While we can all intelligently debate the long-term
ramifications
of companies establishing new TLD's in a manner not approved
by ICANN, it's
very, very difficult to argue with success.New.Net has now partnered with Earthlink
(the second largest
ISP in the country), @Home, Juno, Prodigy (as of today)
and
others.
In so doing, they've proven themselves to be a viable business;
something that can't be bought for $50,000.
Assuming that AOL provides its
subcribers with access to these
new TLD's (as appears increasingly likely given
New.Net's rather
rapid ascent), what do the rest of you suspect ICANN will do.
IMHO
and with all due respect to ICANN, it is the ISPs who are
the backbone of the
internet, and they will have the ultimate say
in the success or failure of New.Net's
plans.
Cheers,
Howard Swaim, Founder
Hungry Run Ventures, LLC
E: hrswaim@hungryrun.com
W: http://www.hungryrun.com