12

http://askdifferent.com is registered, but it redirects to http://apple.stackexchange.com instead. Why is that?

1

2 Answers 2

7

All of the non-trilogy sites use .SE domains. In a post on the SO blog, these reasons are listed (emphasis mine):

There are a lot of benefits to being associated with the Stack Exchange network! That’s why Arqade, Ask Different, and Seasoned Advice (among others) all redirect to a ___.stackexchange.com subdomain, even though they have their own brands.  For one, search rank is improved for our entire network.  Additionally, many people recognize Stack Exchange as a brand, and might be more likely to visit some of the smaller sites because of that.

That said, I don't think that having the established, uniquely-branded sites on their in domains would necessarily be a bad idea.

Also see:
New Domain: Redirection vs New Location
Please change name of site from "Apple" to "Ask Different"

4
2

I believe the canonical sites that are not on the trilogy (and the newly promoted arquade) all are intended to be branded with the stack exchange name for several reasons.

  • less work (there are like 82 sites all told)
  • better cohesiveness in search engine eyes as well as overall site traffic
  • less cost for software / naming that goes by domain

Search on the main meta and here for more of the back story...

2
  • Minus Ask Ubuntu. Jun 27, 2012 at 17:06
  • 1
    Yes - I don't know how I forgot that - the ubuntu site was partnered rapidly with the owner of the ubuntu name and I believe they were extremely happy and accommodating to get a short vanity URL as part of the site brand.
    – bmike Mod
    Jun 27, 2012 at 17:30

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .