.UK Extension

[Marcoose]

The thought of a .UK extension being released sends shivers down my spine (not in a good way). Even more user confusion than there already is/will be with new GTLDs and devaluation of other UK extensions. Do you think it's inevitable? If so how long do you think it will be before it's introduced? If you're feeling really vocal, if it is released, what do you think the effect will be on the industry?

 

[Maccke]

I don't think it will be available in at least 5 years time. If they release .UK, the other extensions (.co.uk) will go down in value dramatically.

 

[namealot]

Will it make that much difference ( most other extensions haven’t ?) there only going be one in each eg sex.co.uk sex.uk the later being less to type but with most search engines discouraging address bar direct type in's and as google say themselves “we want you to search the net to find what we want you to find not what you want ?”

Would depend on which there totally unbiased, free, honest, none corrupt search engine chooses to endorse? It could be said of any new extension… it may make some sitting on portfolios of names that they have never been able to sell because there pricing is in the sky panic a little...

You could even argue a new extension is better because the new register may actually develop them better for Joe public than a holding page or ad sense junk or lead to even more time will tell...

 

[sdsinc]

Many countries have opened up registrations at the second level in recent years.

But is there any such plan for .uk ?

If that ever happens you will need to own both to cover bases. More defensive registrations.

 

[Blossom]

Have people answered this poll based on what they think or based on what they hope??

 

[Marcoose]

Have people answered this poll based on what they think or based on what they hope??

Personally Blossom, I think the latter. I chose 1-2 years and judging by what has happened in other countries think it's only a matter of time they open it up to make more untold millions.

 

[Brassneck]

Personally Blossom, I think the latter. I chose 1-2 years and judging by what has happened in other countries think it's only a matter of time they open it up to make more untold millions.

I think it will be slightly longer than that, but I think it will happen. Is there any reason why Nominet couldn't drop .co bit and make top level UK domains .uk by default?

Stephen.

 

[Marcoose]

Will it make that much difference

I think it will and can see it kicking the value of .co.uks in the teeth. Of course .co.uk will remain the king but justifying end user prices to buyers will be even tougher than it already is. .UK would fit so many keywords so well, I can see it being heavily sought after which means even more supply of what are considered to be worthy domain names while demand will remain the same. This will not be a org.uk scenario here.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has an insight into what happened to domain sale prices when the same thing happened in other countries, eg France.

 

[sdsinc]

In general, when a country releases registrations at the second level, the holder(s) of the third level counterparts have a preemptive right to apply.

So you probably would be able to own the .uk of your names.
Then it takes a few years for the new second level domains to pick up in the public.

Examples: .in now seems to be more established than .co.in but .com.mx is still preferred over .mx.

Personally I have never liked the 3rd levels because they get you cornered in arbitrary categories. But .co.uk is so established and pervasive it's hard to demote

 

[websaway]

I noticed a domain name email address today which was [email protected]

I wonder what the chances are of the person with the co.uk getting alot of their email. [email protected]



dot uk ? too similar, equally confusing, especially for established businesses.

and who would get first option the co.uk owners the me.uk owners the org.uk owners the ltd.uk owners, and so on.

 

[Edwin]

And who would get first option the co.uk owners the me.uk owners the org.uk owners the ltd.uk owners, and so on.

In other countries, it's generally been the .com/.co owners (some use ".com" and some use ".co" before the end cctld) Makes sense, since corporates are the ones with the big budgets and the lawyers on staff poised to sue if they don't get first dibs.

 

[Maccke]

If they ever let .UK be available to register, I'm sure Nominet will make a lot of research and polls to find out how to release it in a 'fair manner'. I'd not be surprised if the existing .CO.UK (and/or) .ORG.UK owners will be offered some type of priority. So in the end, owning the exact match .CO.UK and/or .ORG.UK might be a huge advantage in connection with the release of .UK.

However, it took Nominet 'quite' a few years to release the short domains so I cannot see why this would be such as quick case.

I think it will and can see it kicking the value of .co.uks in the teeth. Of course .co.uk will remain the king but justifying end user prices to buyers will be even tougher than it already is. .UK would fit so many keywords so well, I can see it being heavily sought after which means even more supply of what are considered to be worthy domain names while demand will remain the same. This will not be a org.uk scenario here.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has an insight into what happened to domain sale prices when the same thing happened in other countries, eg France.