A common response from a .com domainer about ccTLDs is that the rules are regulations of different registries are difficult to keep track of. And the restrictions of certain countries are not welcoming to foreigners.

Let's take a look at a good reason why registries make restrictions for their country code.

This August we are bringing the TRAFFIC show and Latona's Domain Auction to Dublin, Ireland. And the home TLD for Ireland (.ie) is perfect for this commentary. Although, the number of .coms registered from Ireland outnumber .ie. .ie is growing rapidly in popularity from local business owners (Wikipedia-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.ie)

Like some ccTLDs .ie would be considered a difficult domain to invest in for non Irish citizens.  Although, if you think ccTLD investment is difficult you can go to ccTLDs.com to learn more about it.

Reading the registries rules .ie is solely available for Irish citizens and Irish companies. Is it necessarily a bad thing? For domain investors yes but for local businesses no.

The Irish registry answers this for us explicitly: http://www.domainregistry.ie/faq.php#mod This quote from #3 answers all of your questions of where the registries' thoughts are. "Anyone can get any .com domain name - which means somebody has probably already grabbed your .com domain name! Because it's a .ie "Internet address" it tells your potential customers that you're doing business in, or from, Ireland and that you really are who you say you are!"

If I were a local business owner in Ireland I would feel proud that the registry is looking out for my best interests. Although, as an investor, I want a piece of the action. One thing I have learned from investing in ccTLDs is that the local country takes great pride in the their TLD. Much more than I have seen with .us here in the United States.

We hope to see you at TRAFFIC Dublin. Ireland is filled with a rich history, great people like Michele Neylon, and of course local pubs.