Especially as ICANN won’t allow applications from any individual or sole proprietorship, effectively ignoring the interests and needs of the vast majority of Internet users worldwide. Add to the equation non-refundable deposits of $185,000 PER extension, $500,000 for “integration” plus potentially unlimited annual costs and expenses etc, and how many new gTLDs will actually see the light of day? Is this a commercial venture or simply a loss making exercise in vanity?

ICANN’s main aim has always been to convince Internet users that they’re the only game in town and then try to herd everyone into a tiny part of an otherwise infinite universe. In this respect, ICANN has been quite successful. However, it’s rather like telling people that the only place they can shop on the entire planet is the “convenient” Kroger’s in Cincinnati (not that one, the other one) and that there isn’t anywhere else to go. Yes, the current ICANN Internet set-up may be “convenient” right now, but then some years ago sending a telegram was convenient and sending an email meant inventing the computer (and the World Wide Web). So whether or not ICANN’s new gTLD program seems like a good idea, it’s worth considering if instead of bringing organisations to the forefront, ICANN gTLDs may have the reverse effect by putting you in cold isolation. It’s also worth considering that the Internet is evolving and more fitting and less expensive options are beginning to come on-stream.

More and more ICANN finds itself under pressure to modify. The rules have changed and Alternatives are already available (eg: as well as Dotcoms, there are now Dashcoms). As ICANN realises that competition is finally at hand, the true value (or rather, the true cost) of these hyped-up ICANN gTLD “opportunities” will become all too apparent. Still, look on the bright side as the “House” always wins. Yes, at least ICANN and their associates will have made a lot of money from your efforts.

Disclaimer: Author provides dashcom (not dotcom) domain names.