Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

["Sam Bazzi Arcs Business Solutions, LLC" <sambazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

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 I support EOI because it provides flexibility 
and enriches the domain names market. 

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a lower 
fee because it's fairer.   A lower fee allows more interested parties to apply 
and prevents monopolization by deep-pocketed applicants.

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.  Gathering EOI information and making them available 
to the public promotes awareness.

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 granted on demand  I 
believe that a full refund (minus processing fees) policy is fair. This would 
allow everyone to apply, including reluctant parties.

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.  Give them the benefit of the doubt. Let no one complain that they did 
not know.

PUBLICATION OF DATA
Finally, there is a question about whether data collected from EOIs should be 
made public. ICANN should publish all strings and applicants.  Yes, absolutely 
everything. Let there be no surprises or future conflicts. Awareness is very 
important.

OTHER COMMENTS
  

Signed,
Sam Bazzi 
Arcs Business Solutions, LLC
sambazzi@xxxxxxxxx

[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.]