[echelon]

The problem with .com is that it is both popular and heavily squatted. You'll potentially need to use a non-English word or two or more words to describe your business or website.

.io is still squatted, but much easier game. And it makes sense in our field.

As an example, I wanted a common English word name for my startup. The .com is owned by a squatting firm that balked at a $1M dollar offer. They want eight figures, no less. The .io, on the other hand, is listed at mid-five figures. Considerable delta between those two. Once you start doing business and begin to grow, you can potentially negotiate to lease the .com and redirect. Set up a lease to buy if you exit.

[jeffwass]

Is there really much incentive to pay big bucks for the .com these days?

Most people finding your site will do so through google or other links right?

As for myself I hardly consider the real URL these days (except in some cases to check it’s right before entering credentials).

[javajosh]

Wait, people lease domain names? Is that common? Doesn't that violate the TOS you agreed to with your registrar?

[echelon]

Perfectly legal. I know $100 billion dollar companies that lease domains. (I don't think I'm allowed to disclose further.)

It would be foolish to do anything except redirect though.

[cblconfederate]

But if you re successful you ll inevitably need to buy the .com . Why not skip this unnecessary trouble

[jeffwass]

What’s the incentive to pay the hit bucks for the .com these days?

Most people finding your site will do so through google or other links right?

As for myself I hardly consider the real URL these days (except in some cases to check it’s right before entering credentials).