Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

[Anand Panjabi <apanjabi@xxxxxxxxx>]

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 TLDs are imporant assets requiring 
significant investment in finance, technical expertise, human capital, etc.  
They should not be handed out freely to those without such investments in 
infrastructure to provide all the required sales, service and support. 

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a high 
fee to discourage gaming.  This seems like a reasonable threshold to allow 
legitimate applicants to enter, dissuading cybersquatters.

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.  AS per Q1 above.

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
I totally support the EOI process and strongly encourage ICANN to do the same.  

Signed,
Anand Panjabi 

apanjabi@xxxxxxxxx

[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.]