RE: [registrars] ICANN Budget--Registrar Variable Support Fee

["Rob Hall" <rob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ICANN added this proposed "relief" last friday to the budget, after several
of the budget committee voiced outrage at the $19,200 fee.

ICANN tells us they are not able to provide details yet, as they don't have
them.  They made this up on the fly in reponse to comments from us.
Frankly, I believe it was done in an attempt to deflect some of the
critisizm of the budget.

However, they still need 3.8 million from that section, so for every one
they forgive, that will increase all the others fee.  Keep in mind that the
$19,200 is calculated by dividing 3.8 million by the number of people paying
it.  Also keep in mind that although the 25 cent fee is fixed for three
years, I do not believe the 3.8 million is fixed, and could increase as
necessary.

I am certainly surprised ICANN wants to be in the business of approving
business models or granting scholarships/forgiveness to a select few.  To
me, this sounds like trouble brewing.

Rob.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Robert Andrews
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:10 PM
To: Registrars@Dnso. Org
Subject: [registrars] ICANN Budget--Registrar Variable Support Fee


Hello All,

I usually don't comment in this forum as America Online does not sell
domains to the public, but it a registrar to allow us to manage our own
domain names.  I have read many of the complaints about the budget and
specifically those from Bhavin concerning the Variable Registrar Support
Fee.

What I haven't seen mentioned is the stipulation for relief for smaller
registrars as stated in the Budget Document by any of the participants in
this forum(please see paragraphs 1,2,3 on page 16 of the budget proposal).

The budget document refers to a "mechanism to forgive 2/3 of the fee", but
does not cite the "definite criteria" a registrar must meet to be granted
relief.  Those so concerned should inquire of ICANN to publish the full
details of this mechanism.

Additionally, it is in the interest of all registrars to see that as many
registrars as possible receive this relief as the example in the budget
document shows that it will result in lower registrar fees for everyone.  As
ICANN put forth this proposal, they are expecting the reduction in revenue
in this area.

Robert B. Andrews
America Online, Inc.
Systems Programmer, Network Management
RobAndrews2@xxxxxxx, randrews@xxxxxxx
703/265-5958 x55958

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