For the last year, I have had FTP access to the daily updates of the root zone
files at rz.internic.net. I was granted access to these files based upon an
ongoing market research project I conduct centered around online service
migration between major ISPs. At no time were these data used to spam domain
holders.
I have appended to the end of this message a recent email I received from
Network Solutions informing me that access to these data would no longer be
available to me. I also include Network Solutions statements regarding their
declaration delineating the only acceptable use for these files.
Since this is the only source, of which I am aware, for a comprehensive list
of registered domains updated on a daily basis, I believe restricting access
to this publically-owned information is both illegal and provides Network
Solutions with a critical competitive advantage in online market research.
I call upon members of these lists to pursue every available avenue to
pursuade the federal government, ICANN, and Network Solutions to once again
provide this information to the very people who paid for its collection.
As far as using these data to SPAM domain name holders, I do not believe
restricting access to information for all is an acceptable answer to those
problems caused by a select few.
--
Robert Raisch, Internet Hired Gun <http://www.raisch.com>
First snow, then silence-This thousand dollar screen-dies so beautifully.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of TLD Zone
[[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 1999 4:40 PM
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Subject: [tld-zone] TLD Zone File Access
February 4, 1999
Subject: TLD Zone File Access
Dear TLD Zone File Password Holder:
Usage of Network Solutions' Top Level Domain (TLD) Zone Files for the .com,
.net, and .org TLDs has increased tremendously over the last year. While
most of the organizations use our TLD Zone Files for a variety of legitimate
network enterprise and Internet functions, some users continually abuse the
system by using the information to promote spamming, domain name
speculation, and denial of service attacks. To provide the highest level of
service to our customers, as well as protect their privacy, we are
formalizing our TLD Zone File Access Program. During this process, we have
identified you as a current password holder.
Effective February 19, 1999, your current password will no longer be valid;
therefore, you will no longer be able to access our TLD Zone Files with your
old password. If you wish to be considered for acceptance into Network
Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program, you will need to do the following:
* Complete and submit Network Solutions' easy, online TLD Zone File
Access Program Application, located at the URL:
http://www.netsol.com/tldzone.
* Upon acceptance into the program, Network Solutions will email you a
License Agreement. You will need to print, sign, and fax this License
Agreement to (703) 318-1398.
* Upon receipt of your signed License Agreement, Network Solutions
will mail to you a fully executed License Agreement, along with your new
username, password, and any other applicable information or instructions.
Network Solutions will review applications and issue licenses on a
"first-in, first-out" basis. Because we anticipate a large initial volume
of applications to the Program, please wait at least five (5) business days
after submission of your application before contacting Network Solutions
regarding its status. Please note that submission of your application does
not automatically guarantee acceptance into the Program.
If you have questions regarding these changes or Network Solutions' TLD Zone
File Access Program, please see the TLD Zone File FAQ located at the URL:
http://www.netsol.com/tldzone/faq.html.
If you have specific questions not answered by the FAQ, please contact
Network Solutions at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sincerely,
David M. Graves
Director, Business Affairs
From: TLD Zone [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 4:34 PM
To: 'Robert Raisch'
Subject: RE: Network Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program
Subject: Network Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program
Dear Program Applicant:
Network Solutions, Inc. is in receipt of your email in response to our
decision to decline your application for the Top-Level Domain (TLD) Zone
File Access Program. TLD Zone Files, such as those for .com, .net, and
.org, have a single intended purpose: to serve as the database files to
provide Domain Name System (DNS) service on port 53 of Internet hosts
providing DNS support. Network Solutions will license access for FTP copies
of its TLD Zone Files to system administrators who want to provide local
caching as a means to reduce the numbers of DNS lookups across the Internet.
Because you intend to use our TLD Zone Files for a different purpose,
Network Solutions again declines your application for a TLD Zone File Access
License.
Sincerely,
TLD Zone File Access Program Administrator
Network Solutions, Inc.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Raisch [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Friday, February 05, 1999 4:11 PM
> To: TLD Zone
> Subject: RE: Network Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program
>
> Could you please direct me to your "acceptable use practices"? If they
> are
> not available online, could you send me a copy? Thank you.
>
> --
> Robert Raisch, Internet Hired Gun <http://www.raisch.com>
> First snow, then silence-This thousand dollar screen-dies so beautifully.
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: TLD Zone [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> > Sent: Friday, February 05, 1999 3:54 PM
> > To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> > Subject: Network Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program
> >
> >
> > Subject: Network Solutions' TLD Zone File Access Program
> >
> > Dear Program Applicant:
> >
> > Network Solutions, Inc. has reviewed your application for the TLD Zone
> File
> > Access Program. Your proposed use of Network Solutions' TLD Zone Files
> does
> > not enhance Internet functionality, and therefore, is inconsistent with
> > acceptable use practices. Accordingly, we decline to accept your
> > application for admission into the Program.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > TLD Zone File Access Program Administrator
> > Network Solutions, Inc.
> >
> >
