Chinese Character Domain Names

Any updates or news about chinese character domains names?

[snair]

I've searched through the forums here and it seems like most of info on Chinese-character domain names are a few years old.

So I'm wondering what's the progress on them.

Basically,

1. Do most modern browsers support them now? Or do you still need some type of plug-in for the browser to accept it?

2. Does any one have an experience registering Chinese-character domain names?

Any real world experience or info is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[bill]

There isn't much new information because not much has changed. The advice from the old threads on the topic is valid today for the most part.

1. Do most modern browsers support them now?

The majority of visitors to my Chinese sites are still using IE6. That browser doesn't support IDNs natively without a plug-in. That's your biggest hurdle with these names right now.

2. Does any one have an experience registering Chinese-character domain names?

Sure. I have all my trademarks and most of my keywords registered just to keep the domain squatters away, but I don't foresee using any of them. You can register a number of Chinese language domains from CNNIC approved registrars. You can register IDN (internationalized domain names) ending in a number of top level domains including .com at any number of registrars.

[snair]

Thanks for the information bill!

I'm surprised at how slow internationalized domain adoption has been.

[snair]

Hi bill one more quick question if you don't mind.

When you registered your Chinese-character domain names did you get both the simplified and traditional versions?

[bill]

My main keyword characters are fortunately the same in Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Other keyword variants were not though. For these I first secured the Simplified Chinese versions, but for most I have not bothered to also get the Traditional Chinese versions. The market for Traditional Chinese is obviously smaller, but in many cases the Simplified characters are understood in both markets.

[nippon]

Unfortunately I think that you'll be too late trying to pick up decent IDN domains. There is a small but thriving network of IDN domainers who have hoovered up all the good stuff in most of the languages you can think of.

I myself have a few, and have developed language specific websites on them which are starting to pick up traffic.

Now IE7 is being pushed in Japan I notice that my parking pages have started to get more clicks from type in traffic too :)

There have been some fairly high profile IDN high price sales on popular domain auction sites recently too.

Now is probably your last chance to jump in and pick up any remaining IDNs.

Good Luck