EOI and the question of which strings can be applied for

[Werner Staub <werner@xxxxxxxx>]

The current EOI draft states that prior to launching the EOI, ICANN
needs determine which kinds of TLDs can be applied for.

This is inconsistent with the only conceivable purpose of EOI.
If an EOI process takes place, it is to learn about the needs
BEFORE acting.

It must be possible to adapt the rules once there is the enhanced
forward visibility obtained through EOI.

It is reasonable to allow refunds of the EOI fees for the cases
where an application ceases to be allowable as a result of a
post-EOI change of rules.

The need for post-EOI changes of eligibility rules is inevitable.
The root scaling study already shows that ICANN cannot launch
thousands of TLDs in a short time frame. It is highly likely that
based on the results of EOI, ICANN will have to set priorities
and/or exclude certain types of applications.

Werner Staub