EOI Feedback

[David Gleberman <igleberman@xxxxxxx>]

While the ICANN gTLD process has been slow to take form, I am pleased to see 
that ICANN is close to proceeding with an Expression of Interest bidding 
approach. As ICANN notes, “expansion of the generic top-level domain (gTLD) 
space will allow for a greater degree of innovation and choice.” The EOI 
process makes great sense to me.  I would encourage you to collect substantive 
deposits from prospective bidders.  The deposit could be either a fixed amount 
($25,000-$50,000) or a percentage (10-20%) of the bid amount.  I’d suggest that 
the bid amount should be non-refundable if a bidder is ultimately awarded a 
gTLD.  Bidders selected for a “best and final” round should have their deposits 
held.  Ultimately, the bid amount less, say, $1,000 “application fee” should be 
returned to bidders not selected by ICANN.

David H. Gleberman