For example
facts about <example> dot com
or
facts about <example> dot org
In terms of creating an authority, which would you trust? Which would you tend to link to? Does it even matter?
[edited by: Webwork at 2:06 pm (utc) on June 11, 2006]
[edit reason] Please, no real domain names as "examples" [/edit]
Junk on a .Org or junk on a .Com is still junk.
I can only see the .Org lending some slight weight IF the website feels both authoratative and benevolent. If it looks like the priority is to sell then stick with the .Com.
[edited by: Webwork at 10:31 pm (utc) on June 10, 2006]
We're going full-on authority/expert site with NO advertising. Look with be professional with a focus on - what else? >> content. You hit this site and you'll know it's there for educational purposes.
Thus, the .COM / .ORG question in terms of preconceptions.
it's there for educational purposes.
A perfect example of when to use a .org
Obviously make sure you also own the .com just to ensure that no-none else gets it...
TJ
If used inappropriately, I would trust it LESS.
By "appropriately", I mean when used by an actual organization - whether a non-profit charity, an industry group, etc.
I would trust a .org LESS when used inappropriately.
For example, I would trust a commercial storefront LESS if it is a .org than if it were a .com. The .org raises suspicions. Why are they masquerading as an organization?
"Information" sites are on the borderline. I think, for me, I might include them in the same category as stores. When I see that it is a .org, but it is not an actual organization - that will raise my suspicion level.
I think it depends on what kind of information. If it's presented from a neutral point of view, then I would trust the .org more. For example, I EXPECT a wiki to be a .org. When I see a wiki as a .com, THAT will make me trust it somewhat less than a wiki registered as a .org.
A friend of mine has a personal-interest website on a certain type of boat. It makes him a little money with Adsense. It's "all about" that certain type of boat. I think that's OK as an .org, but in this case, I don't think the .org makes me trust it more or less.
In your cases, though, I think you are trying to convince people about a point of view. I think you'd want an .info. But .info's image stinks, doesn't it. :)
"Informal" organizations are OK. GraduatesOfFoobarHigh.org would be fine. And there are some special cases - for example, a fanciful or mythical organization, even if part of an advertising campaign.
The only other use I see for .org is to protect a brand. Register the .org along with the .com, .net, etc. redirect to the main domain, and do not publicize the .org.
By "appropriately", I mean when used by an actual organization
We're not an organization, per se. Yet we've been involved with the subject at hand for some time and see the real need for an unbiased presentation.
In your cases, though, I think you are trying to convince people about a point of view.
No, not this time :-) Just looking to honestly present both sides of a scenario.
.org for non-commercial stuff
.com for commercial stuff
The advantage of .com is that it is the "default" TLD (i.e. most people will usually try typing .com first if they don't remember the name exactly). But definitely do register both and do a 301-redirect from the secondary to the primary name.
Industry organization websites are, from a certain point of view, the essence of commercial: They promote their industry interests, so they are imbued in the profit interest. They exist to act in the interest of the business, as an arm of the business, and thus are commercial in essence. They have member directories so persons interested in doing business can find those businesses. They often offer certification programs, which are exploited to both promote membership in the organization and to promote the business advertising of the the members.
I could go on about industry websites that use a .Org, but then you might argue "they're the exception". Not entirely.
Do non-profits sell widgets on .Org websites? Ever see a non-profit entity that didn't raise funds in order to perpetuate itself and its mission? Plenty of non-profits sells a product or an entire product line. I get plenty of World Wildlfide catalogs to prove it. :) (And I buy "their products".) Does the mere fact that the non-profit sells a product to sustain it rason d'etre remove its non-commecial status? Does the fact that Bob sells widgets to support his family make him some sort of crass commercial enterprise, lacking in merit to do business under a .Org TLD?
In theory, a .Com website may be devoted to crass commercial interests and in doing so "not offend the TLD". I think the line of what is and what is not "acceptable .Org activity" is a bit blurred and that drawing bright lines about how far one can or should go with a .Org can devolve into an excercise in commercial or business or venture or activity morality. It's a debate that likely cannot be resolved and that is likely why no effort has - or likly ever should - be made to place limits on what type of website can employ a .Org address.
I do lean towards using the .Org TLD for a broader purpose that selling imitation widgets to buy a new BMW for the webmaster, but it is an unrestricted TLD and needs to stay that way, making its own case for a higher purpose as it goes. I think PIR.org is doing a commendable job promoting their vision of .Org, whilst they acknowledge (as best I recall) that any effort to limit the TLD would doubtless result in more pain than gain, as there are likely many versions - from country to country - of what is a non-profit, an educational organization, an industry organization, etc.
Bottom line: It's up to the individual as to whether an effort is made to develop consistent with the spirit of .Org. I'd be inclined to say that a website to focuses on information for education or like purpose, even one that makes a dolloar in the process (selling DVDs, tours, running ads, etc.) is at least edging towards that purpose and therefore it may equally make sense to use the .Org as the .Com.
[edited by: Webwork at 8:10 pm (utc) on June 11, 2006]
If it was for business making money I would use .com
If it was for a business looking to convey a philanthropic, or educational message I would use .info
I would register all 3 (plus the .net) and point them to the TLD I chose to brand on.
I know the extensions have been blurred by many but there are equally as many web users who feel this blurring isn't quite right and that can have a negative impact on your brand and your message in the minds of those people.
those that do can also spot spam and poor quality content anyway
those that do can also spot spam and poor quality content anyway
