New TLDs are still hard to sell compared to .com domains?

This - arguably some registries did less terribly at this, but this should have been job 1.

Re .ing specifically, probably still too early to say. While Google great at most things, with TLDs it has been mixed. Both .app and .dev have developed into a fairly strong aftermarket, others like .page not so much even though arguably more across the dot potential. Some of the TLDs seem strange to me.

Use and recognition of domain hacks continues to grow, but slowly, so .ing had three hurdles, being somewhat new, being mainly useful in hacks, and being a new extension.

Having said all of that, new extensions are stronger than when I entered domain space about 7 years ago. Also, generic country codes are significantly stronger. But legacy still has such a huge inertia, it is very slow. Public recognition that there are various legitimate extension choices has grown, particularly outside USA where the .com dominance is less.

While individual domains with strong across the dot match have sold now and then for a lot, TLDs (like .xyz or .app) that are not tied more narrowly that way have many more potential buyers.

But it is still too early to know. No .ing domain has yet even reached the end of 60 day lock period. The slightly more than 15,000 registrations is not outstanding but not terrible for less than 2 months.

I think the names that have best chance are those where the SLD is a word by itself, as well as SLD+ing being a word, and the terms have some commercial potential, of course. Disclosure: I have 4 domains in TLD, a tiny trial.

The registry retained many of the best .ing with ridiculous premium pricing (every year).

-Bob