Originally announced by DotSauce here the country of Montenegro was granted the .ME domain name top-level by ICANN. It was later announced that GoDaddy.com and the Affilias Registry will be managing the new .ME domain names.
After reading the press release it sounds like they are expecting the .ME Landrush to go similarly to the original .TV domain launch. Auctioning the premium domain names is fine and dandy but hopefully they optimize the auction platform and handle the recurring registration fees well.
.ME domains, with their universal appeal, are expected to be in high demand. So some “premium” names – including verb-oriented domains, such as “Contact.ME,” “Drive.ME” or “Fly.ME,” – will be held back for auction after Open Registration.
Official “.ME” Rollout Schedule
Finally we have some concrete time frames for the public launch of the .ME domain names!
May 6 to May 20: General Sunrise Period. During this time, anyone with a trademark is eligible to apply for a .ME domain.
May 20 to June 6: Quiet Period. The registry will be closed to registrars. Sunrise auctions will begin for names that received multiple applications. .ME domain names that receive only one application will be awarded.
June 6 to June 26: Landrush. This is the first opportunity for the public at large to apply. Anyone who doesn’t have a trademark, but is interested in a specific .ME domain, can apply during this period. This is also when Sunrise challenges begin.
June 26 to July 15: Quiet Period. During this time, the registry is closed to registrars. Names for which there was only one application during the Landrush Period are allocated. Landrush auctions will begin for names that received multiple applications.
July 17: Open Registration. Domain names are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Poll Question: Your Feedback on .ME Domains
Loading …Why .ME May be Successful
Here are some ideas that I pointed out in my previous announcement that GoDaddy will be managing .ME with Affilias.
- Will not be restricted, anyone in the world can claim one.
- GoDaddy will use its marketing muscle to globally promote it.
- Many languages contain the word “me” with various catchy meanings.
- Huge branding potential for English speaking countries.
- All registrars will be invited to resell the .ME extension.
Thanks for your feedback and please leave a comment below with your thoughts on the .ME domain extension.
This article is from DotSauce Magazine - The Domain Industry's HOTTEST Publication!
“.ME” Domain Name Sunrise and Landrush Dates Announced!
