I get that some instances use the domain + TLD to make a word, like lemm.ee or to an extent, sh.itjust.works. But I’ve seen so many TLDs I had no idea existed, like .world, .zone, .social, and yes .works as well.
Is there any real reason for that? Trying to look cool or kinda underground-y? Cheaper and more varied domain options? Something actually kinda functional?
Interestingly, I started on vlemmy.net because I was a scared Reddit refugee and the .net TLD gave me comfort. Then it vanished a few days later without a trace. So here I am on lemmy.world
That’s not how the internet works. Any schmuck can buy those domain names except for .gov and .edu
I’m not an ISP, but I can get any .net domain for $11 a year. And then put ads and malware on the site. If someone else hadn’t snatched it already I could even register disney.net if I wanted to. There is zero guarantee that Disney is behind a Disney domain.
You’ll also find a hundred other Disney domains that are not owned by Disney. Big companies usually register a handful of domains for countries they do business in. And darn, some guy already registered disney.world :)
It’s the way it used to work. Re-read my comment. That was my point.
It didn’t. I can’t find a single reference that .net registration was ever restricted to networking companies at all (it might be the intention of the name, but there was never a requirement for it). Same for .com, you could just register them back in the day too.
Hell, .net was even free to register at first before they started charging for domains.
.ie is another one, you can’t get them from a lot of registrars and have to prove you’re genuinely based in Ireland.