)

WHAT
This is an extract of the new gTLD application submitted to the ICANN:
The .bond gTLD will create a new generation gTLD serving the interests of end users by providing an authoritative Internet space where information, services and resources regarding Bond University’s degrees, courses and events will be closely controlled by Bond University Limited (Bond University). The majority of the anticipated domain name registrations in the .bond gTLD will be used to provide easier access to information for students and staff. A subset of domain names has the potential to be created and used for communicating and marketing the Bond University brand internationally, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
The .bond gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Bond University online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Bond University’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Bond University is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
  • consumer trust: the .bond gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Bond University and its affiliate entities, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that .bond domain names are trustworthy. As .bond domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Bond University’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .bond domain space;
  • competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .bond gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and
  • consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting Bond University’s marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with Bond University. As Bond University has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .bond domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.

    Given the restricted nature of the .bond gTLD, the projected number of registrations are likely to be limited. It is anticipated that about 40 domain names will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to around 100 domain names as Bond University develops and implements new degrees and courses, services and marketing campaigns.

    Bond University does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the use of the .bond gTLD evolves, Bond University may wish to utilise IDNs to allow its current and future students to engage with .bond in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Round 2 warm up ?

Is it this ICANN working Group's recent request to launch the next round of the ICANN new gTLD program in 2018 which is pushing service providers to publish more?

I noticed more publications recently from:
  1. The Dot Brand Observatory;
  2. Authentic Web Inc;
  3. A back-end registry provider.
Jovenet Consulting will be working with one single service provider for the the future round of the ICANN new gTLD program. If you are interested in working with us, read this. We also updated and simplified this offer.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Trust in the next new gTLD round

Potential new gTLD applicants are exposed prior to submitting their application, below is a suggestion to protect them from potential bad behaviors.

This is an email that I sent to an ICANN insider. I am myself a member of several working groups but I was not able to locate the right one to submit this suggestion. I received an answer with the right directions and it appears that this issue is already taken into account, which is a good thing for future applicants...if lobbyists and other ICANN insiders can't block this from being taken into account.

Email sent
Dear "Whoever", 
There is a suggestion that I would like to do for the next AGB* but I have no idea where I should submit it and if there is still time for this.
I faced this problem in round one and I strongly believe that it makes sense to consider it.
I think that new gTLD applicants should be able to submit their application before they have to choose a back-end registry provider. The reason for this is to avoid an idea of a TLD project to go in the ears of another applicant with deeper pockets.
New gTLD applicants are obliged to select a backend registry provider for their application to enter the ICANN validation process. Allowing them to submit without a backend registry (how: I don't know), would increase chances of the applicant to be able to finalize his project.
Trust/Confidentiality is an issue and an application that a backend registry provider will lose to another is just a word pronounced to other potential applicants. Whatever NDA is signed, an applicant is at risk when having to meet several backend registry providers to discuss his project.
It makes sense, for an applicant, to be able to meet with a backend registry, after ICANN has accepted his application. Before that is a high risk.


What is the idea?
The idea is to protect potential new gTLD applicants from speaking too loud and too early; an obligation when consulting potential partners to submit a new gTLD application. Of course, everyone is honest - we all know this - and I am not targeting back-end registry providers here but putting such a solution in place would:
  1. Limit the number of multiple new gTLD applications in the next round (unless it is decided that applications are validated on the basis of first come first served);
  2. Fasten the process to validate applications at ICANN.
If a new gTLD applicant can demonstrate upfront that his intention is to work with one "already ICANN accredited back-end Registry", can't he then contract with him after his application was validated by the ICANN?

Brokers: get prepared!


* "AGB" stands for Applicant Guidebook: the bible to submit a new gTLD application to ICANN.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Sunrise Period for .BASKETBALL has begun

Just announced by the Trademark Clearinghouse, the .BASKETBALL Sunrise Period begins.
WHEN
  • SUNRISE PERIOD START: Monday, 19 June, 2017 - 16:00;
  • SUNRISE PERIOD END: Monday, 21 August, 2017 - 16:00.
WHAT
This is an extract of the .BASKETBALL new gTLD application submitted to the ICANN:
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world with millions of registered players and fans, made up of men and women, boys and girls, in more than 200 countries across five continents. The Fédération Internationale de Basketball (“FIBA”) is the global governing body for the sport, charged with the responsibility of the laws of the game, the organisation and governance of international championships, the international structure of the game, and specification of equipment and facility guidelines FIBA membership currently totals 213 Member Federations – spread across 5 regional zones (Africa, Asia, Asia, Europe and Oceania). FIBA was founded in 1932 as an amateur organization but become representative also of professional basketball in 1989 with NBA players being admitted to the 1992 Olympics for the first time. FIBA is recognized as the representative for the sport of basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). FIBA is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its motto “We Are Basketball” reflects the global relevance and power of the organisation.
Basketball was created in the late 1800s in the United States and has been transformed into a global network around which vast stadia having been built coupled with high profile league competitions, a global administrative structure and complex marketing strategies devised. Basketball, in common with any activity which attracts the interest and enthusiasm of all kinds of people, has many sides and faces.
Apart from the playing of the game and its ancillary support, basketball embraces a number of social and emotional concepts such as courage, loyalty, sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork.

