Re: [ga] A Windfall for VeriSign?

[Ross Rader <ross@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael D. Palage wrote:

> Now while on the subject of the DNS being an public resource, I find it
> amazing that some participants within the ICANN process will wave this
> public resource flag when a registry tries to exploit a business
> opportunity, but when it comes to some of the freedoms that some registrars
> take with non-renewed or expiring names the public resource analogy does not
> apply.
>
> Unfortunately, most people just fail to publicly acknowledges that the
> public resource issue only applies when it deals with someone else making a
> windfall. However, when it interferes with one's own windfall then public
> resource principles need not apply. Just to be clear these comments are not
> directed at TUCOWS, both other participants within the ICANN family. I only
> raise them within the context of Ross's initial public policy comments.
I'll leave the rest for others to comment on, but I will flatly state 
that the DNS and the registration is a public resource and it needs to 
be managed as such. This isn't an analogy, its a statement of fact. One 
which seems to get ignored by many of the participants in this process, 
including ICANN itself.
With regards to your specific examples, don't be too amazed. I will 
continue to advocate that the *entire* resource be managed as a public 
resource and that we are simply stewards of that resource, regardless of 
who might stand to profit from any specific opportunities arising from 
its operation or use.
I have no envy of Verisign's opportunities, nor of any other party. A 
rising tide floats all boats. Unfortunately, I don't think we're faced 
with a rising tide. Rather, far too many are intent on sucking the ocean 
dry. So long as we're faced with ICANN's weak and uneven regulatory 
policy and institutional bias, I expect this trend will continue.
--
Regards,

Ross Rader
Director, Retail Services
Tucows Inc.

http://www.domaindirect.com
t. 416.538.5492