Kiwis urged to take ownership of domain names

New Zealand’s domain name commissioner Debbie Monahan says New Zealanders could be making better use of their email addresses to express or promote themselves.

She says although people often have their name in their website address and invest in personalised number plates and phone numbers it’s surprising how many people still accept being defined by their internet service provider online.

"Too many people and businesses tend to just go with their ISP’s name after the "@" in their email address, which means they are in effect promoting their ISP rather than their own enterprise," Ms Monahan says.

"Swapping an ISP’s name in an email address for their own name makes a business more memorable to their customers and means families can create their own identity.

Email addresses such as owner@buisnessname.co.nz or daughter@familyname.net.nz are far more distinctive options than simply going with an ISP’s name.

"How often do you see, for example, business vehicles with an email address emblazoned on the side which is primarily promoting their ISP. Think what an opportunity they’re missing," Ms Monahan says.

She adds that in a fast-changing world it’s vital that an identity is portable once people have gone to the effort of creating one.

"An email address that’s uniquely yours allows you to change providers for whatever reason you choose without the hassle of having to tell friends, family and business contacts and changing stationery, not to mention all those email addresses you’ve placed in online services such as Facebook, Twitter or TradeMe.

- © Fairfax NZ News