Hello, With regards to the Afternic proposal, it gives all the value of the domains that are auctioned to the REGISTRARS, but what did they do to create the value? Nothing. Names like Cheerleaders.com or Bipolar.com or Infertility.com or Beijing.com have *intrinsic* value, due to nothing that the registrars did (just like Sex.com has intrinsic value, just due to the nature of the word).
If individual registrars want to, individually (not as a non-competitive cartel) take monetary consideration (whether it be auction-based (Name-Winner), flat-fee (SnapNames-style), monthly access fee (eNom drop club and others), or variations) for the ATTEMPT at a name, I don't see that as a problem, as they're charging a fee for a service (the attempt). This still leaves open the possibility (albeit, small) that any person could still get the domain, for $6 if they time things perfectly on a drop through a normal registration (remember, all registrars can NOT run automated scripts via the non-batch pools whereas the average consumer can register names manually at the same time). That's the system we have right now, which is ripe with competition and consumer choice. Replacing one monopoly (Verisign's WLS) with another (a cartel of registrars doing an auction) isn't a solution which promotes competition. In my opinion, registrars can, acting individually and in competition with one another, still make a healthy profit by picking a business model that offers the consumer some value and service for going after an expiring name. Some might partner with Snap, some go it alone with their own systems for a flat-fee, some might introduce "one-click" registrations to allow registrants faster direct access, some might auction the attempt, and who knows what other innovations can occur as long as the market is allowed to flourish and compete. Introduction of a monopoly or cartel at the REGISTRY interface brings all this healthy innovation and competition to an end. Consumers want choice, not more monopolies. We have this in the Status Quo Proposal (which I hereby name!). :) While folks are making "Proposals", I'll add a fourth proposal. I'll call it the "Let's make George Kirikos a Multi-Millionaire" proposal. With the consent of ICANN, I propose that all expiring names be auctioned off by George Kirikos, with said proceeds going to the George Kirikos Retirement Fund. While not a registrar or a registry, he is a registrant! (the third "r") While he did nothing to create the value of names such as Cheerleaders.com or Infertility.com, neither did the registrars or registry, so all three have equal claims. So, there you have it, folks. Four proposals on the table: 1) Verisign WLS proposal 2) Afternic "auction" proposal in a registrars cartel. 3) Status Quo proposal 4) Let's make George Kirikos a Multi-millionaire proposal. Please choose #4! Pretty please! Pretty please with sugar on top! As your new OVERLORD ^H^H^H^H^H^H^H, KING ^H^H^H^H humble servant, I promise to use the funds for noble purposes. I plan to travel the world, to spread the word about the virtues of the internet to such under-developed places like the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Monaco, Tuvalu, the beaches of Greece, the beaches of Brazil, and other hotspots. While I am drinking champagne surrounded by buxomy beauties in tiny bikinis, errr, I mean bringing the gospel of the internet to certain blondes who don't know how to use computers, I will think of all of you with such fondness for allowing me to serve such an important public role. It's a tough job, I know, but I think I am qualified and will serve you all well! I remain always, your most humble and obedient servant, :) George Kirikos http://www.kirikos.com/ Sincerely, George Kirikos http://www.kirikos.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail! http://promo.yahoo.com/videomail/
