[gnso-vi-feb10] Single Registrant TLDs

[Richard Tindal <richardtindal@xxxxxx>]

All,

We may be getting a little wrapped around the axle on this topic (this is 
no-one's fault as it's complex) so I'd like to take a shot at summarizing where 
it stands.   

We're not debating whether or not Single Registrant (SR) TLDs should be 
allowed.   They are allowed  -- and have been allowed from the first version of 
the DAG.      Any registry can register names just to itself and no registry is 
required to provide open access to registrars.

Also, no rule we devise will prevent SR TLDs.   We're making rules about who 
can own registries and registrars, not about who can own domains.  An SR TLD 
can exist if we recommend zero cross ownership and it can exist if we recommend 
100% cross ownership. 

What we're debating is whether or not,  in order to register its names,   an SR 
TLD registry must be accredited as a registrar  (and, importantly,  pay the 
fees that accompany that registrar accreditation).  This is the area of 
contention.   

If anyone feels I've mischaracterized the issue please jump in.


Also, I agree with the argument Volker made yesterday.    I think we should 
first see if we can find a rule-set that suits all types of registries.  This 
may be possible.   If we find the overall rule-set doesn't suit a particular 
registry-type then we can drill down on exception cases.

RT