Variable pricing will destroy the unique nature of the Internet

["Meg Awtrey" <meg@xxxxxxxxx>]

To whom it may concern at ICANN,
The Internet was born on the idea of providing access to free
information to people around the world.  Students, teachers,
professionals, parents, and others are now able to search the Internet
for useful research and education that helps enhance their term papers,
careers and lives in general.  The Internet as an access to free
information has become a part of daily life that many enjoy and depend
on.
 
If variable pricing on domain names were introduced, the Internet could
very well be stripped of unique thought, helpful information and
websites published purely to help others.  It would mean the home
entrepreneur that had a passion about his website topic may no longer be
able to afford to even have a website.  The Internet would be overrun
with corporate advertising websites and ecommerce websites, since these
could very well be the only types of online businesses that could afford
to have a website.  Free informational websites by passionate
individuals wanting to educate and help others in similar situations
would be few and far between because of the growing costs to maintain a
website domain.
 
I realize there are many individuals who abuse the domain buying
process, but I don't think variable pricing is the answer for stopping
that.  A variable pricing model for domain names would change the very
premise the Internet was built upon.  The costs of providing free
information with unique, passionate thought would become an expensive
endeavor that many entrepreneurs simple could not afford.  This change
would be making it harder for the passionate website owners, not the
abusive spammers who will always find a way.  
 
Informational, non-commercial websites, blogs, and forums meant to help
others and provide answers to burning questions would quickly disappear
from the Internet.  The internet would no longer be a medium to converse
with like-minded people around the world, but instead just another
overwhelming marketing medium to spread corporate thoughts and opinions.
 
I urge you to take a stand in keeping the Internet a place were free,
unique thought is abundant and easily published by any one with a true
passion for their subject. Variable pricing will surely lead to the
destruction of the Internet and all the passionate individuals who have
worked so hard to build it. Variable pricing on domain names would
surely be the beginning of the end for the unique nature that enriches
the Internet and the daily lives of many human beings around the world.
 
Sincerely, 
Meg Awtrey
650-759-7619
Santa Rosa, CA