Storytime: A Domainers’ Journey

Storytime: A Domainers’ Journey

What’s the secret of successful domainers?

What do they do, which sector do they work in?

How do they develop their domaining skills over the years?

Prakash, a Domain Name Investor and WordPress Developer tells us about his story as a domainer

Coming from a family of doctors, Prakash decided to try some other profession. After completing his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (MBA) in IT & Systems in 2001, while most look out for a job, he was actually wanting to do something by himself. He did get an initial placement in an ISP where he worked for a short duration. But soon he stepped into the shoes of an independent professional wanting to do something himself. 

The gap in the market

He saw a scope for digital documentation which was scanning of records, creating a database with basic info, thus making a record easily searchable. Most did not understand the concept but many organizations like libraries and hospitals that were looking to archive content and search it faster, found the concept of digitization quite useful as they found that having digital records was quite user friendly and they could get data at the click of a button. 

Website Development & Domain Investment

Therein also started his initial journey of registering domains wherein he registered EpaperzIndia (and later migrated to epaperz.com). He did not know much about domain trading at that time. 

He also started as a web developer as a part of client offering as many clients he contacted, also wanted a website done. Today he focuses on WordPress Content Management based websites and has clients across different countries. 

Initially, he started with developing domains like RecipesNext.com, BargainNext.com which were getting a lot of traffic, but got busy with other projects and slowly stopped developing domains and focused on domain trading & investment. As he started developing websites for clients, he understood through articles and research about domain names and the value they hold. So, he slowly started investing in domain names. 

An established domainer

He got really involved in domaining through an interaction with his neighbor who was also into domains for a very long time and told him the basics of what kind of domains we need to invest in, how to sell and market domains. Slowly, his journey as a real domain investor began and he has sold quite some domains by now (not many but a couple each year). His policy is simple – Wait for a reasonable price, invest in domains you believe in (basically which can be developed into great sites) and let domains age. 

Discovering the potential of Cloudname

With domain investment came news of a new platform – Cloudname and their token $CNAME. He really liked the concept as the domain market is a huge market and with crypto it would only grow further. He has given a lot of suggestions and many have been implemented by Cloudname, too. Till date for the current year, he has already sold five domains including three through Cloudname and expects this to grow further as the world and business in general is getting more and more digital.

With more features like domain shared ownership which will allow part ownership in a domain, he believes that the opportunities in domaining are still unexplored or underutilized. With newer features, it will only grow further and increase investments into domains. His long-term expectation is that domains become a liquid asset like other investments so in case of an emergency, it can be liquidated at a reasonable price (which is really not possible today).

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of Cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

What is a .wallet domain

What is a .wallet domain

So how is it different to traditional domains?

To answer this question, it is important to explain the technical aspects of crypto domains like .wallet. These domains operate in a very similar way to NFTs in that they are smart contracts launched on a particular blockchain.

For example, many of the crypto domains utilise the ERC-721, an NFT token standard on the Ethereum blockchain and Polygon Network.

A traditional domain utilises the standard Domain Name System (DNS), the internet phonebook that turns an IP address into a readable address that we are used to typing in to visit a website, such as Google.com.

This key difference explains both the advantages of going for a crypto domain like .wallet but also points to some of the fundamental challenges people face when using crypto domains. We will touch on these further on in this article and it is important to be aware of these before making any decisions about investing in a new domain, whether traditional or crypto.

Why you might want to go for a .wallet domain

The opportunity to replace your crypto wallet addresses with a simple .wallet domain isn’t the only reason why it is a great idea to buy one of these domains. Let’s explore some of the reasons in a little detail below, to help you understand whether it is the right choice.

Replacing your wallets

A crypto wallet has an address that is by default, a series of numbers and letters. This complicated address can be shared with others to enable you to send/receive cryptocurrency. Every address has a specific blockchain allocation and is unique, in much the same way as a traditional bank account number and sort code.

By getting a .wallet domain, you can replace this troublesome series of numbers and letters that is almost impossible to remember and easy to get wrong. Imagine being able to change to yourname.wallet or yourbrand.wallet and only needing to share this from now on? It makes perfect sense!

Connect to a website

Whilst there are limitations to how browsers connect to crypto domains like .wallet, you can now connect a crypto domain with a website.

By using a crypto domain, you maintain full control over the domain itself, the content and how data is used. Furthermore, you have greater control over how revenue is generated and all of these things are very appealing to those wishing to monetise domains. It also adds value to a domain when trying to trade it or rent it out on a platform like Cloudname.

Continue branding across Web3.0

As more and more people embrace the concept of Web3.0, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, it is important to think about how to continue/maintain your brand!

It is imperative to note that it is harder to protect branding and IP within crypto domains and as a result, securing your preferred domains early on will help ensure you have more control. You can use a crypto wallet with your brand’s name as a way to take payments, control marketing and revenue and be ready to take advantage of developments as they happen.

Investment opportunities

The secondary domain market is worth billions of dollars and crypto domains are a growing part of this market. For those looking to start an investment portfolio, or add to an existing one then crypto domains like .wallet are a fantastic option.

The growing demand for these domains and increasing interest in investing in cryptocurrency, suggest that the investment opportunities will continue to go up. By getting in there early, you can buy crypto domains and over time sell, rent or tokenize them.

What challenges do people face when using a crypto domain?

With any new technology or advancement in the digital age, there are challenges and pitfalls to be aware of. This is particularly important as crypto domains are still in their infancy compared to the traditional domain system. Whilst some of these challenges do present fairly significant barriers, it is highly likely that there will be solutions developed over time as Web3.0 is integrated into more of the day-to-day internet experience.

Let’s look at three challenges to be aware of:

Lack of widespread understanding

The first point we do need to make is connected to our comment above that the crypto world is still in its infancy. There is still a degree of suspicion held by many members of the public and this is in part because there is a lack of understanding.

Until this understanding is improved and more people embrace the crypto world, there will be challenges with using crypto domains like .wallet because not as many systems and services will integrate with it.The expansion of the cryptocurrency universe in recent years has led to a transformation of the domain name industry that we have been exploring in recent articles. We can no longer simply consider the idea that domains fall under one type or that they are solely used to connect a website to the internet.

One of the unique new uses of a Web3.0 domain name is it can be a shortener and easy to remember name for your long cryptocurrency wallet number. You give out this address to receive crypto and tokens, verify identity and record assets on the blockchain.  Of the different extensions available across multiple Web3.0 domain systems, .wallet is a natural fit for this new use, a natural language crypto wallet address   With a .wallet you can have money sent to mycrypto.wallet, or test123.wallet etc.

.Wallet domain name addresses can be minted and originated at Unstoppable Domains and sold in the aftermarket on Cloudname.  They don’t have renewal fees.

Crypto domains (also referred to as Blockchain domains or NFT domains) utilise blockchain technology and according to one of the leading marketplaces, UnstoppableDomains, they alone have registered more than 2.3 million domains! Despite there still being some significant restrictions on utilizing them in the same way as a traditional domain, interest is growing and it’s important to understand why.

Today we are going to explore the .wallet domain. Not only is this a specific crypto domain but it also offers a fantastic case study for understanding the link between crypto domains and crypto wallets.

What is a .wallet domain and how is it different to other domains?

A .wallet domain is one of the new crypto domains launched in the last few years, alongside others like .crypto, .nft and .coin. This new type of domain has some very specific characteristics not found in traditional domains like .com and .co.uk. These characteristics include:

 

  • – One-time purchase: When you purchase a crypto domain, it becomes yours permanently unlike traditional domains. You no longer have to pay renewal fees or be beholden to the rules set by the registrars.

  • – Full ownership: As highlighted above, as a result of buying it outright then you have 100% ownership over your domain and how you use it.

  • Connect multiple crypto wallets: Depending on the crypto domain you get, you can connect multiple wallets to it. This means you remove the need to share multiple long, complicated sets of numbers/letters and reduce the risk of the wrong details being given. It also becomes a far more marketable and brandable address.

If you’d like to read our introduction to Web3.0 domains like .wallet, please take a moment to explore this article from our blog section.

Special browser requirements

Not every browser supports crypto domains and the vast majority that do support it, require you to use some kind of add-on or change of settings.

Both the Brave and Opera browsers will work with crypto domains by default, but the main browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have limitations. There are many guides out there on how to enable access, such as this one and it does help you get around some of these particular challenges.

Limit on crypto TLDs right now

Whilst this isn’t currently a huge limitation or challenge to those wanting to use a crypto domain, as they become more popular it will mean it will be harder to find that perfect domain. There are only a handful of domain extensions available right now, as highlighted in this article and as interest grows in this field, it will be important for there to be more introduced.

This is a similar struggle faced with traditional domains but if you get creative, you can normally find a suitable domain for your personal project or business name.

Other crypto domains that you can use for your cryptocurrency wallet

Whilst the .wallet domain is the focus of this article, there are in fact a series of crypto domains available to those who are interested. Some of the crypto domain extensions on the market right now include:

  • – .crypto
  • – .coin
  • – .x
  • – .bitcoin
  • – .nft
  • – .888
  • – .dao
  • – .zil
  • – And more are being launched all the time!

In late 2021, it was announced that traditional domains that use the DNS would be able to be connected to cryptocurrency wallets. This has opened up countless possibilities for a branded, easy to remember wallet address for you to share with people.

What other domain types are there if you don’t want a crypto domain?

As a result of the expansion for crypto wallets to use traditional domains, we believe it is relevant to take a quick look at the other domain types available. These are what we refer to as the traditional domains but in reality, they have evolved in recent years to include a much wider array of creative options.

Generic TLDs (gTLDs)

The original set of domain extensions was created decades ago, with .com still having by far the largest market share. These domains also include .org and .net and combined offer people a more trustworthy domain address.

New Generic TLDs (new gTLDs)

With the internet becoming increasingly popular over the past few decades, there was a clear need to expand the number of domains that are available. This is where the new gTLDs come into play.

These include options like .blog, .tech and .xyz and have exploded in popularity. By allowing people to get more creative, take advantage of name hacks and find a more suitable domain address, they have revolutionised domain naming conventions.

Country-code TLDs (ccTLD)

The concept behind this type of domain is that it is linked to a specific country. Originally allocated to a country (for example the domain .co.uk is for the UK), some of these have been appropriated by different industries, turning them into a more specific gTLD.

The primary reason for choosing a ccTLD is if you were looking to operate a website in a particular geographical location.

Summarising our original question

By now, we hope you’ve developed an understanding of what a .wallet domain is and where it sits within the world of traditional and crypto domains. Fundamentally, it is a fantastic choice for those wanting to utilize a much more user-friendly, brandable address for their crypto wallet but it also offers potential investment opportunities for domain traders.

Explore our domain marketplace at Cloudname to see which .wallet domains are available, as well as a wider range of other domains to buy, sell and rent.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

WEB 3.0. & Blockchain Complete Guide

WEB 3.0. & Blockchain Complete Guide

Whether you’re a trader or investor, entrepreneur or employee, technology has reinvented the economy over and over. Web3 might be the next big thing, although it’s still more of a theory than a reality. And if it’s already hard to understand blockchain, metaverse, and NFTs, a WEB 3.0. definition doesn’t make it any easier.

How do you define this abstraction at such an early stage? When the Internet came out in the 80s, did anyone expect it to become what it is today? When Bitcoin started in 2009, who would expect it would evolve into standard payments, DeFi apps, or NFTs?

In about a decade, each of these transformed the world. New trading opportunities, business models, and careers that didn’t exist before. Now, what happens when you put together the Internet and blockchain innovations?

This synergy creates the WEB 3.0. definition—and what makes it so anticipated.

 

What Is Web 3.0?

Web 3.0. (or WEB3 for short) is a broad term to include all Internet technologies that result from blockchain applications.

Gavin Wood (co-founder of Ethereum and Polkadot) coined Web 3.0. in 2014 as a “new iteration of the Internet” on blockchain Infrastructure. It would include both the replacement of existing websites and all new platforms that come from this synergy.


For a clear, specific WEB 3.0. definition, let’s instead define each component briefly:

  • – The WEB is the Internet infrastructure that allows distributed devices to interact with each other. It includes both the hardware (servers) and software (protocols, website primitives).

  • – The 3.0. version suggests a higher level of interaction (more on that later), “read-write-own.”
  • The general blockchain is a decentralized public ledger distributed across devices. It’s a live database that users can consult and expand but not change.

 

The WEB 3.0. Structure

For a detailed explanation, it helps to understand Web 3.0. with this structure:

  1. Infrastructure
  2. Decentralized Applications (dApps)

2.1. Foundation dApps

2.2. Implementation dApps

2.3. Innovation dApps

The infrastructure includes the distributed devices (network) and layer protocols. For example, the layer-1 blockchain Ethereum has smart contracts (autonomous, decentralized, ETH-powered code). Which makes possible dApp development.

 

The WEB 3.0. Extensions

Foundational dApps (primitives) are similar to WEB3 infrastructure. They offer basic features and work as “building blocks” for complex, user-oriented dApps. e.g.:

 

Implementation dApps are traditional applications that either replace or expand with blockchain features. e.g.:

  • – Binance was just a centralized exchange until they launched the BSC blockchain. They now offer NFT trading, ERC-20 token swaps, yield farming, WEB3 wallets…

  • – Meta (previously Facebook) wanted to expand social life with virtual and augmented realities. Anything metaverse related depends on WEB3 infrastructure.

  • – If video games like World of Warcraft created NFT game economies, that’s another implementation example.

 

Innovation dApps (dApps per se) apply new features that didn’t exist separately on the Internet or blockchain. And while it’s the broadest category, our domain trading platform is a good example.

Cloudname introduces features that didn’t exist before WEB 3.0.:

  • – Trade traditional and NFT domains while tracking live prices

  • – Fractionize expensive domains so they’re more accessible for smaller traders

  • – Tokenize domains to trade for either fiat or any cryptocurrency

As for Web 3.0., what new features come up from this Internet-blockchain synergy?

 

Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 Definition

The goal of web 3.0. is to create a network that’s trustless, ubiquitous, transactional, identity-focused, and decentralized. This may sound abstract at first, also because the WEB 3.0. definition is still work-in-progress. How do you envision something that doesn’t yet exist?

You can get an idea of what to expect by looking at the transition from Web1 to Web2. Here’s an overview of the three World Wide Web iterations:

  • – Web 1.0. started in the 80s as a content-delivery network and looked like this. This Internet consisted of static, read-only pages with almost no user interaction. Web1 users were consumers, and while you could create free websites, they weren’t worldwide accessible like today.

  • – Web 2.0. started in 2004 as a user-generated content network. It allowed users to read, write, and interact with existing content. Web2 users are today’s users, who buy online (Amazon), build websites (WordPress), comment on social media (Twitter), among countless activities.

  • – Web 3.0. started in late 2016 but hasn’t been developed nor adopted yet. While we’ve defined it already, you could call it a decentralized content network, ranging from financial services (Uniswap) to social media (Steemit).

On the transition from Web 1.0. to Web 2.0., interaction makes the difference. Users got more creative freedom while browsing the Internet, which expanded its features tremendously.

For example, modern search engines make it easy to find websites by typing any words. Back in Web1, the only way would be to either type the exact domain or search in some ‘digital yellow pages.’ As for Web3, you might find the right websites without typing them at all.

 

Key Web3 Distinctions

We’ll later define what technologies make these innovations possible. When it comes to differences:

  • – Web3 is about the users: Web1 started with only a few contributors. This changed with Web2, although there’d still be providers controlling user content (data privacy, accounts, content moderation, terms of service…). In Web3, you would both create content AND decide how to manage your creative platform.

  • – Web3 is about interaction: In general, Web1 was read-only. Web2 is read-write. Web3 is becoming read-write-own via decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

  • – Web3 is about decentralization: The Internet was easy to define in Web1 because only a few controlled it. In Web2, the Internet became a distributed node network but still depended on servers. Web3 websites wouldn’t be kept on a server, but in your digital wallet and physical device.

For example, any Cloudname domain you buy is an NFT you can store in an Ethereum wallet. Anyone can visit the website, but you control it from whatever device has your wallet signed up. Assuming you don’t share your private key, only your phone.

 

What Does Web 3.0. Look Like? The 5 Properties

Web 3.0. has at least five improvements that previous webs don’t:

Decentralized

Decentralized networks (AKA public blockchains) distribute the workload and governance among their users. Unlike centralized networks (which may be distributed), all users interact within the same hierarchy level.

The goal is to empower communities based on their engagement while preventing anyone from dominating. Not director boards, not angel investors, but any contributor who wants to participate.

Of course, no Web3 is 100% decentralized. It depends on your dApps rules and the underlying blockchain.

Bitcoin may have a decentralized DAO. But mining certainly isn’t. Whoever has the highest computing power (see proof-of-work) wins most of the blocks.

Identity Focused

Owning Bitcoin in 2011 wasn’t that different from owning digital money. Today, owning crypto might mean digital art, virtual land, voting power, a website domain, or some in-game assets. Web3 currencies have redefined ownership.

Web3 can tokenize any digital asset as NFTs, which hold value in crypto and (indirectly) fiat. And because of the potential utility on Web3 platforms, NFTs have boomed in the past two years. Not to mention the $69m picture.

Maybe you think buying NFTs today is as useless as buying domains in the 90s. Those who did, however, are today’s largest tech companies. Not only do NFTs have investment potential and Web3 utility, but unlike domains, you can own them without paying annual fees to a company.

Just like buying NFT domains on Cloudname.

Transactional

Private ownership falls under the definition of capitalism. If Web3 is identity-focused, it’s by consequence transactional. Pay-to-own makes sense, but does that mean that Web3 isn’t free?

Consuming and sharing are Web2 features, which remain free. As for Web3, there are two directions:

  • – Over-capitalizing digital assets. You can still use them but need to pay for ownership rights.

e.g., Axie Infinity is a video game where players earn crypto rewards fighting with NFT creatures. The creature picture isn’t a “secret:” you can view or download it. But to use it in the game, you need the NFT on your Web3 wallet.*

  • – Re-capitalizing digital assets. Users regain control of ‘assets’ taken for granted, such as collected data, ad watch time, or reviews.

e.g., Users can earn BAT tokens (Basic Attention Reward) on Brave Browser. Based on your browsing activity, relevant ads will show up organically and non-intrusively. Not only it’s a better-performing browser but also rewards users.

Only Brave (and Opera) can run blockchain domains like .btc and .eth, which you can trade on Cloudname from <$100 to $10,000.

So while Web3 adds price tags to seemingly worthless pictures, it also creates a new way to monetize your time, content, and skills. Whether it’s a play-to-earn game, a virtual land earning from AR ad space, a domain rented to a website or any metaverse business.

 

Ubiquitous

Explaining ubiquity to everyday people is like explaining water to a fish. It’s so often used that we don’t notice, and Google is the easiest example because it is possible “connect” to any website newsletter with your Gmail address.

Google is everywhere and widely used. Not because it’s essential, but because it makes everything easier. Once you’re connected:

  • – You can skip username and password fields
  • – You can recover your lost password
  • – You can instantly access any app from Google

What’s the Web3 wallet corollary?

  • – Skip logins and directly connect with the wallet
  • – Recover your lost Google account with your wallet
  • – Connect to any dApp from the same blockchain

 

Trustless

Traditional platforms are trust-based. Even though there are terms of service, the user has to trust that the owners will follow them. But as administrators, people can hide information and change rules without notice.

Web3 platforms can be trustless when built on public blockchain layers. For example, Solana, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. Peer-to-peer trading is possible because:

  1. The blockchain is transparent
  2. Users hold assets on private wallets
  3. Users can agree on how to run their blockchain on DAOs

As for the limitations of trustless finance:

  1. If you lose your private keys, nobody can recover your wallet.
  2. DAOs benefit the whole, so there may be rules you disagree with.

WEB3 Technologies

The features of Web 3.0. have more applications beyond investing. It can apply to finance, entertainment, VR e-commerce, and any sector that can benefit from decentralized websites. But how can Web3 extend this far?

Four technologies in development make possible both its features and use cases:

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT extends ubiquity ‘beyond the screen.’ This comes down to Augmented Reality (AR) and smart devices. And what makes IoT possible is Web3 blockchains.

To demystify IoT, let’s reimagine the Google example. If Google implemented IoT, we may see things like:

e.g., AR for locals on Google Maps. As you walk on the street, your phone detects a nearby restaurant you may like. You get a notification alert with their daily special.

e.g., AR for ad space. Advertisers might pay for playing ads on virtual spaces like Maps. Or rent ad space on Times Square, which you can only see from your camera (like Pokémon Go).

e.g., Google devices. Fit watches, doorbells, speakers, cameras, thermostats. All controllable from your mobile account.

3D Graphics

While Web2 added interaction, it wasn’t nearly as immersive as real-life interaction. Not only does Web3 improve immersion but allows interactions that wouldn’t be as easy physically:

e.g, Meet office coworkers for virtual presentations

e.g., Visit websites and games in 1st person without interfaces

e.g., Explore in real-time other cities miles away

e.g., Visit malls, hotels, or real estate without traveling yourself

Blockchain applied to 3D tech (VR and AR), creates this 3D Internet, also called Metaverse.

Semantic Web

As the Internet becomes broader, it becomes harder to find what’s relevant to you. The semantic web would be a decentralized data network that updates in real-time to keep up with your preferences. But that’s not how our Web2 works:

  •         Web 1.0:

          Open-source TCP, SMTP, and HTTP.internet protocols from the late 70s and during thext decades.

          Designed as read-only in the spirit inclusiveness and openess.

          One can build without the permission of a regulatory.

  •         Web 2.0:

          Open source is not easy to monetize.

          Web 2.0’s are on top of the internet’s open protocols with a business model relying on building proprietary,

          The companies who actually disposing with the open protocols are among the most valuable. We use their services often for free and in revanche, we need to trust them while they sell our data and opaque code.

  •         Web 3.0:

          Open-source protocols like Web 1.0, but owned collectively via crypto-economics.

          Independent, not linked to the traditional bodies, with the code executed while written.

          Data owned by the users.

          Shared spirit of collaboration and identity..

Search engines show us either literal or popular pages, which may not be what you looked for. AIs can’t show relevant pages until they learn human language. The problems are:

  • Our language changes faster than SERP updates
  • Our data is locked by companies for security reasons

Because Web3 is trustless and open-source, this data becomes accessible and updates in real-time (like blockchains). Users get relevant page results and marketers get reliable organic traffic.

Artificial Intelligence

Web 3.0. comes down to hard-coded blockchain rules. But community consensus isn’t black or white. How do you create a trustless platform that benefits everyone while allowing flexibility?

That’s the role of Blockchain AI:

  • Consensus algorithms to decide who makes what decision
  • Smart contracts to run platforms without developer intervention
  • Periodical updates. Users can suggest and vote for code improvements. Especially to remove bugs and unintended features.

Web2 platforms may have AI features, but not governance-wise. On Web3, users can both interact and manage the platform.

WEB 3.0. Real-World Applications

While Web 3.0. is more of a theory than reality, it’s already used in at least four ways:

Financial Services

Web3 Finance (DeFi) has become a $77B market since 2020. Some investors have gone bankless, as traditional finance doesn’t offer as many perks. For these reasons, decentralized finance is gaining popularity every year:

  • – Accessibility. DeFi services are worldwide accessible as long as you have a Web3 wallet. You don’t need a financial check or credit score because most services are collateralized.

  • – Flexible. Traditional finance has many restrictions set by the SEC. Not to mention each country’s regulatory differences. Decentralized finance can bypass most restrictions while maintaining security.

  • – Cryptocurrency-backed. Many governance tokens have a deflationary design that might hedge against fiat currencies. The project might ‘burn’ coins every time someone sells them, or when trading them for a service. As there are fewer tokens circulating, they become more valuable.

Today, you can find Web3 exchanges (Uniswap), marketplaces (Opensea), lenders (Aave), aggregators (Yearn Finance), even fiat DeFi (Terra).

VR Commerce

Ecommerce VR is more than just 3D online shopping. For e-product sellers (books, plugins, courses…) it offers new product opportunities. As for physical products, VR can help reduce the inherent e-commerce risks:

  • – Virtual inventory inspections to make sure they meet quality standards

  • – Virtual samples for visitors can boost listing conversions and lower refund rates

  • – New ways and channels to advertise your brand

The value of VR in e-commerce relies on how accurately it can reflect the real assets. Right now, it might exist in the form of interactive websites. Next decade, maybe VR glasses. Either way, big brands have started implementing VR already.

Mind that commerce can be as broad as creating a VR marketplace, in-game commerce, or owning land for rent. The more traffic, the more valuable.

Decentralized Websites

Any transactional website can upgrade to Web3 regardless of the niche. Those that do will be able to accept more international customers, provide fast payment methods, and regain control from web providers. To do so, there are NFT domains, Web3 apps, and decentralized browsers.

The ideal Web3 website grants full control to the owner and users:

  • – NFT domains and hosting have no renewal fees. They’re held in your private wallet and are tradeable.

  • – Web builders can share control to engage communities. Feature voting, product suggestions, terms of service updates, loyalty rewards. Users like to influence brands they like.

  • – Decentralized browsers can bypass country restrictions while improving your privacy.

Digital Entertainment

Digital entertainment makes ownership (and thus monetization) so complicated. Users can download assets without buying, reupload copyrighted media, and crack any paid software. And if you somehow avoid these problems, there may be dozens of account-sharing groups.

Web3 media can create NFTs, which are unique tokens attached to an asset. A Cryptopunk is a unique ERC-721 token in your wallet attached to a picture. NFTs help creatives protect their work while rewarding loyal followers.

Web3 entertainment includes play-to-earn games (Illuvium), fan clubs (Manchester City), art marketplaces (Bakery Gallery), and music (Mint Songs).

Web 3.0: Is the Future Already Here?

While Web3 has already started, it will take years to complete. Semantic web, AI, IoT, and VR have been in development since before Bitcoin, so it won’t happen overnight. As for when Web3 will replace Web2, it can take around a decade.

But you don’t need to wait that long. The first expression of Web3 has already made the Internet better. Whether it’s private wallets, public governance, or metaverse NFTs.

Whatever direction it follows, Web3 starts the same way Web2 did. A domain.

Whether it’s a traditional or NFT domain, they all support Web3 features. Both are available on Cloudname, where you can check real-time prices and flexible trading options. Find your domain by exploring our growing marketplace.

FAQ

What Are the Risks of Web3?

You need a wallet to use Web3 apps, which is risky the bigger the balance. Dapps trade cryptocurrencies, which can be volatile. As for security, many fraudulent websites can steal your funds once you connect your wallet.

To make matters worse, there’s no-one able to help if you make a costly mistake. Web3 apps are still new, and regulators haven’t included them legally yet, which adds to the risk.

How Do You Access Web3?

You create a Web3 wallet like Metamask from any device. After you save the private key and seed phrase, you can start using all Ethereum dApps. If the website uses BSC or others, you’ll need to add the network manually.

Likewise, you can use Bridge apps to transfer funds between blockchains.

What are some misconceptions about Web 3.0.?

It’s easy to confuse Web 3.0. with blockchain, dApps, or metaverse. That’s because Web3 is the environment that includes all these. Blockchains are the foundations, dApps the use cases, and metaverse the 3D extension of Web3.0.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

Benefits of choosing a traditional domain name

Benefits of choosing a traditional domain name

Traditional Domain Names work on most of the internet, can be used for content websites, email, resources and links,hosted apps,lead-gen and sign-up pages, ecommerce and can be easily bought and sold in traditional and crypto marketplaces with existing registrars.

That is an impressive list. Plus there is existing case law, a global regulatory body and accountability for errors and mistakes, and better privacy and less chance of unrecoverable fraud.

So yes Web3 Domains are new and exciting and haven’t faced the scrutiny of use, but they have drawn big money speculation.  But tried and mostly true isn’t a bad place to go to build one  of the most important digital assets of your company, personal brand or website.

At the time of writing, reports show that there are more than 593 million registered domains! With such an incredible number already registered, how do you decide on the right domain name for your personal or business website?

Do you go for traditional top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .co.uk and .tech? Or maybe you’ve read about the new concept of domains based on Web3.0? The fact traditional domains have been around so long makes it unlikely that you will find the perfect .com domain for your brand and you may be drawn to explore Web3.0 domains.

However, the message we wish to convey in this article is that are some significant benefits to choosing a traditional domain, whether older ones like .com or new ones like .tech. It is always worth understanding both sides of the argument and that is why we will also touch on Web3.0 domains further down.

Let’s start with a short summary of what a traditional domain is and the types available to choose from.

 

What is a traditional domain and what are the most common types?

When we use the term traditional domain, we are referring to the range of TLDs that form part of the Domain Name System (DNS). The phonebook for the internet, this system translates complicated IP addresses into names that we type into the address bar at the top of a browser.

These domains are controlled by ICANN, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN originally carefully controlled what traditional domain extensions were available (e.g. .com and .org), however, in 2010 they started to remove these restrictions opening the door for a range of exciting new opportunities.

Traditional domains will generally fall into three main categories:

Generic TLDs (gTLDs) – the most common domains you will find on the internet and include .com which dominates the market, as well as others like .org and .net.

Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) – domains reserved for specific countries, such as .co.uk for the United Kingdom. However, some have been appropriated by industries and specialist areas such as Artificial Intelligence.

New Generic TLDs (new gTLDs) – With ICANN relaxing their restrictions you can now find over 1200 new gTLDs including .tech, .blog and .xyz.

 

So what ones are the most common?

As you would expect, the oldest domains dominate the market and this is why the old gTLDs and ccTLDs count for approximately 490 million of the 593 million domains.

One interesting conclusion we can take from the statistics is that despite being relatively new, the modern gTLDs such as .xyz are growing at a phenomenal rate. People are worrying less about finding a .com domain just because of its reputation and searching for a more suitable, brandable domain name.

 

What are the benefits of choosing a traditional domain?

As we have found, there is an extensive list of potential domain extensions and as a result, almost limitless options for domains. So what are the benefits of choosing one of these traditional domains for your new or existing website?

 

Reputation and trust

The fact that traditional domains have been around for decades and are so common means that by choosing one of these you build an immediate level of trust. For those that have less experience or expertise, selecting a .com domain will simply feel like a safe choice.

This also reflects on the reputation of your business or brand. If you have a traditional domain for your website, then a person is more likely to believe you have a good or professional reputation.

Clearly, this isn’t the only consideration when a customer chooses to pay for a product or service but the simple fact is it does make a difference so why wouldn’t you stack the cards in your favour!

 

Existing connectivity and integration

Traditional domains are recognised and utilised by almost every corner of the internet, every piece of software and every application. This existing level of connectivity means that you will almost certainly be able to use your chosen domain with your existing systems. 

No matter the type of website you have, the hosting package used or the mobile app connected, you should have minimal problems connecting them with your domain. This level of connectivity and integration means you can extend your online presence without impacting the service you offer your customers.

 

Emails and file storage

The challenge for Web3.0 domains is that they lack the same level of functionality and connectivity as traditional domains. This is proven by the fact that if you want to utilise emails for your chosen domain or set up file storage then the traditional route is by far the best option.

Whether you use a desktop application like Outlook or a browser-based email client you will be able to set up your traditional domain email account in seconds. 

Availability with registrars and trading platforms

Traditional domains dominate both the primary and secondary domain markets and this availability is a huge benefit to those searching for that perfect domain name.

Thanks to more TLDs being released, the chance of finding your preferred domain being unregistered has improved. However, you may need to go for a less well-known TLD if you’re set on a specific name.

When it comes to trading platforms like Cloudname, you may be able to find a brandable traditional domain that has already developed authority with Google. This not only saves time but also money spent on building up the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of your domain.

Brand control

If you choose a traditional domain for your new or existing business, then you can take ownership of your brand. One of the most frustrating things for any business is finding out that your business name or brand name is taken by someone else so if you can get it first then you gain that extra level of control.

With traditional domains, you will have greater power to challenge those that use your brand name in a domain. With Web3.0 domains, thanks to the decentralized nature of it you have limited power to control and protect your brand.

Who should go for a Web3.0 domain?

For those that want to delve deeper into the world of Web3.0 domains, we have a Cloudname article just for you. For those reading this article and wondering why some people move away from traditional domains, the three concepts below will help explain why.

Ownership and Control

When you buy a domain that is based on blockchain technology, you no longer have to lease it from a registrar for a yearly, or multi-year agreement. The moment you purchase the domain, then it becomes yours indefinitely unless you decide to sell it on a platform like Cloudname.

You also have full control over the use of the domain, the content you create and how you wish to generate funds. This is a fantastic option for those concerned about content creation and data sharing.

Crypto wallets

One of the best reasons for going for a Web3.0 domain is that it can be used as your crypto wallet address. Whilst traditional domains can be used in this way, with these new domains you can also future proof your crypto brand as Web3.0 develops further and is embraced by the wider society.

If you’re active in the blockchain and crypto community then it is certainly a great choice for you.

Decentralization

We have all experienced the frustration that our data has been collected and utilised by a small number of large, multinational corporations and governments. With blockchain technology and domains that utilise it, you no longer have to worry about this problem. Greater control over our own data aids security and potential revenue streams.

There is a growing section of society that wants to reduce the power and control that massive corporations like Google and Meta have. It is these people that will be drawn to the potential of Web3.0 domains.

Where can I buy domain names?

When it comes to buying a domain, you have two main options to consider before you research specific organisations. Do you wish to buy a domain that hasn’t been registered yet (the primary domain market) or try to find an existing domain that is for sale or for rent (the secondary domain market)?

In some cases, you can find both at a single registrar but it is always a good idea to shop around and see what is available. Remember – you may not want to settle for a domain just because it’s on a well-known registrar’s website if you can get a more brandable, effective domain on a domain trading platform.

Some of the largest traditional domain registrar websites include:

 

 

If you’re searching for that perfect domain, then we recommend trying a domain trading platform like Cloudname. You will be able to search through an extensive range of domains for sale and for rent, checking relevant data to make an informed decision about if it is the right choice for you.

If you’d like to know more about how to approach buying a domain, then this guide is a great way to get started.

A final thought on traditional domains

As this article suggests, traditional domains dominate the internet and have a well-established set of characteristics that make them the best choice. No matter whether you’re interested in starting a personal or professional project, or wish to build on a brand then there is likely to be a traditional domain that will do the job.

If you’re now ready to search for that perfect domain, then we recommend joining the Cloudname community today! With a wealth of both traditional and crypto domains available to buy, sell, rent and tokenize we are truly the first all-in-one domain trading platform.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

GEO, city, and place domain names

GEO, city, and place domain names

In the search for investment opportunities in the field of the TLDs (top-level domain names), GeoDomains could come handy.

GeoDomains take advantage of the fact that thousands, to hundreds of thousands, to millions of people know the name of their town and surrounding areas and cities.

Sports teams, newspapers, business and clubs, and associations all use and reinforce the branding of a city name for a company or website.  A city or place name is a distinct sign of credibility, as well as makes a website address easily memorable.

Easily recognisable, the GeoDomains are among the most desired, wanted, and also scarce with sometimes only one perfect domain name to match an industry or an activity. If there are hundreds of companies or users, the value of the one and only one best domain commands a higher price.

You can shop for GeoDomains on the Cloudname marketplace using the category name GEO in the dropdown box on the main page.

 

What is a GeoDomain?

A GeoDomain is a domain name that is spelled exactly as an existing geographic area, like atlanta.com or hawaii.com. Apart from the name of a city or a state, GeoDomains can contain the name of a country, a region, a town or a place, a street, or even a neighborhood, in brief of anything related to a geographical location.

GeoDomains may also combine the name of a city or place with a purpose (Blog, Forum, Guide), industry (Real Estate, Homes, Painting, Repairs), and/or profession (Doctor, Electrician). And most of them have been taken for over 20 years and traded in aftermarkets.

This type of domain names is considered of high value due to its limited number, clear location associations and the high names’ recognition, especially if they come with the .com extension.

 

How valuable can GeoDomains be?

In 2000, a deal for some USD 5 million was signed for the GeoDomain name korea.com. Two years later, israel.com was sold for USD 5.9 million.

During this time, similar, less expensive deals were made until one of the biggest in the world of GeoDomains was closed in 2013. China.com was sold for USD 11.7 million to the Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party’s broadcaster China Radio International.

Other significant GeoDomain names’ sales and acquisitions were those of england.com, when back in 1999 it was sold for USD 2 million (equivalent to USD 3.47 million today) and of california.com, sold in 2019, for USD 3 million.

  • – russia.com            $ 1,500,000  2009
  • – melbourne.com   $ 700,000 2007
  • – macau.com           $ 550,000 2006
  • – longisland.com    $ 370,000 2010

Easy to remember, to communicate, and to relate to, potentially limited in numbers, and high in demand, GeoDomains had all the necessary features to drive the domain trade for decades ahead.

Until 2008, two GeoDomain Expos were held in Chicago, IL. gathering hundreds of traders and entrepreneurs willing to share experience on the management and potential trade of their domains.

Up from then, the number of news on the geo-related domain names decreased with sporadic mentioning of some high and mid-valued deals.

 

How to make GeoDomains desirable again?

With the investors’ focus on the GeoDomains slightly turning off, the entrepreneurs took over.

By linking a keyword with a geo-location like in the case of chicagolawyer.com, the domain names keep their geographical feature and gain, and at the same time, a powerful, highly recognisable keyword. With the lack of threat of a hostile takeover by a state-run company, these types of new GeoDomains easily became desirable and high-priced.

GeoDomains parisdentist.com and berlinart.com are free at the time of publishing the article and both their prices go above USD 5,000.

Less-risky, this type of GeoDomains became a niche and a good catch in traders’ wallets. In 2021, squadhelp.com created a Geo-Domains Marketplace – a dedicated platform focused on businesses’ need for a geographical domain name but also for the geo TLDs traders.

 

dentist.london

The need of better recognisable geo TLDs and the attempt to escape the ccTDLs (country code top-level domains) like .co.uk, .eu, .us, etc, led to the creation of a number of domains with actual geographical extension like .rio, . berlin, .wales, .corsica, .africa, among many others.

Available for private use, their value varies depending on the keyword. Dentist.london costs around USD 5,900 while pet.asia is valued at USD 8,800 – both domain names were not taken at the time of publishing the article.

 

Conclusion

The organic search for safe, reliable and easily recognisable geographical domain names will never end. Potentially limited in terms of numbers and keywords, these GeoDomains will always be high-valued and well-desired in traders’ portfolios.

By the way, pub.wales is for sale, only, you’ll have to negotiate it from its owner and even the domain traders’ platform do not show a price estimate of it

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

What is a .xyz domain

What is a .xyz domain

One of the strongest domain extensions in the market right now is the .XYZ extension.  Sites like Namebio.com and Twitter have documented the end-user sales of one and two-word domain names in the $xx,xxx and $xxx,xxx range.

Most auctions for desirable names at the wholesale level are getting multiple bidders and running up domains to 10-50x initial minimum bids.  The demand and prestige in the .xyz namespace are driven by companies operating within Web3 and next-generation technologies. 

You can shop at Cloudname.com for aftermarket .xyz domain names by clicking under extensions, “.xyz” then you can sort by price high to low or low to high, see recent or premium listings, or search by your desired price category.

Reports in the past few years have shown an impressive rise in registrations of .xyz domains, leading the way compared to the other new gTLDs. As of May 2022, there were more than 5 million domains using .xyz so clearly they have become a valuable option for new and existing businesses.

So what is the history of the .xyz domain and are there really benefits to choosing this extension over other more traditional ones? We aim to answer these questions and more in the following article so let’s get started!

 

What is the history of the .xyz domain?

In 2013, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) included the .xyz domain in their planned releases for new domains. After being approved for the general public in mid-2014, it very quickly grew past expectations.

Developed by Daniel Negari and the xyz.com corporation, it really took off when Google announced that their parent organization Alphabet would be using a .xyz domain. The marketing power this generated catapulted the domain extension to one of the most popular within a matter of months.

