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Automattic will control .blog gTLD

Looking to create a new blog or get a domain that is a perfect match for your site? Later this year, there will be a new option on the table. You will be register the generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) .blog for your site or specifically for the blog part of your site such as MyCompany.blog.

Why .blog?
For years, .com was the dominant choice for website names, but it’s become increasingly difficult to find a name. With a top-level domain like .blog, you can get a name that truly matches your identity. Plus, you’ll get all the same benefits with Google search results.

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, will oversee the sale and registration of .blog domains. You will be able to purchase the domain through WordPress.com or through partner domain name registrars and will be available to anyone, not restricting you to a blog, using WordPress, or hosted on WordPress.com.

Pricing is still being finalized but you can sign up to be notified when .blog domain names are available later this year at dotblog.wordpress.com. Sunrise (for trademark owners) is planned for August 2016, landrush (with an application) in October 2016, and general availability is planned for November 2016.

Source: Coming Soon: New .Blog Domains for Websites