Dear FriedrichWe are
not that far apart. On the contrary, I want to relate that I do see the urgency,
based on what I sense through all these discussions, to proceed sooner rather than
later with the gTLD (i.e., this is the "what" -- and if I get this right, this is
the one first step you talk about). I, myself, would not want to see a "slow-cook"
kind of process on a Board action to "authorize the creation of an implementation
plan (i.e., the "how") before the gTLD gets released. Not doing this pre-implementation
steps [before, during, or after ICANN authorizes the creation of "a" gTLD].
My point on the urgency is much like yours [e.g., on 5 July 2000 I wrote: . . ."The
timeframe to do all of the pre-steps and next steps can still be accomplished within
a few months", . . .].
My point is that if ICANN does not tie-up all the loose
ends involved with this gTLD issue via the development of an gTLD Roll-Out Implementation
Plan (which includes a benefit-cost analysis and an evaluation component, and the
framework for the implementation) as agreed/adopted by all the stakeholders/players
by the next quaterly meeting (i.e., October 2000) so that the gTLD can roll-out no
later than by the end of this year (i.e., 2000), the roll-out may be (and the likelyhood
for this is high but I qualify it as a "may") messy and too many things will be falling
through the "cracks".
The implementation plan I propose should also include a
strategy (e.g., the "global directory concept I proposed earlier) and a projection
of revenues and projected allocations by unit of administration [i.e., ICANN, regions,
ccTLD/nation-states, and targeted-sectors (businesses, users, advocacy groups, etc.)].
Wouldn't you want to know the "how" ahead of time, rather than "ad-hoc"
whereby if done "ad-hoc" one may have a hard time to "see where the ball is" and
"who is doing what"?
My point is that this process and the outcomes sought ought
to be made tranparent, participative/collaborative, and in the spirit of the delegated
powers granted to ICANN. Urgency is one thing; doing things appropriately is another.
Combining the two will require that ICANN acts efficiently, effectively, and responsively
to the needs of the proponents in this forum and to the needs of the current and
future Internet users.
In any event, as you say, the time to act is now! I would
just add: let's do it "right" (or as right as it get by following time-tested / widely-accepted
practices on things that affect the lives and the interests of many)!
Sincerely,
Nestor
Requeno
Los Angeles, California USA