Why do so many Lemmy instances use weird TLDs? - eviltoast

I get that some instances use the domain + TLD to make a word, like lemm.ee or to an extent, sh.itjust.works. But I’ve seen so many TLDs I had no idea existed, like .world, .zone, .social, and yes .works as well.

Is there any real reason for that? Trying to look cool or kinda underground-y? Cheaper and more varied domain options? Something actually kinda functional?

Interestingly, I started on vlemmy.net because I was a scared Reddit refugee and the .net TLD gave me comfort. Then it vanished a few days later without a trace. So here I am on lemmy.world

  • moreeni@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    They look better and more quirky than the “usual” ones. Also, sometimes they might be even cheaper

      • bluefirex@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Definitely not. Some examples (actual prices I pay for my various domains):

        • com: $18/y (gTLD)
        • net: $19/y (gTLD)
        • de: ~$5/y (ccTLD)
        • re: ~$5/y (ccTLD)
        • design: $49/y
        • tech: $55/y
        • blue: $23/y
        • SkyNTP@lemmy.ml
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          1 year ago

          I think this depends largely on the domain name … So I’m not sure this data is all that enlightening out of context.

          • bluefirex@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            My data just serves as a counter point to the argument “new domains are always cheaper”. Of course it depends on the domain and how greedy a particular NIC is to create a text file on a server.

            • SkyNTP@lemmy.ml
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              1 year ago

              I guess it’s a matter of semantics on the word “always”. You are technically right, it isn’t 100% of the time. But 99% or even 90% is still good enough for conventional wisdom, which might be the other interpretation here (especially in contrast to the assertion of it’s “sometimes” cheaper).

        • _pete_@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          I think I got my .fun for about £2 from names.co.uk usually price for a .com is £30.

          I’ve found most weird TLDs are cheaper than classic ones, but there are some exceptions (.app and .io comes to mind)