It is interesting to note that Negari himself highlighted a key characteristic of the .xyz domain. He explained that .com is linked to original investors and there was a need to connect with the new, younger generation of investors and entrepreneurs. This is where the new domain comes into play.

 

What are the benefits of choosing a .xyz domain?

Whilst Google may not care too much if you own a .com or .xyz domain in terms of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), there are some fantastic benefits to choosing one of the more modern gTLDs like .xyz. Let’s explore the most relevant and useful benefits that domain traders and organisations may want to know about.

 

Represent the new generation

As highlighted above, .com, .net and .org are some of the most popular domain extensions out there but they are linked with the traditional, first investors on the internet. It is highly likely you will struggle to find your preferred domain with a .com ending and this shows just how saturated the market is by established players.

With an increased focus on all things digital, the new generation of tech entrepreneurs, investors and traders have embraced the more modern implications of the .xyz domain.

 

It isn’t industry-specific

Unlike some of the modern gTLDs, the .xyz domain extension doesn’t have a specific industry linked to it. When we think of .ai, we think of artificial intelligence and when we think of .io we think of data-focused industries.

The big benefit of .xyz is it is generic, engaging and full of potential for almost any business in any industry. This makes it a fantastic choice for those wanting to invest and trade domains, like many of the Cloudname community and we’ve written a helpful guide on domain trading which can be found here.

 

It isn’t geo-locked

Whilst many of the domain extensions out there are not geo-locked, some do have restrictions linked to them because they have been designed to represent a particular country or region.

The benefit of .xyz and some other modern domains is that they are neither directly nor indirectly linked to a location. You will not be penalised by Google in terms of Search Engine Optimization and equally, branding won’t be a problem, wherever you are operating in the world.

 

There are no restrictions on who can register one

Reflecting the benefits listed above, as a result of not being industry-specific or geo-locked, it can be registered by pretty much anyone! This is a big bonus to those struggling to find that perfect domain name with a traditional gTLD like .com or .net.

This level of flexibility and creativity is vital in a world where there are literally new internet users every second and new websites launching all of the time. As the world gets more connected and more competitive, these flexible domains will play an increasingly more important role.

 

The concern about the rise of spam coming from .xyz domains

We feel it important to flag up one concern about .xyz domains and this is the use of them by spam sites and other criminal enterprises. This isn’t purely from .xyz domains and in reality, it is an increasing challenge because of the range of new TLDs that are available.

To help explain it, imagine you have an established business with a .com domain. If these modern, cheaper domains like .xyz are available then you can create a copy that is designed to defraud and confuse people.

Added to this is the fact that the modern domains are often a lot cheaper than traditional ones, making it a more affordable way to harm others.

As mentioned, this isn’t specific to .xyz domains but they are useful for highlighting this challenge many of us face. Always take the time to check if you’re using a legitimate site and if ever in doubt, never share information or click on links.

 

Why do we have so many domain extensions and what is the difference?

There may be many of you reading this thinking why on earth do we need yet more domain extensions? And equally, what is the difference between them and what makes one better than the other?

Let’s quickly recap what a domain is and why we have them in the first place…

Originally, to connect to another address on a network you had to type a series of numbers and whilst the internet was a closed shop for experts this wasn’t a big deal. As the internet began to develop and become more mainstream, a new solution was needed and this is why the Domain Name System was developed in 1983.

A domain name is made up of different sections and the key part we are focusing on in this article is the ending of a domain, known as the top-level domain. If we use www.cloudname.com as an example, everything after ‘cloudname’ is the top-level domain extension.

As the internet has expanded, the traditional domains have been used up and it is now highly unlikely you will be able to find your first, second or even third choice name with a .com extension. This has driven the regular introduction of modern and alternative extensions like .blog, .tech, .ai and .xyz.

 

A summary of the different types of domains available

All of these different domains available will now fall into four main categories and this makes it easier to understand some key differences. 

  • Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): The first and most well-known set of extensions that include .com, .org and .net. They still hold significant sway over consumers who worry about the reputation of a business but with the challenges faced by finding an available domain businesses are turning to alternative TLDs.

  • New Generic Top-Level Domains (new gTLDs): Designed to tackle the challenges faced in the paragraph above, these include the .xyz domain. Offering the modern generation and businesses the chance to claim their own space on the internet there are some fantastic, creative options including .tech, .io and .ai.

  • Country-code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): A more specific sub-section of domains, the ccTLDs are extensions created for a specific country or region. The most well-known examples include .co.uk for the United Kingdom and .fr for France. These often have restrictions on who can register a domain and as a result, are great for those focusing on a location. It is important to note that some domains like .ai were initially designed for a country but in fact, have become linked to industry and don’t suffer from any kind of location restrictions.

  • Crypto Domains: The most modern set of domain extensions out there, designed specifically for Web3.0 and the world of cryptocurrency. Built on blockchain technology, they differ from other domains in many ways, firstly by the fact that when you buy one you own it indefinitely. However, there are still some limitations to using them for websites and Search Engine Optimization.

 

This is a topic that can be confusing for many thanks to such a wide variety of options out there. By taking the time to understand the differences and potential pros and cons of different extensions you can narrow down your choices for that new website.

Summary

As you can see, the .xyz domain extension is a representation of the modern and ever-evolving approach to the internet. In a world that is shifting more and more towards digital interactions, .xyz domains offer many people and organizations the chance to grab that perfect domain name.

As traders, they also present further opportunities for long-term investment in a niche that is unlikely to slow down any time soon. If you’d like to see which .xyz domains are available to buy or tent, take a moment to join the Cloudname platform.



Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

The crypto market – what to bear in mind when dealing on the newest and less regulated financial market

The crypto market – what to bear in mind when dealing on the newest and less regulated financial market

The crypto market - what to bear in mind when dealing on the newest and less regulated financial market

The year 2022 began with the crash of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency of the world index, reached its historic high of $ 69,000 in November 2021 and crashed to $ 33,000 in just two months in late January 2022.

As of the end of May, Bitcoin is again below $ 30,000.  Indicators show that concern among holders of Bitcoins and other altcoins has reached its highest level in two years.

Cloudname offers both Web3 and Traditional domains, transacted in Crypto and in Fiat currency. Traditional and Fiat domain names and currencies have a consistency and legacy regulation that may seem outdated compared to the new domains and new currencies. In these volatile times, as expectations are reset in crypto markets, that old consistency is valuable.

Although the appeal of the outsize returns potentially, available in Web3 and crypto, are exciting, they come with the respective risks of new markets. Let’s explore some of these issues.

Volatilities in financial markets are commonplace, and in the crypto market, due to high volatility, it can take on more severe aspects. In recent weeks, the crypto market has crashed sharply. But what causes the crypto market to crash?

This article addresses the reasons for the crash in the crypto market. Also, by stating the factors affecting the volatility of the crypto market, we will introduce the essential traders’ strategies.

 

Why did the crypto market crash?

1. Natural volatilities of financial markets

Price volatilities in financial markets are an inherent feature. Bitcoin has 4-year intervals, and every 210,000 blocks are built over 4 years, after which the hawing occurs, and the rewards are halved. During these four years, the Bitcoin reaction is usually such that it has an almost constant or declining trend during the first year.

The trend grows a year and a half to two years later, and then the so-called Cryptobiosis occurs, the market is reforming. Therefore, after the significant growth of Bitcoin, it needed to be corrected. Thus some part of the recent crash is interpreted in this format.

2. Elon Musk’s actions

Elon Musk has taken different positions on Bitcoin. First, he put Bitcoin on his Twitter bio account and announced that he would accept Bitcoin to sell his company’s products. In a shocking decision, Musk stopped accepting Bitcoin for environmental reasons. A decision that pushed the price of each Bitcoin below $ 50,000 and reddened the crypto market.

3. New FATF guidelines

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an international body whose primary task is to advise effective strategies to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crime. The agency recently issued a new guideline to provide solutions to combat the misuse of cryptocurrencies in financial crimes. The FATF also emphasizes the authentication of users by businesses operating in the field and the monitoring of transactions.

  •         The problem – Implementing these guidelines for cryptocurrency platforms is not simply a matter for traditional financial institutions. The decentralized network structure of some cryptocurrencies and unreliable methods in providing services have made it challenging to implement this guideline.

  •         Implementation challenges – Implementing this restriction is challenging for countries that do not comply with FATF regulations. The challenge is because of given the current infrastructure and how FATF is servicing operating platforms in this area. Because many cryptocurrency platforms provide decentralized and non-secure services, the FATF recommendation for customer authentication and transaction monitoring has confused operators.

  •         Comply with the new FATF guidelines – Experts say it is not possible to comply with the new FATF guidelines for a significant portion of businesses operating in the field, as exchanges and other decentralized and insecure platforms (such as traditional banks and financial institutions) would have to force authentication on their customers and share information with their customers. Give their users to other institutions; thus, they can no longer be considered decentralized as in the past.

4. Federal Reserve decisions

The Federal Reserve‘s measures to control inflation, including raising interest rates at the end of each season, reducing the supply of dollars, and reducing the balance sheet by $ 8.3 trillion affect the markets and these contractionary conditions. However, some of these measures are the accumulation of dollar liquidity from the market that weakened financial markets, including the NASDAQ index and crypto market.

The Crypto market crashed after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) report reaffirmed plans to control the bank’s balance sheet. The stock and crypto markets plummeted after the FOMC report (in December), which stated that the legislature had committed to lowering its balance sheet and raising interest rates by 2022. 

With the correction of the stock market, the price of Bitcoin also decreased, and the market witnessed the liquidation of trading positions, which is less than an hour, $ 222 million in cash trading positions.

5. The government’s policies

The decisions of powerful governments, including the United States and China, are other reasons for the crypto market crash.

  •          – The US Treasury Department has taken a tough line on buying and selling cryptocurrencies. According to the announcement, all cryptocurrency transactions worth $ 10,000 or more must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. The US Treasury Department, referring to the problem of tracking transactions and using them in illegal activities. Also, this department said that they are going to plan some legal transactions to prevent cryptocurrencies from tax evasion.

