Short .us country code domain names in the works.
Neustar, the registry that manages the .us top level domain name, is proposing to release available one and two character .us domain names for registration.
In a post on its new .us blog, the company explains that its distribution of one and two character domains will be handled in a matter similar to what it did with .biz domain names:
(1) an RFP round that invites interested registrants to propose specific plans for use and promotion;
(2) an Auction round that offers domains not allocated during the RFP round; and
(3) a First-come, First-served (FCFS) release of any domains not allocated during the RFP or Auction rounds.
A number of two letter .us domain names have already been allocated to states.
Unlike the .biz release, this one will not require ICANN approval. Instead, Neustar is waiting on approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Separately, Neustar released a proposal to launch s.us as a URL shortener.
M. Menius says
I’m all for it. Let’s get these unused domains out into the public. There’s certainly a better chance that they’ll be put to good use and increase awareness of the .US brand.
Paul Kapschock says
Is their contract to manage .US up shortly? Is that the reason for the effort?
Happy to see any publicity.
Go .US !!
dot us says
The only reason the blog posts have begun is to make them look like they have been doing something with the .us namespace
The blog started in 2008 and it’s firs post was 6days ago ๐
when they get the contract renewed all this talk will be over, they may realease 1/2 char names, but most if not all other stuff will be forgotten,
you can set youre watch to there promotional efforts, right before the contracts up ๐
Bunch of moneky IMHO!
they dont deserve a mention on a blog of this quality.
even though i’m a big fan and own about 1100, i really do wish neustart would just give up and move on, and let someone with some balls have a go ๐ (affilias/godaddy0 match made in heaven ๐
Every other attempt has failed,
kids.us = Failure
directory = Failure
zip code = Failure
Promotion = Failure
The company may be technicallysound, but they dont have a clue how to monetise the gold mine there sitting on.
move over neustar PLEASE!
Steve says
News Flash!
Neustar Ready to Start Spending Money to Raise the Profile of .US
http://www.dnjournal.com/newsletters/2009/february.htm
Bottom of page. Uhhh …notice the date.
M. Menius says
I was one who was pulling for GoDaddy/Afilias. They made a substantial effort to get .US. It didn’t make sense to me that Neustar got the contract again. A very obvious lack of promotional efforts over a 5 year period.
If .US had received the creative support and push that .mobi received, it would be widely in use. It’s a more natural, intuitive domain extension than .mobi.
If Neustar can promote the extension adequately, then more power to them. Their efforts have been hugely unsuccessful so at this point it’s not about what they promise, but what they deliver. The time for results is past due. .US is a powerhouse brand which has been tremendously under-utilized.
Domain Registrations says
If it will not require ICANN approval then it will make the whole procedure much faster. By the way when are you expecting to get approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce.