[...] registries have a lot to lose if registry/registrar separation ends with the introduction of new top level domain names. [...]

[...] top level domain names will be costly and time consuming from a brand protection perspective. But, as I noted, they are also overstating the [...]

The plans by ICANN to launch an unlimited number of new TLD’s will cost our Company several thousands of dollars in extra costs in order to defend different online brands we run throughout Europe. If we don’t register all those .love, .eco, .hate, .online some spammers will. We will never use any of those new domains, but it doesn’t matter as we will be forces to pay them dearly in the sunrise period. If we don’t some cybersquaterr will and cause confusion, and to recover them we will be forced to pay thousands to our attorney.

I’m asking all visitors of this site whether in their belief it’s acceptable that those registries/registrars will force a business which own trademarks and reputation for some online brands to pay 100/200 euros for each sunrise applications in order to protect its name and not be confused with a cybersquatter?

Let’s say the truth once and for all. If the new TLD will be unveiled without any limit in numbers or regulation existing internet businesses will be held at RANSOM by the registries and some will not survive having to pay exorbitant bills to defend their name. Their choice will be either to place at financial risk their Company or accept to cohexist with dozens (or hundreds) new sites using their brand name, ripping off their idea, flood the market and confuse the public with crap imitations.

Why on earth should we pay thousands to register a domain with OUR OWN NAME that we don’t want and don’t intend to use??

Let’s call once and for all this TLD plan for what it stands for: blackmail and extortion of money from online businesses!

MORE SEO / ICANN NEWS: "The Real Truth About New Top Level Domains." Useful FAQ post by Domain Name Wire. http://ff.im/-92H3G