Facebook Places: A Goldmine For Geo, ccTLDs & Developers

A few hours ago Facebook announced “Places”. This enables you to learn about where your friends are. For example, if you are having a coffee at your local cafe, you can let your friends know where you are and they can join you.

Take note GEO domain developers! If you own a geo .com or a ccTLD you will want to integrate this into your website. It will enable your visitors to:

1. Share where they are with their friends.

2. Find out where your friends are (nearby and further away).

3. Tag photos and status updates with places.

Here is a short video of the Facebook Places Launch. Enjoy!

Brief Introduction To Domainer Income – Video

Over the past few days, people have written to me asking for two things.

1. A brief overview of Domainer Income

2. Specific details on different parts of the system.

The reality is, Domainer Income has so many advanced features, we simply cant squeeze into a short video. So I’m going to do a series of videos, focusing on specific features and how YOU can PROFIT from them.

I have just posted this general overview up on Youtube.

I love hearing your feedback, so please leave a comment and let me know what you would like to see.

China Wants Your ID For .CN

Chinese State-Run Media is reporting that CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center) is requesting that applicants must submit written applications to the registration agents.

The written materials must include an application form with an official seal, an enterprise business license and the registrant’s ID card.

Liu Zhijiang, vice director of CNNIC confirmed the news saying that the administration was determined to screen the applicant’s qualifications strictly to stop individuals obtaining domain names using fake information.

Its been reported that the announcement came after a report by China Central Television (CCTV) which critisized the registration process and linked it to the prevalence of pornographic websites.

Source: Global Times & China Daily.

Domainer Nominates For auDA Board – Needs Your Help

auDA is the policy authority and industry self-regulatory body for the .au domain space. Its Annual General Meeting is to be held on 19 October 2009. The AGM will elect four directors to the board and I (Simon Johnson) have been nominated to stand for election by the Demand class members.

In order to vote, you must qualify under clause 16.1 of auDA’s constitution and your membership fee has to be paid.

You can read my candidate statement online; in summary, I stand for reform within auDA to increase transparency and the free-market commercialization of Australian namespace.

I know that some people think that having a Domainer on Board of auDA is unthinkable (and maybe an impossible task, in terms of getting elected). That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Please have a look through the auDA Members list and see if you know anyone in the Demand section. If you do, please contact them now and ask for them to vote for Simon Johnson. You can download my (already filled in) Proxy form here.

With your support, I’m hopeful that we can change the .au landscape for the better.

IQ Domain For Iraq?

The nation of Iraq may make a leap into the Internet community with the extension .iq. Iraqi chairman of The National Communications & Media Commission (Siyamend Othmend) said the domain name would allow Iraqis to “stake a virtual flag” in the world of the Web.

The chairman also stated in a letter to ICANN, “It is “an important tangible and symbolic milestone for this nation, as well as the freedom and hopes of the Iraqi people”.

A recent survey cited by the U.S.-led administration in Iraq found that about 6% of Iraqis say they have access to the Internet but fewer than 2% use it regularly.

Source: USA Today