The .basketball TLD will be an Internet space, under control of the FIBA, to allow the distribution and exchange of information and entertainment relevant to basketball, by means of, but not limited to, websites, social networks, email and other technologies that will reside within the .basketball domain name space. In addition, ancillary services may be provided in relation to registration of domains within the TLD, including but not limited to website hosting, SEO, marketing and consulting services.

The FIBA intends for .basketball names to be registered and used by persons and entities who maintain an affinity towards the sport of basketball. However, .basketball domain registrations will not be restricted to such persons and entities – anyone can register a .basketball domain name.
For details, check the TMCH calendar.

Recording webinar Rightside DPML Upgrade

Rightside DPML is a convenient, cost-effective solution to protect your client’s trademark against cybersquatting. DPML provides protection across all 40 of Rightside's Top-Level Domains (TLDs), with subscriptions terms ranging from 1–10 years. The covered TLDs include some of the best domains for brands in the industry such as .NEWS, .LIVE, .GAMES, .REVIEWS and .GIVES to name a few.


New Customer Benefits Include:
  • Expanded Protection – Brands can now use DPML Variants to block up to 10 phrases that are confusingly similar to their trademarks in over 200 supported IDN languages;
  • Enhanced Coverage – DPML from Rightside now provides coverage for over 1 million Premium domains including exact matches and Variants of trademarks;
  • Domain Activation – It’s now easier than ever to activate one or more domains covered by DPML without additional override fees.
For more information on registering your mark in the TMCH, contact one of the Agents.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

FIBA.basketball is here

Did you visit FIBA.com recently and did you check what is written on the top of the website?

Welcome to FIBA.basketball
The most important Basketball organization worldwide seems to be changing to a new domain name. The FIBA is about Basketball, nothing else, so it came naturally to changing its domain name to one with more precision.


Showing the way
Many other sports have their own domain name extension: ".rugby", ".tennis", ".baseball", ".football" and many more. Is the FIBA showing the way...to other sports?

Oh...and excellent promotion for new gTLDs :-)

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Next Round in 2018?

Just read in a letter addressed to ICANN from one of its working groups:
"Setting a date for the next application window will provide certainty for ICANN the organization and potential applicants alike, but also ensure that all work efforts are completed in a timely manner. Given many of the associated reviews and dependent work efforts have been, or are near completion, we believe it is becoming increasingly important that a date for a next round be set. Based on the information contained in the body of this letter, we believe the fourth quarter 2018 should be the target date for the next application window".

Read the full letter (PDF document).

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

New gTLDs: String Similarity Review

This is an extract of a document discussing how to changes things for the next round of the ICANN new gTLD program. There are a lot of subjects discussed (Begin work on new guidebook - Independent Objector - Fees/Cost Issues  - String Confusion Objections - Sword Tool  - Reserved Names - Communities - Community Objections - Community Priority Evaluation) but String Similarity is one that I think is causing a lot of confusion. A problem that I hope will be solved prior to launch the next round.


String Similarity Review
Consolidate single-plural pairs into a contention set through the String Similarity Review.

Issue
The String Similarity Review played a limited role in the 2012 Round. Of the 1,400 unique applications submitted and the 232 contention sets formed, only two contention sets were identified by way of this review: .hotels and .hoteis and .unicorn and .unicom. Many applicants and community members expected the String Similarity Review to identify a broader set of contentions and weed out potential instances of user confusion, particularly with respect to applications for single and plural string pairs. This is evidenced in the fact that no applicant applied for both the single and plural variant of a particular string, as well as in the number of String Confusion Objections filed to address single and plural string pairs.

Recommendation
The scope of the String Similarity Review should be broadened to encompass single/plurals of TLDs on a per-language basis in addition to the existing visual similarity standard. Contention sets would be formed on a per-language basis. A dictionary should be the tool used to determine the singular and/or plural version of the string for the specific language. In this expanded process, applications for single/plural variations of each string would be placed in a contention set and applications for a single/plural variations of an existing string would not be permitted. By way of example, if applications were submitted for the strings .gâteau, .gâteaux, .cake, and .cakes, then the strings .gâteau and .gâteux (French) would be placed in contention with one another, but not with the corresponding translations .cake and .cakes (English), which would comprise a separate contention set. Additional contention sets could continue to be formed through the String Confusion Objection Process.

Download the complete document.

Friday, June 9, 2017

New gTLDs: education is key

French Corporate Accredited Registrar trains students about domain names...during exams ! Below is a case figure students had to answer for an official exam (in French).

This follows another initiative from a business school to provide their students with domain name related to the subject they will be studying (in French)

New gTLDs: French lead ;-)

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Registries: the crossroads of an industry

Registries sell domain names through the network of accredited Registrars: that is how domain names are sold to end users, the "Registrants". The registry - sole legal entity authorized to create domain names - sits on top of the pyramid with an already existing distribution channel which takes care of reaching out to customers...and do the job. I personally love the idea that puts the registry in a monopolistic situation but is this enough to sell domain names?

