Now, that task is impossible. When the net was small, alternative extensions run by private companies was possible. Now, they'd have to convince millions. This was surprising to people in 1996. Fast forward several years to the now.
Businesses are online.
Plants can be sold online. In 1996 e-commerece was rare. And now, it's what the net is all about. We have heard nothing. But causing even more controversy than the .biz fiasco was Image Online Design and the .web registry in 1997.