.self Domain: Revolutionizing Self-Hosting
- One free .self domain per person to promote self-hosting
- Unique features to prevent domain squatting and reselling
- Focus on privacy and security with verified identities
The Internet’s Verdict: 70% Hyped, 30% Skeptical
Introduction to .self Domain
The .self domain is a new top-level domain designed to support self-hosting. It offers one free domain per person, which can be a game-changer for individuals and small businesses.
Forum Voices
Many experts and users have shared their thoughts on the .self domain. For example:
Remember when the .tk TLD became free 20 years ago ? Every hobbyist took one, then scammers followed, then Facebook and antiviruses started blocking it.
Others have suggested ways to improve the .self domain, such as:
The actual interesting part of a new TLD can be growing reputation by post-facto taking away a domain without recourse in case of squatting. Instead of adversarial takedowns, let anyone challenge an inactive domain in the first year or two.
Features and Benefits
The .self domain has several features that make it unique, including:
Domain must match (or derive from) a verified identity – e.g. your domain is a hash/slug of your government ID. This makes squatting structurally impossible because you can’t claim someone else’s name / gov.
Challenges and Concerns
Some users have raised concerns about the cost of running a TLD without registration fee revenue. For example:
How are you going to pay for the (substantial) cost of running a TLD without registration fee revenue? Is this a loss leader for other services? Are you operating on a 100% donation model?
These concerns highlight the need for a sustainable business model to support the .self domain.
Focus Keyword: self domain
