BBC Word Update, which we listen to in the wee small hours here in Maine, where we don't need to use AC in mid-June (just thought we'd mention), has a story on ICANN preparing to add new top level domains, or TLDs to those overly fond of calling things by their initials.

A top level domain is just the .com, .net, .org, etc. Instead of having a URL that read just http://www.packawhallop.com (so difficult!), we could, if we wanted, actually have one that read http://www.packawhallop.packawhallop. Or, realistically, http://website.packawhallop (much much much better!). 

Here's a like to the World Update site with the story: 

http://bbc.in/jpzHoR

It's going to be quite costly do get these top level domains. Dan Damon, the World Update presenter, is a bit of a geek, in that he's aware that the $185,000 application fee is way beyond the reach of all about large companies. The rep he interviewed from ICANN replied, when he as asked, that true ownership and rights were covered.

Cheap action for businesses concerned about this but not saving up for the vanity top level domain might be to trademark their names. It's old fashioned. And it seems ICANN may release the top level domain even if you the trademark owner don't want to purchase the top level domain.