The .RODEO top-level domain (TLD) was introduced as part of the expansion of the Domain Name System, following approval from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Its delegation as a new gTLD commenced on November 15, 2013, according to ICANN (2013). This expansion allowed for diversity in the previously limited list of TLDs, making domain names more specific, relevant, and easier to remember.
The .RODEO TLD is administered by Minds + Machines Group Limited, a company engaged in domain name sales and service provision that operates a wide range of domains. The .RODEO gTLD is targeted towards individuals, businesses, and organizations linked to the sport and cultural spectacle of rodeo. This could include riders, fans, promoters, venues, sponsors, and suppliers of rodeo-related products and services.
A .RODEO domain name can be a perfect place for professionals, enthusiasts, and fans to share updates, schedules of events, information about rodeo sports, educational resources, or even to set up online shops selling rodeo gear. For instance, www.prorodeo.rodeo is a website for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This shows how specific entities can effectively use the .RODEO TLD to represent their affiliation with rodeo and serve their target markets better.
The introduction and use of .RODEO were not without challenges. The main disadvantage was initial low awareness and recognition – people have been accustomed to .COM and country-specific TLDs. However, this disadvantage is being gradually overcome as more organizations use new gTLDs, according to a study by the European Registry for Internet Domain Names (EURid) and Leuven University (2019).
One of the primary considerations in using a .RODEO domain is the cost – prices can vary by provider and additional cost, such as for website hosting, email services, or domain privacy, may be attached. For instance, NameCheap is one reliable registrar offering .RODEO domain names, whose pricing details can be found on their official website.
In conclusion, .RODEO is a top-level domain aimed at the rodeo community. It provides a specific and relevant naming option for people and organizations involved in rodeo and helps them to have an identifiable presence online.
Sources:
1. ICANN (2013): New gTLD Program. https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
2. Minds + Machines Group Limited: Our TLDs. https://mmx.co/tlds/
3. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association: http://www.prorodeo.rodeo/
4. EURid & KU Leuven (2019): World Report on Internationalised Domain Names, https://eurid.eu/en/digital-library/wrid/.
5. NameCheap: .RODEO Domain Names. https://www.namecheap.com/domains/registration/results/?domain=%20.rodeo.
