Choosing a Domain Name Suffix: .COM, .ORG, or .NET?

Have an idea for a website and confused whether it should be registered as .com, .org, or .net?

It really comes down to personal preference but there are some practical considerations before choosing. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing:

1) Websites are virtual property. Consider the eventual resale value of the domain name. For this purpose .com, .org and .net are best.
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2) The world at large is most familiar with these three suffixes. While a name maybe available using .info or .ws, these suffixes have not found a place within the mind of the typical Internet user. In the end, sites with .com, .org or .net extensions carry more natural "authority" and built in reputation.
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3) .com is the most familiar to most people. Even if a domain name has already been taken, it maybe worth the effort to pursue the purchase of the name. See point #1.

4) .org has been generally used for non-profit organizations. This has been changing. Lots of non-profits have "stores". Today, it is often used for sites that simple provide information with no intent of selling anything.
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5) .net is recommended if the .com equivalent has been taken and purchasing the .com version is out of the question.

6) Transferring .org domains (in the event of a sale) requires actual signed paperwork. This can get messy.

While there are no hard and fast rules, beginners should stick with one of the main three suffixes.
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Paul Flyer writes and maintains Recommended Web Tools, an online resource for web development beginners. Visit his blog archives for more information on domain name tools.