Re: [ga] A Question

["Prophet Partners Inc." <Domains@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Karl,

In our opinion, it is quite simply a case of "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." Is there any question of this abusive behavior given the following statement by NeuLevel to ICANN?

http://www.icannwiki.org/Open_Letter_to_ICANN_Community_from_NeuLevel_Regarding_.BIZ_Agreement

"Specifically, we have negotiated terms that are consistent with contractual updates to recently concluded agreements, including presumptive renewal, elimination of fixed pricing, and a new fee structure. Presumptive renewal will help to secure NeuLevel's long-term involvement and investment in the gTLD community and the DNS, and to help us compete fairly with other gTLD registry operators. We have increased our fees to ICANN in recognition of the key role registries must play in supporting ICANN's operations and the important and challenging issues that lie ahead for the community."

Our interpretation of the above statement is NeuLevel requesting the keys to the .biz Kingdom from ICANN. In exchange for receiving these omnipotent powers, NeuLevel would kickback a share of the money extorted from the public (AKA .biz registrants) to ICANN.

To us, this stinks of corruption.

Sincerely,
Ted
Prophet Partners Inc.
http://www.ProphetPartners.com
http://www.Premium-Domain-Names.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Auerbach" <karl@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Dominik Filipp" <dominik.filipp@xxxxxxxx>
Cc: <ga@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2006 12:07 AM
Subject: Re: [ga] A Question


<snipped>

> Now, I don't believe that this is the case, and if it is true that 
> registry costs are as low as they must be, then it is an open question 
> why ICANN is *raising* registry fees rather than lowering them.
> 
> All in all we really can't discuss the merits of this without having a 
> knowledge of how much things actually cost.
> 
> And since ICANN is building registry fees into the contracts, it is 
> rather important that the registry fees granted by the contracts are 
> based on some accounting of actual costs.
> 
> --karl--