Donuts and Minds + Machines updates on TAS and fresh TLDs

Interesting posts from the perspective of fresh TLD applicants.

The fresh TLD delay continues and ICANN just released the total number of applications received so far (over 2,000).

So what does this mean for fresh TLD applicants?

Two of the largest recently published blog posts that shed some light on it.

First, eNom founder Paul Stahura (now with fresh TLD applicant Donuts Inc) wrote regarding the application glitch and how it could affect applications. Donuts saw one other applicant’s filename i the application system but could not determine either the applicant name nor top level domain it was related to.

Nevertheless, Donuts suggests that no “fresh” applications be allowed when the system reopens. Following all, there were just 12 hours to go when the system was shut down. Had anyone really planned on starting a fresh application with less than 12 hours to go? I’m sure there could be some debate regarding that.

Second, Minds + Machines founder Antony Van Couvering tries to break down what 2,100 applications will look like. He guesstimates roughly 50 geo TLDs, 200 IDNs, 150 niche TLDs, 500 applications from “portfolio” applicants (such as Minds + Machines), and 1,200 .brand domains.