Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

[David Brooks Wasserman Media Group <dbrooks@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN,

I would like to state my comments for the current Expressions of Interest 
("EOI") process, and appreciate the opportunity to make my views heard.

OVERALL SUPPORT OR NON-SUPPORT FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
I support Expressions of Interest We support the proposed Expressions of 
Interest in new gTLDs.  We agree with ICANN’s stated belief that “receiving 
expressions of interest will likely contribute to a better understanding of: 1) 
the economic demand for new gTLDs; 2) the number of gTLDs that are likely to be 
requested; and 3) inform the program’s operational readiness plan.” 

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a high 
fee to discourage gaming.  

MANDATORY NATURE OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
There is also a question about whether Expressions of Interest should be 
mandatory for those applying for a new TLD.  New TLD applicants should be 
required to submit an EOI.  

REFUNDS
The current EOI model will provide refunds of the submission fee only in 
extraordinary circumstances, or unless ICANN is unable to accept new TLD 
applications by a particular date.  Refunds should be allowed only in limited 
circumstances.  

COMMUNICATION PERIOD
ICANN's draft EOI model contemplates a four-month communication period prior to 
accepting EOI submissions. Four months is too long for the communications plan. 
 

PUBLICATION OF DATA
Finally, there is a question about whether data collected from EOIs should be 
made public. ICANN should publish all strings and applicants.  

OTHER COMMENTS
We support the proposed Expressions of Interest in new gTLDs and believe that 
the Expressions of Interest will indicate robust economic demand for new TLDs, 
a substantial, but manageable, number of proposed gTLD applications, and will 
effectively inform ICANN’s operational readiness plan.

We encourage ICANN to move forward with the new gTLD application process 
without further delays, and hope to see the Expression of Interest program 
implemented as soon as possible.
  

Signed,
David Brooks 
Wasserman Media Group
dbrooks@xxxxxxxxxx

[This comment comes via the ICANN comment form found at 
http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2010/01/let-icann-know-your-position-on-expressions-of-interest.
  This form provides brief descriptions of the issues and allows easy comment 
on the Expressions of Interest process.]