[registrars] Resellers a burden upon ICANN

["Robert F. Connelly" <rconnell@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Registrars:

In attempting to justify the large fixed fee for *all* registrars, Paul 
Twomey stated that much of the large load handled by ICANN staff is created 
by irate registrants;  and he implied that smaller registrars cause a 
disproportionate number of grievances*.
It appeared to me from the continuing discussion that many of these 
complaints result from the burgeoning number of resellers.
The discussion turned to whether resellers give registrants adequate notice 
of who their registrar actually is.  It *is* a contractual requirement upon 
registrars -- but do resellers give sufficient notice?
I can tell you that we have many cases of frustrated attempts to transfer 
from a registrar which uses resellers.  We have hard copies of 
authorizations from registrants, including registered corporate seals, 
before we ever queue a transfer request.  Often, the registrar of record 
tells us we must clear that transfer through their reseller:-(
Perhaps we should load our complaints upon ICANN;-}

Regards, BobC, for PSI-Japan, Inc.

* Footnote:  I advised Paul that I would classify his statement as 
anecdotal unless he could quantify it.  It would be interesting to see 
whose "names are on the blotter";-}
Just as long as the quantification does not become a new line item in the 
budget;-{