The top-level domain (TLD) .buzz is a sponsored top-level domain in the Domain Name System of the World Wide Web. Its sponsoring organization is DOTSTRATEGY CO., an Arkansas-based firm. Although any registrant can use .buzz domain, it’s greatly designed for and advertised towards individuals and businesses linked to marketing and social media networking engagement.
Moreover, the .buzz is geared towards groups and businesses that create and drive excitement. This TLD was intended for bloggers, advertisers, marketing and PR agencies, publishers, businesses and non-profit organizations, and individuals seeking to reach an audience with messaging that creates a “buzz.”
A TLD is the rightmost label in a domain name, the letters following the final dot, such as “com,” “org,” “net,” etc. Some examples in the case of .buzz could be “www.business.buzz” or “www.travel.buzz”. These sites might belong to businesses or individuals looking to generate enthusiasm about their products or services.
A high-profile example of the usage of the .buzz domain is the NASA Buzz Aldrin Portal to Science and Space Exploration mobile application. Hosted at www.buzzaldrin.com, this application is an example of how the .buzz domain can create a vibrant, immediate image that fits perfectly with the aims of the website and its mission to engage the public in space exploration and generate “buzz” around scientific topics.
As per the research done by ICANN, the global authority for domain registration and management, in 2013, the .buzz domain was delegated as part of ICANN’s New gTLD Program. This was the result of a proposal from the sponsoring organization and approval from ICANN. The new TLDs can represent geographic locations (like .tokyo or .nyc), brands (.apple), generic terms (.book), or cater to specific interests (.golf, .fashion). DotStrategy, the .buzz domain provider, officially applied for .buzz on May 31, 2012.
As of now, anyone can purchase a .buzz domain, and it can be registered for one to 10 years at a time. Several registrars, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, offer .buzz domain registration. Prices vary by provider and additional services, like privacy protection or domain parking.
In conclusion, the .buzz TLD provides an exciting opportunity for businesses and individuals alike to present a high-energy image and market their ideas in a way that encourages engagement and discussion.
Sources:
1. ICANN New gTLD Program Factsheet. www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtld-faqs-2014-02-19-en
2. BZNR – The Buzz domain registrar. www.buzznames.biz/about-buzz
3. GoDaddy .Buzz domain registration. www.godaddy.com/tlds/buzz-domain
4. Namecheap .Buzz domain registration. www.namecheap.com/domains/registration/gtld/buzz/
5. About DotStrategy. www.dotstrategy.co/about-dotstrategy
6. Buzz Aldrin’s Share Space Foundation. https://buzzaldrin.com
