I see no problema in NCUC supporting the proposal, but need your input. fraternal rgds --c.a. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: PIR Proposal to ICANN on Problems Caused by "Domain Tasting" Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:06:40 -0400 From: Edward G. Viltz <[log in to unmask]> To: Carlos Afonso <[log in to unmask]> CC: Milton Mueller <[log in to unmask]>, <[log in to unmask]> Dear Carlos, I am writing to let you know about a proposal that PIR has made to ICANN to address some of the problems that have arisen from the so-called "domain tasting" activities of a few registrars. As you are probably aware, some registrars will take advantage of the add-grace period allowed under many registry agreements to register an available name for a period of less than five days, test it for its ability to attract clicks, and then delete names that appear to have no value. In some cases, the deletions, as a percentage of registrations are over 90%. Because of the automated nature of these system, this has led to some unfortunate consequences - technical stress on systems (although this is mostly under control) and also a growing trend, in PIR's experience, that some names that formerly were used for respectable purposes have been converted into porn sites and other undesirable uses. Attached is a copy of the letter we sent to Tina Dam on May 15, 2006, requesting permission (under our .ORG registry agreement) to commence charging a "restocking fee" for the registrars whose deletions within the add-period exceed 90%. As mentioned in our letter to ICANN, we are combining this request with a new program of education about the risks of allowing registrations to lapse - a program focused on the risks experienced by non-commercial users and tailored to reach this audience. We trust that you and other members of the NCUC will support our efforts to address this problem. Thank you, Ed Edward G. Viltz (V) +1-703-464-7005 President & CEO (F) +1-703-464-7006 1775 Wiehle Ave. Suite 102A Reston, VA 20190 www.pir.org <BLOCKED::BLOCKED::http://www.pir.org/> "Serving the Public Interest" -- Carlos A. Afonso diretor de planejamento Rits - Rede de Informações para o Terceiro Setor *************************************************************** Projeto Sacix - Apoio técnico a iniciativas de inclusão digital com software livre, mantido pela Rits em colaboração com o Coletivo Digital. Para mais informações: www.sacix.org.br www.rits.org.br www.coletivodigital.org.br ***************************************************************