The crossroads of an industry
In the past, registries used a "nic.extension" domain name to point to their website. Some now use this as a redirection to another website (www.nic.bzh) and some have not activated it. Such domain names were a good way to recognize the official website of a registry ("nic" means "network information center").

If a registry is in a monopolistic situation, why isn't this taken as an advantage to do the promotion of an extension: isn't the role of the registry to participate actively in selling its own domain names and contribute to showing how to use them?
  • Give free added value to end-users;
  • Explain how to proceed with a domain name:
    • How to created a simple website and where to go to;
    • How to create an email: step-by-step and where to go to.
  • Explain industries concerned by the extension how to benefit from it:
    • What are the deals they can have with registries;
    • How it can make sense to offer domain names;
  • Explain what affiliation is: some businesses want to offer domain names without having to go through the registrar accreditation process;
  • Explain how to earn money from a domain name;
  • ...
Registries have the opportunity to do more than offer their clients to become registrars or buy Premium domain names. Isn't it time to have ideas and create content?

Some registries do more: the .BZH example
I am not concerned by .BZH domain names because I was born in Toulouse (south of France) - where there is sun and no rain most of the time ;-) - but I noticed this great initiative from the Registry.

The .BZH Registry is offering its future and existing 6,690 owners of a ".bzh" domain name to register in a directory dedicated to them. Web.bzh offers:
  • Added value to ".bzh" domain name owners for their SEO: this means one quality link back to their website;
  • Exclusivity: only members of the ".bzh" community are granted access (".com" owners: go away);
  • A new selling point for accredited Registrars: you don't just buy a descriptive domain name: you receive something more with your purchase.
Oh, and I forgot: it is free to register.

Dedicated directories to the extensions they promote are the typical added value that registries have the capacity to offer:
  • They're easy to set up;
  • They contribute greatly to promoting a domain name extension:
    • registrants like free added value;
    • it is exclusive to owners of their domain names.
  • Its neutral since the service offered comes from a registry: Registrars are not in competition;
  • It is an advantage Registrars can use in their communication to their customers.
The role of the Registry is changing and can become a serious tool...to sell more.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Quote of the day

"Counting on Registrars to make a Registry profitable is like counting on a website to make a company profitable".
:-)

Friday, June 2, 2017

The .BOT Sunrise Period starts

The Trademark Clearinghouse announced the launching of the .BOT Sunrise Period.

WHEN
  • SUNRISE PERIOD START: Wednesday, 31 May, 2017 - 16:45;
  • SUNRISE PERIOD END: Friday, 14 July, 2017 - 16:45.
WHAT
Here is the extract of the application submitted to the ICANN:
Founded in 1994, Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon’s new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor.
The mission of the .BOT registry is:
  • To provide a unique and dedicated platform while simultaneously protecting the integrity of Amazon’s brand and reputation.
  • A .BOT registry will:
    • Offer a stable and secure foundation for online communication and interaction.
    • Provide a platform for innovation.
Check the TMCH Calendar for details.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

New gTLD News: reddit

Testing a new communication channel for new gTLDs:

.FORUM in test with Google?

We like to speculate on new gTLDs, don't we? The .FORUM new gTLD is brought to market by Top Level Spectrum, the registry operator behind .forum, .realty, and a suite of industry-specific domains. It is what the front page of the Registry says.

Was it acquired by Google?
The reason why I publish this post is that ".forum" domain names are not yet available for registration and the list of Registrars, on the Registry's website, is empty.


The .FORUM new gTLD is, like .CONTACT or .EMAIL, an extension in which we believe, will be successful.

In Test
Two pages (different from the "nic") are indexed in Google:

  1. A Google page: http://domaintest.forum/
  2. And a redirection pointing to a page with no content: smarterinternet.forum.
The question is: why is the only proper indexed page on Google one belonging to Google?

Milestone: 3,000+ new gTLD readers

I just hit "new gTLD" in the search field to check what was said on LinkedIn about new gTLDs and noticed that there are several words used to inform about this subject. There are several groups too.

It the word "new gTLDs" is often used by professionals, we tend more to talk about "branding" or "brand protection" today. Subjects to which is added the subject of new gTLDs.

Milestone
Surprisingly, I also noticed that a milestone was reached: there are now more than 3,000 members to have subscribed to the "New gTLDs (New generic Top-Level Domains)" group.

Note to the members of this group
I was asked why I post about certain events, certain companies and no others:
  • I try to post about everything that covers the subject of new gTLDs but domaining because this is of no interest for real users and there is another group to post about this.
  • Please post: I can't catch everything;
  • 1/5 of the content that I collect is published in this group. This is not a lot compared to what the free Newsletter offers. To get it all, you should subscribe to the New gTLD Newsletter.
3,000 people are interested!
Posting to this group takes a few seconds: you just need to do two things:
  1. paste your link in the text field (it will link to your website online);
  2. add a Title in the object field and click on "Post". You're done.

New gTLDs: New Domain Research & Tactics

.BRAND new gTLD Reports are updated once a month: CLICK HERE !