Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

[Mark Griffin <msgmfg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN,

I would like to state my comments for the current Expressions of Interest 
("EOI") process, and appreciate the opportunity to make my views heard.

OVERALL SUPPORT OR NON-SUPPORT FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
I support Expressions of Interest  

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a 
higher fee because it would discourage gaming the process.  High rollers can 
still bank lucrative names at that fee.

MANDATORY NATURE OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
There is also a question about whether Expressions of Interest should be 
mandatory for those applying for a new TLD.  New TLD applicants should be 
required to submit an EOI.  

REFUNDS
The current EOI model will provide refunds of the submission fee only in 
extraordinary circumstances, or unless ICANN is unable to accept new TLD 
applications by a particular date.  Refunds should be allowed only in limited 
circumstances.  

COMMUNICATION PERIOD
ICANN's draft EOI model contemplates a four-month communication period prior to 
accepting EOI submissions. Four months is about right for the communications 
plan.  

PUBLICATION OF DATA
Finally, there is a question about whether data collected from EOIs should be 
made public. The results should not be published.  

OTHER COMMENTS
  

Signed,
Mark Griffin 

msgmfg@xxxxxxxxxxx

[This comment comes via the ICANN comment form found at 
http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2010/01/let-icann-know-your-position-on-expressions-of-interest.
  This form provides brief descriptions of the issues and allows easy comment 
on the Expressions of Interest process.]