Hello SailorDance.
I agree that `.com` is still what many folks go with first when they can`t remember what the extension is, but that tide is turning much faster now. There are also masses of those who routinely use the search engine field in place of their browser`s address bar to find web addresses even when they know the name and extension. With that said, there are masses of those using `.net` and other extensions who are doing quite well in terms of complete name recognition.
It`s gotten tremendously better because Internet users are becoming more saavy out of necessity and are now paying much closer attention to the domain name extension than in times past. It`s to the point that we`re seeing those other extensions more in print, on television, in radio, as well as on the Internet. Also, more times than not, folks are reading the domain name either from printed literature or clicking it from somewhere on the `Net and then bookmarking it for future use. They tend to fall back on using the search engines when unsure. Folks recognize that [most] of the desired 1 and 2-word `.com` names are taken which kind of forces them to pay closer attention..
From an E-mail perspective, again, folks are paying closer attention to the domain name and are not necessarily making the mistakes to the level as before. The problem that still persists then is typos that prevents E-mail from being delivered to the right destination.
When choosing a domain name, two (2) strong considerations are marketing ability of the name and the search engine consideration. Search engines are keyword-driven and therefore, ranks fancy or non-generic names much lower than they do generics; and they ignore all domain name extensions.
What this means is, although you may want to use, say, a non-generic name or acronym because it matches your company name, it makes the promotion side more difficult because more has to be done to `brand` that name. But, you can have a secondary, more generic name that redirects to that company name (or vice versa) that is easier to market because it may be easier to remember or spell and is relevant to the website`s content, even if it is not a `.com`.
Believe it or not, there are some who own a `.com` version but choose not to use it so to provide that `difference.` Sometimes it`s because that other extension has a better `ring` to it and/or is more descriptive of the website`s content e.g. `.info.` In other instances, it`s because they want folks to believe the persona that they are the `official organization` or `association` of that industry, because they know that they can gain more natural traffic using a `.org` when found in search engine results, type-ins, or when doing Internet advertising.
Bottom line is, the MUST-have a `.com` is not necessarily the same so-called requirement as it was historically because Web surfers are more knowledgeable. Even domain registrars are making other extensions `Premium` now especially if the `.com` is already taken. Granted the `Premium` designation is great for them economically, but it also shows that Premiums are no longer just for ".com`s" anymore, either. If you can get the `.com`, fine. But if you really need the first part of the domain name even more and you feel you can market it just as well as the `.com` and the already-taken `.com` content is not offensive, then go for it.
Just a thought...
HTH
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profitizer6/25/2008 2:21 PM
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