  •          – Also, the Chinese government formally suspended cryptocurrency trading in September 2017, barring financial institutions and payment companies from providing cryptocurrency trading services and warning investors about cryptocurrency trading. The Chinese government also banned the mining of Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies in 2021.

  •          – The Central Bank of Russia and the Government of India have also announced a ban on cryptocurrencies mining. Thus, there is an anti-cryptocurrency among the powerful countries, and most of them seek to create a national cryptocurrency that they can exchange centrally like traditional currencies.

Why are the prices of cryptocurrencies constantly volatilizing?

Volatility is one of the main elements of cryptocurrencies. Many people enter the world of cryptocurrencies because of these sharp price volatilities, making them an excellent profit or causing a loss.

No matter how good your business is, nothing can protect you from cryptocurrency volatilities. Currently, Bitcoin volatilities are 64% per annum, a standard measure of daily price changes. For comparison only, the benchmark is 17% for the S&P 500 and 54% for the WTI.

When it comes to an understanding the current volatility in the crypto market, several factors at play add to the downside. For example, Friday, January 21, was the last day of trading expiration, which often leads to significant volatilities in the market.

Also, due to the volume of open futures contracts at the time, there was considerable price volatility in the market, with Bitcoin (BTC) initially experiencing selling pressure from Thursday to Friday evening.

The thing to know about the crypto market is that centralized banks and institutions do not set the prices of cryptocurrencies; because their nature is completely different from traditional currencies or Fiat. In the following, we will deal with the factors influencing the price volatilities of the currency code:

1. The law of supply and demand

Supply and demand have been the main reason for the increase in the price of cryptocurrencies. Demand depends on various factors, including political and economic events, country laws, and the spread of diseases such as Covid-19. However, no central authority can change the financial regulations of cryptocurrencies.

However, these factors affect crypto price volatilities, but they cannot affect how they work.

The supply of a cryptocurrency is essential; because the price is inversely proportional to the supply. If supply is too high, the price goes down, and if supply is low, the price goes up.

If the supply of a coin is limited and its demand is high, the price will inevitably increase as the cryptocurrency becomes scarce. So when you want to invest in crypto, be sure to consider the supply.

2. Social media

Social media is one of the most critical sources influencing the price of cryptocurrencies. The more the media deals with cryptocurrencies, the more people are attracted to the field. Positive news increases users’ entry into the market and, consequently, increases the price of cryptocurrencies.

However, negative news causes people to leave the market or sell them, which has a negative effect on the price.

Several determinants can help identify the factors influencing the crypto market crash, volatilities, or price changes, and experts dividend them into four main factors.

3. Updates of protocols and events

Updates and events are factors that can increase or decrease the price of cryptocurrencies and market volatility. If positive updates and changes are made to a cryptocurrency, and its features such as performance and support in different markets become better and more, more investors will buy it, and as a result, its price will increase.

If future updates do not help the widespread acceptance of tokens however, investors will be forced to sell their assets in various exchanges, and as a result, their prices will crash sharply.

4. Laws of states

Whenever a government issues official statements about cryptocurrencies, it usually affects the price of Bitcoin. Even if that government action does not directly affect cryptocurrencies, it will still affect the price of Bitcoin due to the nature of financial markets.

Whenever there is a restriction on the use of crypto, its price changes due to the nature of cryptocurrency transactions, many governments have specific rules to eliminate the anonymity of transactions.

5. Market manipulation

Market manipulation is one of the factors influencing the price of the crypto market. Sometimes people who have large amounts of Bitcoin or a group of people suddenly increase the price, place purchase orders (pump), and after attracting the attention of other investors and entering the game, the amounts purchased in the price higher sold to other greedy people (dump).

 

Why hold on to the decision to leave or stay in the crypto market?

With the price of Bitcoin down 50 percent since its November high, investor sentiment was increasingly hostile, and the focus of ATH forecasts shifted to discussing its potential for return.

The current cryptocurrency slump has the same broader context as the stock market slump, as technology stocks recently crashed to a 14-week low. But while the majority agrees that rising interest rates and political tensions have exacerbated investor uncertainty, should investing in the crypto market hold on or wait?

No market is predictable. But many financial and economic experts have given a prominent picture of the future of the crypto market, believing that the industry, with all its success in recent years, is only in its infancy and is constantly evolving.

The main element of cryptocurrencies is their price volatilities. Many people choose this industry to invest or maintain the value of their money, and many people make excellent profits from cryptocurrencies. But if you do not know enough about analyzing the currency code, these volatilities may be to your detriment. Here we are providing some solutions:

  •         Fundamental analysis – you can use fundamental analysis to research cryptocurrencies and, if appropriate, invest in them and make a good profit.

  •         Regulatory advancement – Some marketers believe that because of their high capacity and potential, cryptocurrencies can even replace money in day-to-day transactions. However, some news and analysis about the future of cryptocurrencies suggest that trade may become more legal in the coming years. Also, there would be more and more talk of possible rules and regulations that developed countries are considering to control this exciting market. These regulations can be beneficial, bring about a safer business, significantly limit this vast market, and cause the cryptocurrency to crash.

  •         No guarantee – The factors influencing the price of crypto are very diverse and comprehensive. Some act slowly, and the traders will see their effect later, but others have a sudden impact. Fact is that one can’t guarantee that cryptocurrencies will go up or will crash because this is a wholly new market that is neither well defined nor well regulated.

Many experts also believe that the recent collapse for various reasons cannot be considered similar to the crashes in 2019 and 2021, and we must wait and see the future of market chau

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

Cloudname offers the best platform for domain trading

Cloudname is a simple yet powerful tool through which you can discover new domains and find meaningful data of almost every registered domain.
Everything comes with a brand new design wrapper by a top-in-class platform.

LOGO WHITE
© 2021 Bekki Group AGall rights reservedcontact us

What is an .ai domain

What is an .ai domain

What is an .ai domain

The .ai domain name extension is an easy way to identify your startup or business or personal website with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and other Future Technologies.  While many one-word prestige domain names ending in .com are unattainable or cost millions, you can own a short easy to remember one word .ai domain name in the thousands or tens of thousands, or even for the small registration fee of $100.

Next on our series of articles about the diverse range of domain extensions available is this one, covering everything you need to know about the .ai domain.

With a population in Anguilla of approximately 15,000 people, you wouldn’t expect there to be a massive demand for their ccTLD, the .ai domain. However, what this article will help explain is why there are far more domains than people in Anguilla and how it has been embraced by tech firms of all shapes and sizes, from the giants like Google and Meta, down to small start-ups.

To fully understand the .ai domain phenomenon, it is important to reflect on the history of domain name extensions and how we got to the current array of domains. So let’s get started…

 

What is the history of domain name extensions and where are we now?

Domain name extensions like.ai have come about because of the need to evolve a system that started back in the early 1980s. The reason for the Domain Name System (DNS) being invented is that originally if you wished to connect to a different user you would have to write a numerical address.

Clearly, in the early days when it was more of a closed shop, this wasn’t a major issue but as the internet started to develop and become widely used a change was required. Originally developed for ARPAnet, a domain name converts a website’s IP address into a more readable name.

When we talk about domain name extensions or Top-level Domains (TLDs), we refer to the end part of the domain name. As a helpful example, look at our domain www.cloudname.com. Everything after ‘cloudname’ is the TLD, which in this case is .com.

The organisation that allocates these TLDs, approves registrars to manage them and many other aspects of the internet is The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). 

 

The options available to you now

Over time, domain extensions have evolved from the initial handful to countless varieties to choose from. Ultimately, all of these variations fall into four categories and it is important to be aware of the differences as they can sometimes affect the performance of your website or the ability to utilise it fully.

If you’d like to read more about this topic then we recommend this article on the Cloudname site.

 

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

The original set of TLDs that we will all be very familiar with, including .com, .net and .org. Thanks to their history and reputation, these TLDs are in high demand and it can be challenging to find the perfect domain you want with an extension like .com.

 

Country-code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

As part of the development of domain extensions, each country has been allocated their own TLDs. Most common examples include .co.uk for the United Kingdom and .ca for Canada. These are often owned by the government of that country and link a website to that particular region. This is the category that .ai domains fall under, but used for different purposes as we will discover.

 

New Generic Top-Level Domains (new gTLDs)

The marketplace for domains is an increasingly competitive one, with more and more people wanting websites or domains for their crypto wallets. As a result, new gTLDs are regularly announced to help diversify this market. Whilst lacking the history or reputation of older extensions, they do offer more creative and industry-focused options like .tech and .blog.

 

Crypto Domains

With the development of blockchain technology and the increasing support for cryptocurrency, a new form of domain extension has been developed. Crypto domains differ in a few ways from normal TLDs, particularly in the fact that they are based on a blockchain and so can be purchased indefinitely as opposed to renewed each year. They are used for crypto wallets and websites.

 

So what is the .ai domain extension and why was it developed?

The .ai domain extension was initially created for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory island in the Caribbean. The intention for this domain extension was like any of ccTLD in that it was to represent websites of businesses and people living and operating in this country.

However, given the country has a population of approximately 15,000 it was clear that demand for a domain intrinsically linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI) was going to be used for different purposes.

Technology companies across the world, particularly those with a focus on AI have snapped up the .ai equivalent of their existing domains and many others because of the domain hack potential.

 

Now that we know the history, let’s think about who uses them and why they are growing in popularity

Let’s start with who uses them and the simple answer is all of the major technology players! Google not only owns google.ai but also purchased start-ups that had their own .ai domains.

It is easier see understand why this is happening if we look at some financial information relating to the AI industry. In 2020, corporations invested almost $68 billion in artificial intelligence. This is an incredible number which shows the increasing focus on this area of science.

As a result, the .ai domain is becoming more and more popular for those entering or expanding their presence in the arena of artificial intelligence.

 

The main reasons why they are so popular

We have already touched on the main reasons why an .ai domain extension is a popular choice for organisations and projects around the world. However, there is more to it than simply artificial intelligence, as we have summarised below:

  • – Artificial Intelligence: The most common reason for going with this type of domain extension. Whenever we say AI, it is almost unanimously linked to artificial intelligence and if you refer to a domain with .ai then this connection is also immediately made.

