Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

[helen laverty DotAlliance <helen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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 New gTLDs have been long awaited for and we 
strongly believe there is a demand for them.
Other gTLD registries are now increasing their fees on an annual basis which 
may make owning a domain name for the average individual or even a small 
company prohibitive. Competition is extremely important to best serve the 
community. 

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a lower 
fee because it's fairer.  I beleive that there should be a fee but $25,000 is 
much more reasonable.  It is important to encourage many new players.

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.  It is important that ICANN has some understanding 
of the the applicants and what is needed.
At the same time, if as a result of EOI an auction situation arises the 
applicant should be allowed to either a full refund or the ability to submit an 
application for another gTLD at no additional charge.

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.  If as a result of EOI an auction situation arises the applicant 
should be allowed to either a full refund or the ability to submit an 
application for another gTLD at no additional charge.
On the other hand, exessive numbers of applications should be discouraged.

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.  The data 
received from the EOI can be invaluable in planning the future of new gTLDs

OTHER COMMENTS
  

Signed,
helen laverty 
DotAlliance
helen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[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.]