ICANN just released a massive list of recently applied for gTLD’s (generic Top-Level Domains). Of course, several brands popped up like we predicted, but there was at least one domain that I didn’t see coming:
.church
Sponsored by LifeChurch.tv—what haven’t they thought of?—this new domain “will be open to all faiths and religious beliefs,” specifically made for “[c]hurches, denominations, and organizations serving churches.”
Best of all,
“.church domains will be available at a reasonable cost.”
This is really cool, and I’m very excited to see this domain finalized and released for use. I plan to be the first in line, so to speak.
Will you buy a .church domain for your church or ministry?
[via dotchurch.org and ICANN | Image via Claudio.Ar]
I signed up to receive more information. I think it could be a great idea, even if we don’t use it as our primary domain.
I totally agree, Bobby. I’ve already spoken to our interim pastor about making sure that we’re first in line to get our domain.
I did the same thing.
Good man.
Where does one “sign up” to receive more information?
http://dotchurch.org/sign-up/
I like the idea to publicize that I’m doing this to help churches and other ministries, not to make money. I’ll look into it, too.
Paul
I think it’s awesome when the Church is seen helping, rather than cannibalizing, itself.
I can see that it will be good for iCANN (& other registrars if they are allowed to sell it). For the local church – not so much.
It is just another registration I’d have to make and pay for.
If I’m “valleycommunity.org”, I’d have to think about buying “valleycommunity.church” even if I didn’t intend to use it. Worst case someone else buys it and uses it for porn, ads, or just to be a jerk.
Best case someone buys it and just causes confusion. “Go to our website @ saddleback.church… No. you went to saddleback.com, I said, ‘go to saddleback.church’” or vice versa.
It is the same argument for buying the .com as well as the .org – only you have to pay for yet another domain.
I guess that could be true, but if I’m “citychurch.com,” I would love to be “city.church” even if it meant a slight rebranding.
It really does depend on your church’s name and willingness to start over to a certain extent with regard to branding.
I think this is a neat addition, would love to get one!
I know! I’d be standing if line, if such a thing were possible.
This will be interesting to see how it plays out …
Next “May the Fourth,” we’ll be able to do a one-day rebrand as Mag.Church. #yoda