Price Restriction is Necessary for .com/.net

["Max Menius" <mmeniusjr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN Board Members,

     Before any new contract is approved with Verisign in regard to .com and 
.net, unambiguous language must be specifically included in the contract that 
prohibits tiered-pricing on new registrations and renewals in the .com and .net 
namespace. Whatever pricing model is adopted for new gTLD's should have no  
bearing, ever, on contracts for existing gTLD's. 

A "removal of price restrictions" opens the door for severe damage 
to domain registrants and internet businesses around the globe. It would be 
unethical 
to adopt a new pricing system that substantially deviates from the 
well-established pricing norm to which com/net registrants have become 
accustomed over the course of 15 years. Moreover, dramatic price increases 
in existing gTLD's could never be justified, and must be blocked due a 
potentially far-reaching, 
disruptive effect on the underlying foundation of internet users and internet 
businesses who ARE the internet.

     Specifically, Verisign should never be allowed to adopt a pricing system 
that lacks 
clear limits or that puts existing domain registrants at potential risk of 
grossly 
increased domain registration fees. This position mirrors the same irrefutable 
logic that 
was adopted two years ago when ICANN were called to fix the contract 
renewal concerns on biz/info/org domain names. 

     ICANN should act in accordance with good business practice and in a manner 
that does not cater to the self-interest of any one corporate entity at the 
collective expense of all individuals. ICANN have an implicit responsibility to 
protect the 
interests of domain registrants. ICANN's integrity as an impartial steward and 
policy maker must be demonstrated through carefully crafted contract language 
that protects 
domain registrants. Failure to include contract language which 
states necessary price restrictions means that ICANN will have failed in their 
mission and duty. 

Sincerely,

Max Menius
Menius Enterprises, Inc.
Greensboro, NC, USA