discuss How do registries decide what names are Premium Registry priced?

[NameGroove]

I've recently been buying some new gTLDs and noticing many Registry Premium names. There doesn't seem to be much reason behind what is premium and what isn't. Some make sense of course... but others do not. Some words are taken in many TLDs and developed in many TLDs remain regular/base pricing - while other very low taken/developed are Registry Premium. Is the premium designation up to some kid in the back office with a spreadsheet or is there some formula they use?

 

[NameGroove]

So is everyone truly in the dark here?

 

[Kyle Tully]

I'd guess they each have their own criteria.

Some seem to be exclusively based on number of TLDs registered while others are more random.