[Random-bits] Dot GNU

[James Love]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2000 13:06:22 -0600 (MDT)
From: Richard Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
To: love@cptech.org

Here is what I sent.


To: tld-interest@icann.org
Subject: Top-level domain proposal
Reply-to: rms@gnu.org

--text follows this line--

Dear ICANN

This is an expression of interest in the creation of .gnu as a new
Internet Top Level domain.  The owner of the .gnu TLD registry would
be the Free Software Foundation.  The Free Software Foundation was
created in 1985, and has been instrumental in the development of
important pieces of the software now used to run the
Internet--including much of the GNU/Linux operating system now used by
many Internet servers.  The GNU project web page, http://www.gnu.org,
has additional information about GNU and the Free Software Foundation.

There is currently a shortage of available name space, and the creation
of a new .gnu TLD would expand the name space, particularly for
individuals and software developers who cannot find the name they want
from .com, .net or .org.   Also, the creation of a .gnu TLD would permit
Internet users to express their support for the GNU project, and to
financially support the creation of free software.   This would benefit
the Internet community directly.  

I believe The ICANN staff is currently considering rules and policies
for new TLDs.  I suggest those rules should permit expansion of the
current name space, and enable proposals, like the .gnu TLD, to
support the public and defend the public's rights in cyberspace.


Sincerely,

Richard Stallman
President, Free Software Foundation