.co domain name extensions

[Dave]

Hi,

Is everyone aware of the new .co domain name extension and is anyone actually buying to protect their web identify?

According to our domain name provider:-

Whether you run a small start-up, a large corporation or a personal blog, you need a credible domain name that tells people who you are. Don't miss this great opportunity to secure your ideal domain name with the .CO extension.

Associated globally with the words "COmpany," "COrporation" and "COmmerce" the new .CO domain is easy to recognise and flexible to use.

• .CO is new - millions of exciting, memorable domain names to choose from.
• .CO is valuable - protect and enhance your online brand..
• .CO offers you an intuitive, meaningful and memorable domain extension.
• .CO can help give your business or online brand a worldwide presence.
• .CO provides the perfect platform to share .COntent, build .COmmunities, and .COnnect.

.CO is expected to become one of the most popular domain extensions in the world.

[Neil]

.COn?

Not sure if its top level or not. Initial registration fees seem high.

[Rich]

I think this is a marketing exercise. It's still the country code for Colombia, I remember there was a similar surge in registrations for .cc domains (Cocos Islands):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.cc

It's not going to change the world, I don't think. Look at .eu domains, they were going to be the next big thing and I still don't think I've seen a popular site using one!

http://www.bluepark.eu

Oops!

[Dave]

.COn?

Not sure if its top level or not. Initial registration fees seem high.

Landrush applications are charging approx £199 for the first year with the likes of Fasthosts but you can pre-order with 123-reg for £29. No guarantee you get the domain name though as landrush applications as I understand it are taking preference until 13th July.

[Dave]

I think this is a marketing exercise. It's still the country code for Colombia, I remember there was a similar surge in registrations for .cc domains (Cocos Islands):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.cc

It's not going to change the world, I don't think. Look at .eu domains, they were going to be the next big thing and I still don't think I've seen a popular site using one!

http://www.bluepark.eu

Oops!

I know what you mean Rich but there is always that nagging doubt in the back of your mind that .co may become the norm. In fact I might just register www.bluepark.co and sell it to you at a massive profit in 5 years time

[Gillf]

Hi all,

Been so busy lately have been neglecting the forum. On the .co thing... it has passed me by, but my initial reaction is that .co is already there for UK companies in the form of .co.uk.

[Dave]

Hi all,

Been so busy lately have been neglecting the forum. On the .co thing... it has passed me by, but my initial reaction is that .co is already there for UK companies in the form of .co.uk.

Hi Gill,

Good news that you have been busy.

Suppose it's impossible to cover every domain name extension and variations of your domain name(s) as it would work out very expensive. As Rich says it may just be a marketing exercise to get us all to part with our hard earned cash and the .co domain name extension may not take off and at the moment .co is classed as Columbia anyway. But it appears Columbia may get something else and .co will be classed as a company domain name.

Think I might just ignore it and kick myself later if someone registers one of our domain names and starts getting rankings above ours!

[Rich]

When I see a .co domain name I just get the feeling that something's missing off the end!

[john]

I thought the idea was that .co was up till now restricted to domains domiciled in Columbia and it is now being opened up to worldwide use to suggest a Company, it won't be long now until any name can be used as top level, expect to see .shop .sex .ecommerce .seo .cola etc etc., I understand the only restriction is a very large sume to register with ICANN, think it's $250k !!
No oubt the owners of the desirable domain extentions will all be trying to sell us our own names at exhorbitant prices.
Get ready to pay out for .toners Dave, or of course HP may register the extention .hptoners!!!