[toyg]

> except without the rent-seeking/government ownership attached?

Because people like money. This TLD business literally invented a new economic activity, and one with great margins. It doesn't really hurt anyone, has little to no cost, and makes a pretty penny. People With Money love stuff like this; if tomorrow they could invent a marketable TLD system for physical addresses, phone numbers or anything else, they'd jump at the chance.

This is just how the capitalist world works: stuff exists to make money, everything else is a bonus.

[ygaels_armpit]

Agreed, I guess the way that works in general is just disappointing in that it doesn't produce anything meaningful or advance anything (to my mind). It's spinning wheels and burning energy for no appreciable reason, to make some people rich.

[ygaels_armpit]

What is the end game on that though? Everyone for themselves, buy a shotgun, and hick USA?