value of TLDs?

[thewindmaster]

Obviously .com is number one but what is after that in terms of value?

I found a few nice short dictionary words available in some TLDs and wondering the best way to handle them.

If all the main extensions are taken, is .ws better or a ccTLD?

If .com is the only one taken what should be the second choice?

[katherine]

...
If all the main extensions are taken, is .ws better or a ccTLD?

No. I would not bother with .ws.
.ws is just the ccTLD for Western Samoa. Obviously the average John Duh on the Street knows nothing about Western Samoa. Even though .ws is branded as website, it is still an obscure TLD for most people. I don't know any large, professional site using .ws.
I would rather try alternate gTLDs or major ccTLDs.
As rule I would suggest avoiding ccTLDs unless you are targetting the local market. Exceptions would be .tv or .fm if relevant to your business.

If .com is the only one taken what should be the second choice?

I think there is no clear cut answer. Many would consider .net and .org.
.org is perfect for a non-profit venture.
.net would be OK for Internet-related business.
I think that depends on the keyword and language. For example realestate.com is taken, I would then consider realestate.us a second choice (which would still be valuable). In the UK they would rather use the word 'properties' so the best name next to properties.com would be properties.co.uk (and not .us) and so on.

[etech-peter]

Obviously .com is number one but what is after that in terms of value?

.net, .org, .info

If all the main extensions are taken, is .ws better or a ccTLD?

In general, I would say your own country's ccTLD would be better unless you are a resident of Western Samoa. That would also depend on your target market. If your target market is your local market then ccTLD would be more suitable.

If .com is the only one taken what should be the second choice?

.net or .org or .info