[ga] A Windfall for VeriSign?

[Danny Younger <dannyyounger@xxxxxxxxx>]

Karl and I have already sent through preliminary
comments to the new forum on potential allocation
methods for single-letter and single-digit domain
names at the second level in gTLDs.  GA participants
should likewise send through comments.

If this very bad recommendation winds up being adopted
by ICANN, then we'll need to first determine who is
entitled to the capital raised by the proposed
auctions.   Karl is of the view that Verisign, will
garner the lion's share of the proceeds.  This is
likely if the New Registry Services Process is
invoked.  In conjunction with this approach, the BC
has already suggested the release and allocation of
single letters in the non sponsored gTLDs via auction
to parties with "demonstrated rights".

An alternative that hasn't been much discussed (as
greed has become everyone's "First Principle") is
"First Come First Served", with such domains put out
on a normal registration fee basis -- with this
approach, VeriSign won't profit from the release of
these names (profits instead will be made by the
registrants that fairly acquired these names who
choose to put them up for sale or auction in the
secondary market).

The big question therefore is this:  If ICANN adopts
the GNSO recommendation, will it automatically result
in a windfall for VeriSign?  or will such a windfall
be rejected allowing registrants to profit?  or will
ICANN find a way to turn this into a windfall for
ICANN?

As for me, as I stated in my posted comments, I side
with John Klensin on the inadvisability of accepting
this recommendation.

Thoughts?





       
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