[Random-bits] ICANN votes to create new TLDs

[James Love]

ICANN just voted to create new TLDs.  There was surprising support
within the board for diversity of models for the test TLDs, for
non-commerical TLDs, for different business models, different regions,
and even for relatively high numbers compared to expectations by some.  
Several said it should be 6 to 10, the WG -C recommendation.  Others,
such as Vint, were very negative on the numbers, suggesting 1 or maybe 2
or 3.  The actual numbers for the test TLDs will be determined later,
after a review of the applications.  It should be noted that Mike
Roberts, the ICANN CEO, was very conservative, and is in general quite
hostile to civil society type concerns.  Esther was very good on the
diversity issue, she really pushed this right off the bat, effectively,
and Ken Fockler was very good too.  Pindar pushed a bit, and even Jon
Cohen was pretty positive.  Hans Kraaijenbrink was also good on the
issues of numbers and diversity.  Fitzsimmons and Conrades were negative
on the numbers, asking for very slow role out.  Linda Wilson jumped into
the go slow camp.

One big problem was the $50k non-refundable application fee, the high
end of the staff recommendation.  This makes it very costly to apply,
particularly given the small chance that a particular application will
be approved.

   Jamie

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James Love, Consumer Project on Technology    
P.O. Box 19367        | http://www.cptech.org 
Washington, DC 20036  | love@cptech.org       
Voice 202/387-8030    | Fax 202/234-5176     
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