What Are New Dots?

New "Dots" are new internet web address endings being introduced through the ICANN New gTLD Program. Where consumers today are familiar with 'dot' endings for websites such as .com, .org, or .gov, 2014 will see an explosion of new 'dots' - web address endings such as .MIAMI, .Ninja, .Macy and over 1000 other new dot suffixes that will enable website addresses to end with just about dot anything! See a List of all the new 'dots'.

The New 'Dots' represent a transformative event in the evolution of the internet that will change how internet users navigate the web and interact with the world around them.

Over the next year, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will introduce over 1000 new, industry-specific Top Level Domains (dots) to the internet addressing system. These "New Dots" will act as alternative options to .COM or .NET. New dots will be created in many categories including .Brands (.google, .netflix, .gucci), .Cities (.NYC, .London, .Berlin), professions (.doctor, .law, .cpa), interests (.art, .fashion, .cars) and more.

The purpose of TheNewDots.org is to raise awareness and educate consumers about this revolutionary change to the internet addressing system. Goals are to minimize harm, maximize benefits and help create a smoother transition to a new dot-anything internet environment. The approach is to create an engaging and relatable message to enhance consumer knowledge in the short window of time before new .addresses emerge online.

A principle concern for introducing new top-level domains to the world wide web was the potential for consumer confusion and possible harm that may result. Users will be unfamiliar with new dot-addresses initially and will have difficulty identifying and recognizing new web addresses as they emerge online. There is also an anticipated increase in frequency and variety of methods used by counterfeiters and information thieves that consumers should be on the lookout for.

The TheNewDots.org approach uses terms and phrasing that most internet users and consumers can relate to and understand today, as opposed to introducing new vocabulary and concepts. It is believed this approach will assist in reaching the broadest audience, and have the most effective impact on user understanding.

'Most consumers and internet users don't understand what a 'gTLD' or even what a 'domain name' is, asserts Tom Gilles New Dot Media TLD-Vangelist-in Chief . "Using this terminology will only confuse them. The New gTLD Program needs an identity makeover that is more relatable to the man on the street. We think substituting the phrase 'New Dots' will help us to reach a wider audience and achieve a higher level of understanding among consumers."

TheNewDots.org contains feature articles explaining aspects of the new dot-address expansion in simple, relatable terms. There are also user guides tailored specifically for consumers, parents, website owners, small business, professionals and trademark owners to help them prepare, protect and promote themselves in The New Dot Internet.