By Colby Horton
Shop Site of the Month
Fiore's Sales & Service - Shrewsbury, Mass.
www.fioresinc.com
In addition to an online appointment scheduler, a “Customer Satisfaction Survey” makes this site more interactive to its visitors. The “Ask Tom” section is provided for any impending automotive repair questions that customers or potential customers may have. The professional graphics and animation make this site unique in its concept.
Web Wise
“.tv” Establishes New Internet Presence
“Dot-com” has emerged as one of the most popular terms in American society. An Internet presence normally meant ending your company's name with the ubiquitous “.com” syllable. But, times are changing. There are so many “dot-coms” in existence that companies are having to find new endings to their Web addresses. Traditionally, “.net” or “.org” were the alternatives. But, how about ending your Web address with the two most recognizable letters in the world - TV?
In only six months, 100,000 Web addresses were registered ending in “.tv.” This feat took “.com” more than six years to accomplish. Lou Kerner, chief executive officer of dotTV, the company that provides the source for Web addresses ending in .tv, said, “We believe .tv is a natural symbol for the new generation of richer, more engaging online experiences.”
Where did the “.tv” ending come from? The endings of Web addresses are abbreviations. “.Net” is an abbreviation for “network,” and “.org” is an abbreviation for “organization.” Countries use this same rule as their Internet country codes. Canadian Web addresses end in “.ca”; United Kingdom Web addresses end in “.uk.” Thanks to an alphabetic quirk, the country code for the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu is “.tv.&3148; Idealab's dotTV agreed to pay Tuvalu $50 million in royalties to be able to sell domain names ending in “.tv.”
Among the companies that have implemented “.tv” Web addresses are the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (www.emmys.tv) and ABC (http://www.abc.tv). Of course, this domain is popular within the entertainment industry. But, anyone can register a domain name with the unique ending. You can register through dotTV (www.tv) or through Network Solutions (www.networksolutions.com). The cost is comparable to other domain registrations. However, common dictionary words and phrases may cost you more money.
Registering a Web site using the “.tv” ending can enhance your Internet presence. Although having a .tv Web address has no technological advantage, it will incorporate your domain name into the future of Internet addresses.
Net Numbers
The domain name, "free.tv," sold for an initial annual registration fee of $100,000, representing one of the top 10 domain sales in history.
Source: dotTV (www.tv)
ASA Web Ways
Employment Classifieds
Do you have an opening in your shop, or are you currently looking for a management, administrative or technical position in a shop? The ASA Employment Classifieds will give you the exposure you want. The Employment Classifieds section of the ASA Web site (www.asashop.org) offers 19 categories to post available or wanted positions. ASA national members can post available positions in their shop and include the past experience and certifications/education required, along with any additional information. Technicians looking for a job can post a free advertisement using the Positions Wanted form. Ads automatically expire 30 days after posting.
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Net Worth is written by Colby Horton, ASA's electronic communications manager. He can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 234, or by e-mail at colbyh@asashop.org.
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