  • – Domain name hacks: As a result of the website ending in .ai, it allows many people to create a website that spells something specific like their brand name. This is sometimes more important than the connection with artificial intelligence.

  • – Availability: Like many other new gTLDs, their availability is better than traditional extensions as fewer people have opted for an extension with .ai. This makes it easier to get your chosen website name.

  • – Connection with the future: Whenever we talk about technology and artificial intelligence, we are talking about the future. By owning a domain with .ai, you are creating a link between your business or service and the future.

 

The difference between .ai and .io domains

You may have some concerns about whether you should invest in an .ai or .io domain and whilst they both closely relate to the world of tech there are some key differences.

When we refer to ‘IO’ in the tech world, we often mean input/output, a more generic term that can be linked to different aspects of technology such as data. We talk more about that here. When it comes to .ai, the implication is more specific in that it refers to artificial intelligence.

 

Ultimately, you can get any domain extension you wish for your business or project but it is important to think about the impression that you give to potential customers when they see your domain name. It has to make sense, it has to engage and it has to drive them to your website.

 

Are there any risks associated with .ai domain extensions?

With any domain extension, there can be risks but in general, they can be mitigated by being aware of the risks and understanding what they mean. To help, we’ve summarised a couple of the key challenges internet users face.

Firstly, just because a website ends in .ai, it doesn’t mean it relates to the field of artificial intelligence. You should always be careful and do your research on the website and organisation behind it before trading with them or sharing information.

Secondly, for those looking to invest in domains as a trading opportunity, it is a smaller market than others and still not the most widely used. For example, large corporations have purchased .ai domains but often they still just redirect you to their traditional .com domain. This may mean they are a riskier investment for now but could also pay off in the long term.

 

Final thoughts

With the development of new technology and the introduction of new domain extensions, it is important to remember that there are existing extensions out there like .ai that can be repurposed. If each country or region has a ccTLD, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be used for that specific location.

In many cases, Google doesn’t penalise a website due to geo-location issues and so a ccTLD can turn into a brand-friendly, engaging domain for your organisation.

If you want to get started and explore the different domains available to trade, join the community at Cloudname, the first truly all-in-one domain trading platform.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

Blockchain Starter Guide: From Bitcoin to NFTs

Blockchain Starter Guide: From Bitcoin to NFTs

Blockchain Starter Guide: From Bitcoin to NFTs

Blockchain. What started as a tech buzzword is now everywhere in the media. It has created new business models, reinvented the Internet, and is on its way to replacing banks.

There have been many achievements, and Bitcoin is the most successful project. Still, barely 100 million people are using cryptocurrencies in 2022. So while it’s been over a decade, most of the population is unfamiliar with blockchains.

Maybe that’s you, and that’s ok. Blockchain often isn’t beginner-friendly. It may seem exclusive for developers, traders, or collectors.

But it’s not all about investing. Blockchain can become as seamless as the Internet. So whether you know how it works or not, anyone can use it.

Here’s why blockchain is relevant for everyday people (and why companies invest so much in it).

 

Blockchain 101: What It Is, What It Does

In formal terms, a blockchain is a digital database secured by distributed ledger technology (DLT).

Broken down word by word:

  • The block is a data container that allows multiple formats. Thus, a transaction block may include the date, amount, name, and address. The combination of all these creates a unique ID number for each block (known as hash).

Blocks also need the hash from the previous before adding to the chain.

  • The chain is the chronological sequence of blocks. To add a new block, users need to confirm that the new block includes the exact hash from the previous one. As new blocks chain after yours (known as confirmations), the transaction becomes irreversible.
  • The ledger is the database that records these transactions.
  • A distributed ledger (LTD) means that all involved users have a copy of this database in real-time. You don’t rely on a single device to verify these entries, but thousands.

 

How Blockchain Works

While blockchains divide into many types, public blockchains are the default. That’s what most cryptocurrencies are. Here are some common properties:

  • Autonomous. Blockchains have hard-coded rules (AKA consensus models) to verify their blocks. In Bitcoin, the blockchain validator is often whoever uses the most computing power. In chains like Ethereum, it might be whoever holds the most coins (AKA staking), or whoever other members vote.
  • Decentralized. There’s no central authority in charge of the database or the rules. Even blockchain code updates rely on collective decisions. The more the members, the more decentralized.
  • Trustless. There’s no link between your identity and the transaction details. However, blockchains hold records available for the public. Because of this transparency, users can trade without intermediaries needed.
  • Secure. You can only add a new block if the majority of nodes confirm it. Once the block is public, it becomes more secure as the chain goes on. After enough blocks are built after yours, the transaction is permanent.

When you change these properties, you get blockchain variations such as:

  • Public/Private
  • Permissioned/Permissionless
  • Consortium/Hybrid

 

The Real Deal Behind Blockchain

Blockchain has contributed to efficiency and innovation in business. Companies that implement blockchain will simply outperform those that don’t. And it’s only getting started.

Blockchain businesses can save money on transaction and escrow fees. So they can either improve their profits or lower prices for their customers. Most decentralized applications (Dapps) charge a few cents at most.

Because blockchains rely on distributed nodes, thousands of users can share their control. Rather than trusting the goodwill of some board of directors. Decentralized organizations (DAOs) gain users rapidly because of this opportunity.

To show how relevant blockchains have become, let’s look at their broadest applications.

 

Top 5 Blockchain Use Cases

Ironically, almost all cryptocurrencies have centralized markets. Bitcoin still has ridiculous price influence, whether your coin is the real deal or just hype. As if blockchain was all about Bitcoin’s technology.

Over time, blockchain projects will be freer from this influence. Here are five places where to look:

Dapps: Decentralized Applications

Decentralized applications are autonomous programs that offer user features. The utility code can be the same as in traditional apps. The code that interacts with the blockchain is called smart contract.

What do Dapps do? As much as any other app, plus expanded transactional features. Platforms that make it easy to pay and get paid. 

Dapps can be foundational (used to build bigger dapps) or niche-focused (from investing to gaming). Most use the Ethereum blockchain because it was the first one with smart contracts. Now with more efficient options, you can find Dapps on Solana, Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, and a dozen others.

Decentralized exchanges, play-to-earn games, and marketplaces like Cloudname are Dapp examples.

Decentralized Finance: Trustless Financial Services

Blockchains introduce new ways to put your (crypto) money to work, which we call DeFi. Based on your goals and risk preference, you’ll find countless instruments:

  • Staking: Lock a coin amount you own to earn Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
  • Liquidity Mining: Provide funds to collect platforms fees and influence its policies
  • Yield farming: Earn three-digit APYs by leveraging crypto lending
  • Arbitrage trading: Profit from price differences between pool prices and live markets.
  • Fractionalized trading: You can profit from assets that you’d otherwise need to buy. On Cloudname for example, you could buy a $1000 fraction of a $1M domain. If the domain appreciates or sells for $2M, you get $2,000.

DeFi apps have little to no fees. Most of which go either to reward liquidity providers or improve the platform. There are also aggregators which automatically find you the lowest quotes.

Unlike Bitcoin, DeFi wasn’t a thing until 2020. How fast is it growing? It’s already a $130B+ market, which is 17% of Bitcoin’s.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: Empower Consumers

DAOs empower those who invest the most. While that often means money, it could also mean the number of transactions, years holding X token, or participation. DAOs are collectively-managed companies where the most-valued members get the most decision-power.

Let’s say you want a group to help you trade domains on Cloudname. You build a $1M fund with other people and contribute 10% to it. How do you agree on what domain to trade?

If you’re the best contributor, your decision has more weight. DAOs do this automatically. And to avoid manipulation, they may involve multiple decision-makers and voting randomness.

NFTs: Wealth Preservation

Also known as “digital gold,” many are jumping into Bitcoin to protect their money. Still, Bitcoin is volatile, outperformed by many, and doesn’t hedge well against traditional markets. And while it might grow past the $1M Bitcoin eventually, every setback delays this crypto dream.

Could NFTs be different?

Non-fungible Tokens are unique coins that represent a digital collectible backed by blockchains. For example, the famous Bored Apes are collections of ERC-721 tokens. It’s essentially a unique Ethereum token in your wallet, which identifies you as the owner.

NFTs can only trade for cryptocurrencies, which makes them even more volatile. And while many collections are cash-grabs, it’s not uncommon to sell NFTs for 10X-100X. Or better: lifetime passive income.

For example, you can trade domain NFTs on Cloudname. Once you own one, you can offer it to a website owner for a yearly subscription.

Payments: Fast and Worldwide Available

While domains are one blockchain application, they’re not limited to websites. They make it easier to get paid by replacing unreadable addresses. The ones that look like ‘0BvBMSEYstWetqTFn5Au4m4GFg7xJaNVN2.’

Imagine you buy yourname.crypto on Cloudname, and it supports the Ethereum Name System. You link your Ethereum wallet to your domain, so you no longer need to share that long text string. For clients, it looks like this:

  1. Open the Ethereum wallet
  2. From your balance, click on Send
  3. Instead of pasting an address, type yourname.crypto
  4. Enter the amount and confirm transaction[IMG] 

The payment sent to yourname.crypto arrives at the same long address attached.

 

What Are Blockchain Domains Exactly?

Whatever the project is, all blockchain websites start with a domain. To build decentralized applications, you can use both traditional and blockchain domains. So how are they different?

Let’s start from the basics. A domain is an address naming service that simplifies browsing. There are infrastructure platforms that register these domains (Namecheap, GoDaddy). Traditionally, you would buy your new domain and pay renovation fees every year.

Blockchain domains are NFTs. You pay one time, and once it’s in your crypto wallet, it’s only yours. Nobody can deactivate it if you miss payments (because there aren’t).

Your domain will register on the blockchain (probably Ethereum’s), which is a public registry. So when someone searches yourname.crypto, this happens:

  1. Your browser runs the IPFS protocol (which allows reading .crypto domains)
  2. The domain’s smart contracts will point to the blockchain block linked to your website.
  3. Once it’s found, your device loads the website as normal.

So what are the advantages of using blockchain domains instead?

Get Paid In Fewer Steps

The easier it is to get paid, the more likely it is to. So how easy is it to pay in crypto? Knowing that billions of people don’t know how, probably not easy enough.

