1. It seems to me that
a registrar could alter their policy on dropped names so that the number of communications
with the registered, but expired, domain nameholder could be reduced by the use of
a voluntary drop authorization. The function would be to immediately release the
name by notifying the registrar of the current name holder's intention not to renew
their registration. This would be a legal and binding decision which could be authenticated
by snail mail as the registrar also contacts the expired domain nameholder by snail
mail. This would speed up the process immeasurably.
2. It also seems
to me that a registrar should be penalized by a fine of not less than $50 and not
more than $100 for every month that the name is not dropped after a three month grace
period from the expiration date. The money would be used to further fund ICANN's
research into procedural matters.3. It also seems reasonable to me
that a registrar would forfeit their ability to remain as a registrar if there was
a consistent pattern of abuse that, upon further investigation, was found to be procedural
rather than technical. I have seen many bogus technical reasons, ranging from lack
of capacity to poor systems, used for the sole purpose of extending a registrar's
control over a name. There would first be a "show cause why you should continue to
be a registrar" hearing, a summation of the hearing board, and then a referral to
a court of competent jurisdiction or binding arbitration.
There have been too many
complaints regarding the re-registration of expired names to let this matter continue.
We either innovate or cede organization power to others. I would like to make the
registration process less of a contest between registrars and more of an aide to
the registering constituents.