Verisign operates the .com registry, and the company has been working hard to continue promoting .com domain names. This morning, Verisign announced its #InternetOfficial contest on the company’s blog. The contest helps to commemorate the 30th anniversary of .com domain names, and someone can win $35,000.
In the email I received announcing the contest, a nod was given to the ShipYourEnemiesGlitter.com, a domain name and business that was registered, launched, and then sold for $85,000, all in a span of less than two weeks. It’s unlikely that someone will see the same immediate success of that business, but there is a chance to win money in this contest.
Here are some of the prize details as shared by Verisign in its blog post announcing the #InternetOfficial contest:
“The contest, which is open to U.S. residents only, will feature up to five monthly winners (for a total of 15) and one grand prize winner. A panel of top industry influencers and surprise celebrity judges, as well as the public’s votes will determine the five best .com domain names entered into the contest each month during the contest’s three month entry period. Each monthly winner will receive $5,000 and the opportunity to submit a video explaining the beauty of their entry. Those monthly winners who submit a video will proceed to the final round for an opportunity to win the grand prize amount – $30,000!”
Verisign also posted  a video on YouTube with #InternetOfficial contest details:
You will want to  visit the contest website for the full details about Verisign’s #InternetOfficial contest that is now open for submissions. You can read the full contest details there as well as the rules and regulations. You’ll probably be familiar with one of the celebrity judges – Mike Berkens.
Good luck to those who decide to enter the contest!
They still want .com to be seen as the top worldwide TLD, and then they open a contest for US residents only. Congratulations 🙂
My guess is every country has laws and regulations for contests, so it’s much easier limiting it to the US than creating rules based on different laws.
By the way, VeriSign, this overseas guy has directly generated you seven figures… but I know that is cheap change. End of rant :p
Exactly Elliot, but that also happens within the US (I’ve seen several where people from some states cannot participate). There are always ways to circumvent, but it isn’t important.