.ASIA is a differentiated and useful namespace for the community

["edmon@isochk" <isochk@xxxxxxxxx>]

I am writing this as a personal response to the inquiries received with regards 
to the .ASIA agreement.  While I am a volunteer for the DotAsia Organization 
and have been involved in the process since its beginnings, these views do not 
represent the organization.

The .ASIA domain is clear in its differentiation and boundary from other gTLDs 
and provides a useful namespace for the community.  The governance structure 
allows the DotAsia Organization to leverage the knowledge and experience from 
the community, especially in the areas most relevant to the operation of a TLD.

The DotAsia Organization has proactively reached out to the government 
representatives in the community and sought their input with regards to the 
orderly launching of the TLD, especially with regards to the protection of the 
rights of others.  In this regard, I believe the important issue is the balance 
between the governmental, commercial and the public interests.  The 
considerations for these have been clearly articulated throughout the new TLD 
process, including clarifications provided to the board.  Furthermore, the 
proposed process has the potential to accommodate situations for which parties 
having legitimate claims to a particular domain can be resolved without 
relegation to a dispute.

The startup process also reflects the fruits from the discussion with 
government and ccTLD representatives from the community.  I believe that the 
behaviours and the actions from the DotAsia initiative, throughout the process, 
have been consistent in its reverence and diligence to the stakeholders and the 
community at large.  There is demonstrated commitment for continued proactive 
out reach and dialogue to try to address issues as best as possible.

As I understand, and by comparing the proposed contract with other contracts 
entered into for this round of Sponsored gTLD RFP, much of the terms and 
conditions, including the appendices, describe a similar framework for the 
relationship with ICANN and its scope of work as a sponsor and operator of a 
Sponsored gTLD.

It seems to me that the comments raised have been discussed in depth before.

Edmon Chung