For your info... rgds --c.a. From: ICANN At-Large <[log in to unmask] Subject: Input needed on new domain names AT-LARGE STRUCTURES ADVISORY/REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION RECIPIENTS: (See list of At-Large Structure groups and candidates and their contacts below) ACTION: Please submit views on the introduction of new domain names - by 9 January 2006 if possible. ICANN is developing a policy to guide the introduction of new gTLDs (generic top level domain names) and At-Large community input is critical. Please post views at <http://www.icannwiki.org/index.php/ALAC_on_New_TLDs and/or email them to <[log in to unmask] (input on behalf of your group, or from your group's individual members, is welcome). Specifically, here are the issues that need to be addressed: 1. Should new generic top level domain names be introduced? 2. Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains 3. Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains 4. Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains The ALAC's Liaison has started a "Wiki page" to enable At-Large community members to share their views and help shape the ALAC's recommendations on-line. Just go to <http://www.icannwiki.org/index.php/ALAC_on_New_TLDs, click "edit" in the section you want to discuss, and add your comments. Please let the ALAC know if you find this method of sharing views useful. (If you need help with "Wiki" see <http://www.icannwiki.org/Help:Contents for information on adding comments and starting your own "Wiki" page.) The GNSO Council, a primary policy-making body within ICANN, launched a new policy development process to guide ICANN on the introduction of new gTLDs. ICANN wants to take the lessons learned from past TLD introductions, along with community input, and develop a new process for introducing TLDs. The ALAC is developing detailed guidance for ICANN to help ensure that such a process meets individual Internet users' needs. In the past, the ALAC has pushed ICANN to regularize the process of examining and approving new TLD proposals, and has urged ICANN to move beyond testbeds and evaluations and permit those proposing new TLDs to put their plans into effect. Last year ICANN launched a limited process for selecting new sponsored TLDs (sTLDs) from a pool of ten applications. The ALAC recommended that, rather than restrict the applicant pool to a few sTLDs, ICANN create a quick, effective and uncontroversial process for the creation of any kind and number of new TLDs. More information is available at <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-06dec05.htm and <http://www.alac.icann.org/gtld/. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. The Interim At-Large Advisory Committee [log in to unmask] www.alac.icann.org -- ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Carlos Afonso diretor de planejamento Rede de Informações para o Terceiro Setor - Rits Rua Guilhermina Guinle, 272, 6º andar - Botafogo Rio de Janeiro RJ - Brasil CEP 22270-060 tel +55-21-2527-5494 fax +55-21-2527-5460 [log in to unmask] http://www.rits.org.br ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++