Comments on Draft

[Elmar Knipp <Elmar.Knipp@xxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN,

thank you for the extension of the comment period. This is a clear 
indicator that ICANN is really interested in the opinion of the Internet 
community.

I have two types of questions or comments: 1. regarding the process, 2. 
regarding the content.


1.  Process

1.1 Online question period

    On page 3, ICANN mentions a question period from "1 November
    through 15 November, 2004". It should probably have said
    1 December through 15 December. Should be adjusted to the
    reality.


1.2 Use of online form for RFP

    Will the final RFP be based on an on-line form as it was
    the case in the current sTLD round?

    If yes, will there be a size limit per response (such as
    10,000 chars per response)?

    Will the response format be text-only ascii with carriage
    returns? Is it possible to include graphics or pictures?


2.  Content

2.1 Relative Criteria

    Is there a ranking or a metric between the relativ
    criteria?


2.2 Confidential Information

    I understand that Part 2, section 3 (a) is confidential.
    This seems to be a protection of ideas in a competetive
    environment. As a result, Part 2, section 4 (b) should
    also be treated confidential because this reflects the
    monetary view of 3 (a).

    In addition 4 (a) should also be treated confidential.
    As I believe this sensible information should not be
    completely published.


2.3 Transition of collected money

    The current .net agreement with the incumbent Registry allows
    to charge a maximum of US $ 6.00 per year for the management
    of a domain (see Appendix G of the agreement). This implies
    that the domain is under the management of the complete period
    in the Registry. In case of a change from the old Registry to
    a new Registry on June 30th 2005, the proportional part of the
    "not used" payment should be refunded to the new Registry.

    For example: A domain registerd on October 1st 2004 for one year,
    should result in a payment of USD 1,50 for the outstanding
    period until October 1st 2005.

    A good idea would be, to put this money on a neutral escrow
    account. The money could be used to pay the USD 0.75 to ICANN
    for every domain year of the new Registry for .net (see
    page 11 of the RFP). This would happen until the escrow
    account is exhausted. This would be a smarter introduction
    of the payment of the USD 0.75 and would help to not
    penalize .net against other gTLDs which until now have not to
    pay this amount.


Best regards,
Elmar Knipp

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