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ccTLDs may be a "hot" trend right now, but only because the big guys have decided to hype them; a year ago, most ccTLDs were considered inferior (except a few like .de, which have always been stable and well-revered in its home country). Why the sudden pumping of ccTLDs? One has to wonder...
I think ccTLDs can be risky; .cn has proven that an owner's investment can evaporate overnight with the stroke of lawmaker's pen. Each country has the right to legislate it's ccTLD as it sees fit and can leave an investor in the lurch--and without recourse.
I like .net because it IS stable and global. A ccTLD is usually ranked well only within its own country, unless one uses SEO--all the hype in the world doesn't change that fact. A developed .net will do well without a lot SEO, sometimes even over the .com.
I do believe that .com, .net, and .org are the global standard bearers. Unfortunately, .us seems to be underutilized by U.S. users, which puzzles me because it should be a natural for U.S. citizens and internationals who do business in the U.S.
Other ccTLDs have their regional niches but may prove to be poor investments for domainers who may not know the customs, language, and laws of foreign countries and the rules of their TLDs.
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