Without ENS blockchain domains:

  1. Go to the website
  2. Find the 35-character address and copy it
  3. From your wallet, click on Send and paste it
  4. Confirm transaction

Most sites will open your browser wallet instead (e.g., Metamask). What if you don’t have one? Here’s a simpler way:

  1. Click on Send, and type yourname.crypto
  2. Confirm transaction

Works from any wallet as long as it’s the same blockchain.

Get Full Control of Your Website

The moment you buy your domain NFT, you have full control until you sell it. You pay nothing else, and it can keep appreciating over time. How is it possible?

The name registers on the blockchain, which is public, immutable, and distributed. There’s no central server to verify that the domain is yours. Every node on the blockchain can, which is why you pay once.

Your domain will work for as long as the blockchain does. It doesn’t matter where you bought it from. If whatever domain registrar were to shut down overnight, you’d still keep your domain.

Not only control is safe. It can be an asset itself.

Get Passive Income From Your Domain

You can monetize ‘control’ by selling your domain to others. Just like your traditional domain registrar. Which really means renting for a year.

If you’re investing in domains rather than building websites, renting is smart. You can generate annual passive income while waiting for potential sales. You are lowering your risk in case your domain doesn’t sell.

But if it’s a good one, it might go above $1,000 per year. Maybe you own a four or five-letter crypto domain. Once they’re all taken, yours becomes more valuable.

Also, blockchain domains sell for cryptocurrencies, which tend to appreciate long-term. NFTs also gain value based on who or how many owners came first. If some big brands have owned it before, that’s visible on the blockchain and affects your sale price.

Crypto domains are easy to trade from the Cloudname marketplace. You’ll find 100s of domains available, all with live status and prices for sale, rent, fractionalization. Whether you want to buy domains under $100 or invest $100 in $1M domains, Cloudname allows you to do it.

Buy, Sell and Rent Crypto Domains – YouTube

 

How To Get Started On Blockchain?

Many believe when Bitcoin gains mass adoption, blockchain will change the world. But crypto payments are far from its only application. Blockchain has a lot to offer to everyone, even those who’d rather stay away from this movement.

If you want to invest in blockchain, opportunities are endless. Anything works as you learn the sector, whether it’s DeFi or metaverse. It comes down to competitive research.

If you want to trade blockchain projects, Cloudname domains are an easy way to start. Blockchain economies are still volatile no matter the asset. With good risk management strategies, arbitrage becomes very profitable.

If you want to develop, easy. Most primitive apps are already built, and you just need to put them together for your niche idea. You can go with the large ETH market or cost-effective blockchains like Solana.

And if you’re getting started and found this helpful, we invite you to check other guides in our blog.

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

What is a domain lease?

What is a domain lease?

LEASE

A domain name is often a relatively cheap expense for a business, but this doesn’t tell the whole story. In order to have a domain that has high levels of authority and as a result, traffic you need to put time and money into Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Domain names are as important as other capital assets that like equipment, vehicles and buildings that can be paid for over time. The domain lessee can operate the domain names while they are earning the revenue to pay for the lease payments. With a domain purchased on payments you control the ultimate cost of the best domain name, and have it form the start of your business.


Right now many domain names are available to purchase by click the more details page and following the link to the dan.com website,, when applicable.

Furthermore, despite there being such a wide variety of domains to choose from it can be incredibly difficult to find the perfect domain name for your business, brand or personal project.

This is where alternative options for obtaining a domain come into play and today we are going to focus on the concept of a domain lease, also referred to as renting a domain. In much the same way as leasing a car or property for your business, it presents some significant benefits that may make it a much better option compared with the traditional approach to web domains.

Read on to find out more about leasing a domain and whether it is suitable for your individual requirements.

 

What do we mean by a domain lease and what are the benefits of this approach

We’ve already touched on a useful analogy when trying to describe the concept of a domain lease. When we need an office or retail store for our business, we generally have two choices: to buy it or to lease it.

This is the exact same idea with a domain. You can either purchase one from a domain registrar and then build up the domain’s authority from scratch, or you can lease the domain from its owner.

There are some fantastic benefits to exploring this option and we will go on to list those in the next section. These benefits have made domain leasing such a popular option that many domain platforms like Cloudname allow you to not only buy and sell domains but rent them too. There are also specialist domain leasing websites dedicated to this offering and the most popular is Venture.com

 

What are the benefits of domain leasing

With every decision we make, there are both pros and cons to consider. When it comes to domain leasing, there are some truly interesting benefits that you need to be aware of.

The benefits are not just for the small guy who may have limited funds, larger organisations and tech start-ups also often opt for this approach. You can explore this article to see how two dynamic NFT projects chose to go down the route of a domain lease.

 

Minimise expenses at the start

To truly develop a domain from nothing, it does take an investment in time and money. For many start-ups or smaller businesses, cash flow can be a challenge and it can be a significant help to save money on domains.

By leasing a domain, you can reduce the outgoings at the start and be able to fairly accurately forecast expenditure moving forward as you will have an agreement in place with the owner of the domain.

 

Existing authority and traffic

Many owners of domains will put money into making their domain rank highly on SERPs for certain keywords. This is because it will be more desirable to those looking for a domain and increase the amount they can charge.

As a result, this means that when you lease a domain it is likely to come with a degree of authority and SEO already in place. You can start generating an income or brand awareness from the domain much quicker than if you buy a brand new one.

 

Get a premium domain name

With growing competition for space in the online community, it can be challenging to find your preferred domain. Whilst new TLDs are being added into the mix, which expands the pool of domains the premium ones get snapped up very quickly.

By leasing a domain, you may well be able to find that perfect domain name or at least a more relevant one for the industry or location you operate in.

 

Brand continuity

A website is just one extension of a brand, along with physical stores, social media channels, emails and more. As a result, finding the most suitable domain can play a big part in maximising brand awareness and brand continuity.

If your domain isn’t available to buy, but it can be leased then this might be more beneficial to you from a brand perspective compared to owning a domain.

 

Are there potential disadvantages to leasing a domain?

Yes, the short answer is there are disadvantages to choosing a domain lease. This doesn’t mean it is the wrong choice for people but it does mean you need to balance the risk against the reward.

 

Some of the potential disadvantages include:

  • Lack of control: If the owner decides not to renew the agreement or shuts down for some reason then this could cause significant issues for your business or personal project. You may have spent a long time building up brand awareness and engagement, only to find you can’t continue using the well-known domain name.
  • Not investing in an asset: Whilst you reduce the liability by not owning the domain, you are not investing in an asset because it doesn’t belong to you. In much the same way as renting a property as opposed to owning one.
  • Over time it can be expensive: For those with limited cash flow, leasing is a fantastic option but over time the money you spend will accumulate. This means it may cost more overall for the domain than if you have bought one and developed it yourself.

How do you lease a domain and what ones are available?

Thankfully, the process required to lease a domain is pretty straight forward and there are a lot of places to choose from.

If you visit a marketplace like Cloudname and search through the list of domains, you will be able to see whether they have been listed for sale and/or rent. You simply select the one that you wish to go for and then follow the steps on the screen.

When you choose to lease a domain, make sure that you take a moment to do the following:

 

  • Check the terms and conditions of the lease to fully understand the costs, duration and liabilities.
  • Shop around to make sure that it is the best option for you in terms of domain name and price.
  • Consider all purchasing options before committing to the lease and do some research on the owner if you can.

What domains are available to lease?

Firstly, any type of domain can be leased to others by the owner. No matter whether it is a traditional .com domain or a modern NFT domain they all can be traded in this way.

However, what is important to note is that not every owner will choose to do this. They may prefer to sell it outright because that suits their investment plans, or they wish to tokenize a domain. 

There is a degree of luck involved that you will find your perfect domain available when you need it, but with such a dynamic marketplace there is a good chance you will find a suitable domain to lease.

 

What other options for there for getting a domain?

We’ve focused on a domain lease in this article but it is important to remember there are other ways to obtain the perfect domain for your business or investment portfolio. You can find more information about these topics in our blog section, but please read on for a summary of three potential alternatives.

 

Buy a brand new domain

You can explore the many web domain registrars out there like GoDaddy or Ionos and find an unused domain. Once you have purchased this, you will have to pay renewal fees each year but you then have full control over what you do with it and another owner can’t take it away.

This is the traditional approach and still a very popular option, particularly if you have the knowledge to optimise a website or the funds to do so.

 

Buy an established domain

One of the reasons why we developed the first truly all-in-one domain trading platform is that many people out there wish to buy established domains. Whether it is part of an investment portfolio or as a way to expand their business it presents a great way to enter the market quickly without having to wait for a domain to develop over time.

You can buy these domains with a range of currencies including cryptocurrency with Cloudname so check out our marketplace for more details.

 

Invest in a tokenized domain

If you’re looking to build up a portfolio of investments in domains, then this option is a fantastic way to go about it. As highlighted in this article, a domain can be fractionalized so that instead of trying to sell it for $100,000, someone could sell 100 shares of it for $1000 each.

This presents you with an affordable way to obtain a share of a website and its value.

 

Cloudname is the innovative platform for online domain trading. Discover the world of cloudname and everything you didn’t know about domain trading.

Which are the best Web3 domains?

Web3 domain names are blockchain-based DNS addresses that allow each user to create and manage their domains. These addresses represent a user’s wallets. They are

Read More »

How to invest in Web3

How to invest in Web3 When Web1 came into the limelight, people would have probably thought it was the peak of the internet. Then Web2

Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email
Tumblr

How does it work?

On 28/01/2023 a whitelist of eligible wallets will be published (any wallet holding $CNAME since before 27/01/2023 – NOTE: the tokens needs to be in a WALLET and not for example in an exchange)

Whitelisted users will be able to Redeem $CNAME directly on the Cloudname website.
The application page will allow users to connect their wallet and choose how many $CNAME to redeem.

Once the $CNAME are sent, users will immediately receive an email with a Freename promo code. Every promo code will be $100 max, and is not cumulative  (e.g. if you redeem $1,000 in $CNAME, you will receive 10x $100 promo-codes)

Happy Web3 TLDs and Domains Shopping!