Q. But I’m not buying a Handshake top-level domain; I’m buying a namecity second-level domain. Doesn’t that mean I’m renting?
A. Yes, it does! Second-level domains can only be rented at the moment. We do plan on offering second-level domains that can be bought for a single payment but we need to give this more thought. If true ownership is important to you then you might want to consider buying a top-level domain in the Namebase marketplace or winning one in an auction.
Q. But I’m not buying a Handshake top-level domain; I’m buying a namecity second-level domain. Doesn’t that mean you can confiscate my domain?
A. In order to sell second-level domains on a top-level domain we own we have to stake the top-level domain on Namebase. By staking a domain we’re effectively handing control of that domain over to Namebase. So can we confiscate your domain? No. Can Namebase confiscate your domain? Possibly. Would they confiscate your domain? We doubt it. But if censorship resistance is your top priority then you might want to consider winning your own Handshake top-level domain in an auction or buying one in the Namebase marketplace.
Q. Why rent a namecity second-level domain when I can own a Handshake top-level domain?
A. Good question! Because the Handshake top-level domain you want might already be taken, purchase is instant (you don’t have to wait about two weeks for the auction process to end) and second-level domains are sometimes more readable (filecoin.tokensale is more readable than .filecointokensale).
Q. My site’s not loading.
A. Are you using a Handshake resolver? You can find a list of Handshake resolvers here.
Q. So what is namecity and what is Namebase?
A. namecity is a Handshake domain registry. Registries manage top-level domains. Namebase is a super Handshake domain registry. It allows registries to manage Handshake top-level domains, for example we can use Namebase to change the name server .rekt points to. Namebase also allows new Handshake top-level domain auctions to be opened and for bids to be placed.
Q. Can you sum up the pros of owning a Handshake top-level domain?
A. Unconfiscatable, affordable and no approval process.
Q. Can you sum up the cons of owning a DNS top-level domain?
A. Confiscatable, expensive and multiyear approval process.
