A firm time line at least until the publication of EOI results

[Werner Staub <werner@xxxxxxxx>]

If ICANN goes ahead with EOI, then it must at the same time
announce a firm timeline for the EOI process. The firm timeline
need not extend to the time after the EOI results are published,
but it must no be allowed to slip under any circumstances.

That means, of course, that all other aspects of the gTLD process
must be able to change if need be.

For instance, if no consensus is found on registry-registrar
vertical integration, then no decision is taken now, but EOI
respondents are informed that a decision will be taken.

The same applies if no consensus is found on priority by type of
gTLD project, on certain details in contention resolution.

Even the eligibility of TLD strings or applicants must remain
subject to post-EOI intervention if need be.

Deciding on a set of known projects is much easier than deciding on
unknown ones. It also enables ICANN to set priorities in the design
of its process. The current approach of making *every* gTLD project
wait is no longer sustainable. There must be no further delays for
projects that have no impact on the overarching issues identified
by ICANN.

Committing to a firm EOI timeline is one way of doing so. Another
way is to skip EOI and directly set priorities, such as limiting
the next application window to public-interest community-based TLD
projects that require the agreement of the relevant government
authorities.

Werner Staub