Rightside Enters the Domain Name Arena with .Democrat and .Dance
After playing a pivotal role in supporting the launch of numerous Donuts’ top-level domains (TLDs), Rightside is now stepping into the spotlight to launch its own. The company, a significant player in the domain name industry and currently part of Demand Media, is venturing further into the domain registry business.

Rightside’s initial offerings in this new endeavor are the .democrat and .dance TLDs, both of which have officially entered their landrush phase. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it leverages its extensive experience and infrastructure to directly offer new domain extensions to the public.
Rightside: From Supporter to Competitor in the Domain Name Market
While these are the first domain extensions that Rightside is actively promoting under its own banner, it’s crucial to acknowledge the company’s extensive background. Rightside’s registry operations have been instrumental in managing the backend infrastructure for numerous Donuts domain names. This experience has provided them with invaluable insights and technical expertise, positioning them well to compete in the increasingly competitive landscape of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs).
The launch of .democrat and .dance signals a strategic shift for Rightside. It is no longer just a support system for other registries but an active participant driving innovation and expanding choices within the domain name market. This move is expected to strengthen Rightside’s position and contribute significantly to its future growth.
Understanding the Landrush Phase
Rightside is implementing a standard, albeit relatively short, landrush phase for both .democrat and .dance. The landrush phase is a period where individuals or organizations can apply for domain names before general availability. During this time, registering a domain name comes at a premium price compared to the standard registration fee. This is because there’s an increased chance of multiple parties wanting the same domain name. If more than one applicant expresses interest in a particular domain during the landrush, an auction will be held to determine who ultimately secures the rights to it.
This system ensures a fair and transparent process for acquiring highly desirable domain names. Those willing to pay the higher landrush price gain an advantage, increasing their chances of obtaining the specific domain they seek before the floodgates open to the general public.
Pricing and Registration Details
Name.com, a prominent domain registrar owned by Rightside, is currently offering landrush registrations for both .democrat and .dance domains. The landrush registration fee for .democrat is set at $229.99, while the price drops to $34.99 once general availability begins. Similarly, .dance domains are priced at $199.99 during the landrush and will be available for $25.99 in general availability.
These prices reflect the increased demand and competition expected during the landrush period. While the landrush fees are higher, they offer a distinct advantage to those who prioritize securing a specific domain name. Once general availability begins, the prices will decrease significantly, making these domains more accessible to a broader audience.
Key Dates to Remember
The landrush phase for both .democrat and .dance is scheduled to run through May 5th. This provides a limited window of opportunity for those looking to secure their desired domain names before they become available to the general public. After May 5th, the domain names will enter general availability, and the registration prices will be significantly lower.
It’s important to mark these dates on your calendar if you’re interested in registering a .democrat or .dance domain name. Missing the landrush phase could mean losing out on a valuable domain name to someone else.
Rightside’s Future Vision and Growth Strategy
Demand Media has plans to spin off Rightside as an independent entity later this year. This strategic move will allow Rightside to focus exclusively on its domain name business and pursue its own growth initiatives. The company is heavily reliant on the success of new top-level domains like .democrat and .dance to drive growth across its various business segments.
Rightside’s vision extends beyond simply offering domain names. The company aims to create vibrant online communities and foster innovation around its new TLDs. By providing relevant resources and support to domain registrants, Rightside hopes to encourage the development of unique and engaging online content.
The Significance of .Democrat and .Dance
The choice of .democrat and .dance as the initial TLDs is strategic. .Democrat caters to a wide range of organizations and individuals involved in politics, activism, and civic engagement. It provides a clear and memorable online identity for political campaigns, advocacy groups, and individuals passionate about democratic ideals.
On the other hand, .dance appeals to a diverse audience within the dance community, including dance studios, instructors, performers, and enthusiasts. It offers a dedicated online space for showcasing talent, promoting events, and connecting with fellow dancers around the world.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Rightside and the Domain Name Industry
Rightside’s entry into the domain registry market with .democrat and .dance marks an exciting new chapter for the company and the broader domain name industry. With its extensive experience, robust infrastructure, and strategic vision, Rightside is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the world of online identities.
The launch of these new TLDs provides individuals and organizations with fresh opportunities to establish a unique and memorable online presence. Whether you’re a political activist, a dance instructor, or simply passionate about these topics, .democrat and .dance offer a dedicated space to express your identity and connect with like-minded individuals.
As the landrush phase progresses, it will be interesting to observe the uptake of these new TLDs and the innovative ways in which they are used. Rightside’s success will undoubtedly shape the future of the domain name industry and influence the direction of online branding and identity.
Keep an eye on Rightside as they continue to expand their portfolio of TLDs and innovate in the dynamic world of domain names. The future looks bright for this company as they carve out their niche in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
In conclusion, Rightside’s strategic move into the domain registry business with .democrat and .dance, after years of supporting others, signifies a significant evolution. Their extensive experience, coupled with the unique appeal of their initial offerings, positions them for future growth and success in the competitive domain name market. The industry will be watching closely to see how Rightside shapes the future of online identity and branding.