I have been publishing about new gTLDs "only" for a few years now and I agree that few people cared about new gTLDs.
My publication generated a lot of views for a small blog like mine so I can confirm today that many more people pay interest.
A blog about New gTLDs and dotBrands (.BRANDs) from the ICANN new gTLD program. You can subscribe to The gTLD Club's Newsletter.