Alex Reid

Yet another top level domain (TLD) is being rolled out: .tel.

The purpose of the .tel domain is an “unified contact directory services as text-based alternative to fragmented communications solutions” or in other words an one-shop-stop of all your web sites, phone numbers and other contact information. No private hosting is required for the .tel domain as the usage of the domain name is simply a one-page information portal.

No photos, no html, no web stats, no design options and no associated email – however what is interesting is that clicking on a phone number will activate a “click to call” feature.

The .tel domain name may challenge directory services as it intent is for companies and individuals to offer a compilation of their contact info when they want as they want, while most telcos only update their directory listings once a year as their data is tied into the annual printings of their paper directories. The .tel template is also designed to appear on mobile devices like Blackberry and iPhone.

The TLD will launch on December 3, 2008, when domains will be available only to trademark owners costing a few hundred dollars per domain. On February 3, .tel will be more widely available, sold at premium prices for minimum three year terms. After March 24, they will be available to the general public for a regular price and a one year term.

Anyone who has watched The West Wing knows that bizarre feeling you felt when you watched any part of the US 2008 Election. You’ve seen this before.

From the moment I saw Obama, I thought of Jimmy Smits and every step of the election this year I’ve been reminded that Aaron Sorkin is perhaps genius.

The Guardian reviewed the similarities very simply here .

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Propelled by Internet, Barack Obama Wins Presidency.

’nuff said.

There is no doubt the American Presidential election is the most historic since perhaps the Kennedy/Nixon race. It’s the election that will see America’s first black President or America’s first female Vice President. Both candidates are Senators and are neither are incumbent to the office they are running for.

It’s also historic because finally the Internet has evolved – including the public in the democratic process with creativity and interactivity – from the debates to the vote.

YouTube has been on top of the game by partnering with the cable networks to give the microphone to the public allowing them to ask questions to the Presidential candidates. Even now on election day they are highlighting videos from people as or after they vote looking for any problems voters experience.

The instantaneous Twitter was utilized by Current TV when they fused spontaneous Twitter reactions with the broadcast of the first US Presidential Debate. Here’s what it looked like:

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Twitter even produced a keyword graph tallying up the response language. CBC News used Twitter a couple weeks ago using PowerPoint (groan) the CBC reporter pointed out Twitter keywords as the election wore on. Not live reporting, just a gathering of the past on.. PowerPoint? It was truly sad to watch.

Even the email address to contact CBC was confusing (ormistononline@) as the CBC named the contact after the presenter Susan Ormiston. Why not keep it simple and consistent like elections@cbc.ca?

Witnessing the CBC’s use pale use of technology (and/or lack of creativity) got under my skin. What the Americans have done in the run-up to their federal election is what we should be doing for our civic, provincial and federal elections.