The new TLD process is occupying a lot of people in the domain name industry at present.While some people are obviously very much against the entire concept of new TLDs, there are plenty of people and organisations who support the project.But what happens when you have more than one organisation vying for the same namespace?While the ICANN new TLD application process itself has … [Read more...] about Doteco Bids Heat Up – Catfight Anyone?
Domain name
Bebo Drop Bebo.ie
Trademark holders do funny things with domains. Bebo.ie, which was registered in bad faith, was handed back to its rightful owners last year.However Bebo Inc obviously don't care enough about the .ie domain to hold onto it, so it's been dropped.So will anyone try to grab it again?It will be interesting to see if someone else makes a play for it. With the number of active Irish … [Read more...] about Bebo Drop Bebo.ie
Lead Networks Lose ICANN Accreditation
Lead Networks, who I mentioned a few weeks ago, have lost their ICANN accreditation.The ICANN announcement includes some of the details and ICANN are currently seeking expressions of interest from other registrars to take over the portfolio of domains (approximately 70 - 80 thousand names according to ICANN)According to ICANN Lead Networks was escrowing data, so the registrant … [Read more...] about Lead Networks Lose ICANN Accreditation
IEDR Attempts Transparency
The IEDR, the body that is responsible for .ie domains (Ireland), is currently consulting with its resellers about introducing a greater level of transparency.At the moment there is very little transparency with respect to the sales rank of the various companies that offer .ie domain registration services. The IEDR's own newsletter refers to the companies by letter!If the new … [Read more...] about IEDR Attempts Transparency
IRT Final Report Ignores End User Concerns
Image via WikipediaRemember the draft IRT report? Well they've published the final version after supposedly taking into consideration comments and feedback. However you'd be forgiven for thinking that their view on the feedback process was ever so slightly biased. Basically they seem to have taken on board any comments and feedback that supported their views and either ignored … [Read more...] about IRT Final Report Ignores End User Concerns
Tucows Takes Over Parava’s Domains
Tucows is taking over the 33 thousand odd domains that were under the accreditation of Parava.The full announcement of the transfer on the ICANN site includes contact details and more. Unfortunately the deaccredited registrar did not transfer billing data, so registrants will need to contact Tucows (under their Hover.com brand) to renew their domains.More information on the … [Read more...] about Tucows Takes Over Parava’s Domains
Nominet Introduces Phishing Lock and Other New Features
Nominet maybe attracting some undue attention due to behind the scenes squabbles, governance reviews and proposed policy changes, but the registry is also developing new features and services.Today they announced a number of things that are worthy of attention.The biggest one in many respects is the introduction of a new domain locking mechanism - "phishing lock".This new … [Read more...] about Nominet Introduces Phishing Lock and Other New Features
New TLDs Need Sanity
The much vaunted launch of the new TLDs as announced at the ICANN Paris meeting last year is probably a bit of a damp squid in many respects.Don't expect to see any actual progress there until next year at the earliest.In the meantime you can read all about the plans people have for launching their "solutions".The problem with some of the proposed "solutions" is simply that … [Read more...] about New TLDs Need Sanity
Rick Latona Adult Domain Auction Yields Mixed Results
Domain auctions can be fascinating to watch and predict - though they can be a little dangerous to get involved with. Last night Rick Latona held a live auction with an adult theme. Going under the hammer were a very wide range of not only domain names, but also services (hosting, video editing etc.,) for people working in the adult internet industry. What made this auction a … [Read more...] about Rick Latona Adult Domain Auction Yields Mixed Results
Minds and Machines Launch At ICANN Mexico
It's always nice to see new ventures launching, but that is especially true when you know most of the actors involved.Minds and Machines, which launched this weekend during the ICANN meeting in Mexico, is aimed at assisting companies and organisations navigate the new gTLD application process, as well as offering a registry services backend. Put another way, if you want to get … [Read more...] about Minds and Machines Launch At ICANN Mexico