.Web’s record-shattering auction was big news in the domain name industry.
The second most-read story on Domain Name Wire this year was about the .Web top level domain name selling for $135 million.
I broke the news about the final auction price, but the full story continues to play out today.
As it turns out, .com registry Verisign was backing Nu Dot Co’s winning bid in the auction, and many competitors cried foul. That includes runner-up Afilias, which has asked that it be awarded the domain name. It also includes Donuts, which is upset that Nu Dot Co forced an auction of last resort rather than a private auction in which the losers split the proceeds.
Donuts sued but a judge tossed out the suit. Donuts may try additional ways to slow down .web, such as an independent review.
I’m aware of one case in which a new TLD company paid another one to not continue with accountability mechanisms, but I doubt that will be the resolution between Verisign and Donuts.
Soap Opera! Drama ! Suspense! Popcorn time!
Verisign should of asked Rick Schwartz what to do with .Web. He would of solved this issue by now. Lol
.web, as great as it sounds, which is no different than .net, will always suffer traffic leakage to .com.