Clarity of vision is often the key to success

["Paul Tattersfield" <pault@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Once you start to open up the TLD space you are in effect making it
multidimensional. This adds a further layer of complexity which those who do
not wish to be involved with technical intricacies (most people) will find
hard to visualise and hence shy away from.  www.chart.info/stats7.htm is
useful as it shows current TLD usage.
 
Clarity of vision is the key to success. Google v. Web portals illustrates
this. The Web portals had loads of options on their pages but people went to
them for primarily for "search". People want TLDs for clear memorable
branding not choice for choices sake. 
 
A good comparison is the opening up of Directory Enquires in the UK for
competition. Originally there was one number 192, now there are dozens
118xxx . 118yyy. Total enquires are down to 50% of the pre 'open' market
level and most calls now cost more!
 
What will happen in the TLD space is .com (and the local ccTLDs to a lesser
extent) will become more entrenched as the defacto standards, and the others
will be viewed as irrelevant or esoteric unless they can clearly demonstrate
why they are unique and beneficial in the marketplace. 
 
Of the current applications .mobi is the most promising as its purpose is
clear, well defined and offers potential to meet unmet needs of the internet
community without damaging the present infrastructure. .asia is equally
clear and well defined but will by definition impact on the existing
infrastructure if successful.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul Tattersfield
www.gpmgroup.com <http://www.gpmgroup.com/>