.Surname
Domain Names - Problems with other Top-Level-Domains
The
problem of restricted ccTLDs and gTLDs
The vast majority of registrations across all ccTLDs are
attributable to a handful of ccTLDs. Out of more than 240 ccTLDs,
the top ten account over 70% of all ccTLD registrations. The
strengths of these specific ccTLDs can be explained by low price,
non-traditional merchandising, the number of local Internet users
and the rate of .com/.net registrations. Factors that limit the
potential for other ccTLDs include restrictive registration
processes and price. Some of the more restrictive ccTLD operators
require potential registrants to have a local presence or will only
permit domain names that exactly match a registrant's registered
trademark.
The
problem of name space
Due to genealogical reasons almost every individual owns a last name
(surname) which is not unique and which in the best case is only
used by a few other individuals. Even if adding a first name there
are at least some hundreds or thousands of Mike Smith or Peter
Larson out there. In China up to 1 million people share the same
surname. A few lucky guys get their name registered as one the ccTLD
or gTLD but the majority of name owners are left frustrated without
an access to an appropriate surname domain. The name space for
peoples own identity have become more than overcrowded.
The
problem of identity
Although the Internet offers multiple options to feel as global
citizen, this demand is not reflected by the current domain name
system. Ever person wants to have its own identifiers, a personal
name, address, individual clothes and even an individual identity on
the Internet. Since the World Wide Web became a preferred global
communication tool beside the telephone people try to identify
themselves on the Internet by domain names and email addresses.
These individual and private requirements are not addressed by the
current Top-Level-Domain names.
The
problem of speculators
Since with every new TLD issued speculators grab the most valuable
domain names for hoping to sell it for a profit. By this
registration habits a good domain name became as difficult to get as
finding a free parking place in the central city. The US company
NetIdentity for instance registered almost the half of the most
common US surnames (like springer.com) and renting sub-domains,
webspace and email services to the respective surname owners. In
principle not a bad idea, but the NetIdentity clients don’t own the
sub-domain and don’t have access to technical features someone will
use if the domain is registered for business purposes.
The
problem of intellectual property
With the myriad of new personalized .surname TLDs speculators will
probably and hopefully run out of money. But even in case of fraud
registrations (this includes all registrations by not the respective
surname owner)
.Surname offers a unique dispute policy. If a
registrant could not demonstrate his real identity upon request by .Surname the domain name will be transferred to the challenger (if
he can show his identity by personal documents). Funds for fraud
registrations are not refundable.
By
these reasons a personalized identity is deeply needed and will be
appreciated by millions of individuals.
More on principles and advantages of surname domain names
here
