[At-Large] [GTLD-WG] my submissions to new gTLD statement

[Bill Silverstein]

>
> While I agree it would be best to suspend the process until the concerns
> are addressed, I think we should keep in mind that several potential new
> registries have already invested a lot of time, energy and money for a
> long time in this saga.
I was under the impression that application process for the new tlds have
not been started. Maybe I am mistaken?



> For example, the DotBerlin folks have raised €1 million to cover their
> direct and indirect costs for submitting an application. They and their
> investors now expect to be able to recover their investment. Money's
> tight,
> especially in the current economic context.
So, these people spent lots of money before the process for this have been
finalized? Who should be responsible for that?

>
> I see some potential collateral damage, with new entrants throwing the
> towel, leaving the stage free for incumbents to apply for all the strings
> their deep pockets can afford. The latter have only marginal indirect
> costs. They can afford to wait.
>
> By asking to suspend the process, we risk killing innovation and we play
> the game of the incumbents.

What about the the internet users, the public? Or do we protect the
interests of a few people who jumped the gun on spending money for a
process that has not been finalized?


I'd put my vote on suspending the process until it is fixed.