RE: [registrars] Variations on the current domain name model - proposed registrar workshop for Luxembourg

[Tim Ruiz <tim@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bruce,

The add grace period abuse needs to be addressed separately. I see no
benefit in dilluting that issue by labeling it a business model.

This practice has broad and complicated implications that we would have
to resolve first, IP infringement for example.

I really think the AGP is a seperate discussion.

Tim
 


> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [registrars] Variations on the current domain name model -
> proposed registrar workshop for Luxembourg
> From: "Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Sun, May 29, 2005 9:44 pm
> To: registrars@xxxxxxxx
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> The dominant model for domain names across com/net/org/biz/info etc,
> consists of registering a domain name for a fixed fee for one year, up
> to 10 years.  There is no registry discount for multiple years.   There
> is a grace period of 5 days, where a name can be registered, and then
> deleted for a refund.  This is presently being used for domain name
> buyers that want to attempt to measure the traffic associated with a
> particular name, and then decide whether to keep.  It is effectively
> being treated as a 5 day free trial, rather than a grace period to
> account for registration mistakes.
> 
> I believe it is time that we saw some changes in the dominant model -
> towards a choice of models that match the characteristics of different
> markets.
> 
> Here are some example markets:
> (1) Corporates - they want to register a name for up to 10 years, and
> tend to operate their own DNS and hosting infrastructure.   The current
> model suits this market best.
> 
> (2) Web hosting companies - they want to bundle a domain name with
> hosting.  A model where a name can be registered for a 30 day period,
> with auto-renewal might suit their business model.
> 
> (3) Domain name owners that monetise names via pay-per-click traffic.  A
> model where there is a longer "free trial" period may be of interest.
> 
> I propose that we have a workshop at Luxembourg - similar to the
> workshop that proposed different approaches to resolving contention for
> deleted names - that invites ideas on different domain name models that
> could be offered at the registry.  These would be new registry services
> and would need approval from ICANN, and would need to be available to
> all registrars.
> 
> Regards,
> Bruce Tonkin