The hyperproliferation of Web sites is creating demand for new top level domain names (TLDs). These are the "dot-suffixes" that differentiate between types of sites, such as
.org, .net and .com - much the way that area codes are constantly being added to cope with the demand for telephone lines.
So here is a unique way to make your mark on the Internet. The Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the oversight body for the Internet,
will soon be accepting applications for new suffixes that can cover broad swaths
of industries, fields or topics. Guidelines for applying can be found on the
ICANN Web site (http://www.icann.org), and
the application form is supposed to be published Aug. 15. The application period
closes Oct. 2, and the organization will review the applications and approve
approximately six new designations at its annual meeting in November. Unfortunately,
it will cost a cool $50,000 to file the application, so the suggestion better
be a good one. (ICANN, [email protected])