Geo TLDs Prioritization and Global Diversity

[Tom Gilles <tgilles@xxxxxxxxx>]

To Whom It May Concern,

I applaud the decision to move the New gTLD process forward with the
Drawing Prioritization process. Also, the decision to prioritize IDN TLDs
will help to promote globalization for many, kudos for that.

To further ensure globalization and diversity I suggest the following:

Geographical TLDs with requisite government support should also be
prioritized. By virtue of their representative support requirements, city
and geo tlds are pre-qualified to be in the public interest. City and geo
applications are also widely distributed, ensuring fairness and global
balance in applicant processing

I was disappointed to see the lack of a geographical based drawing as was
present in the digital archery program. I think it would be beneficial to
group applicants into geo regions and draw from them in a round robin
fashion. This will further ensure regional fairness and balance.

I have also read comments suggesting some method of prioritization for
single applicants over multiple or portfolio applicants, or ensuring that
single applicants are processed before any second application from a
portfolio or multiple tld applicant. I do not support this approach. Each
application had the same requirements and $185,000 fee attached. The
decision to apply for 1, 10, or 100 tlds was entirely the option of the
applicant. Applicants that opted to apply for numerous tlds should not have
any of their applications penalized simply due to the fact they applied for
more than one tld.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Tom Gilles
NewgTLDsite.com