STRONGLY OPPOSED TO VARIABLE PRICING

[Julia Paterson <focalpoint@xxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN,
 
I was recently notified that ICANN wishes to introduce "variable
pricing" into its ORG TLD agreements. As a small business owner, this
decision could be the precursor of something ranging from a mild annoyance
to a catastrophic loss long-term.  In fact, if this was considered as a
"tax", it would be outrageous and definitely illegal!!
 
If it is possible for someone to simply "price my domain out of my reach", I
could lose my whole web-based business (and it could be conveniently
transferred to someone with slightly deeper pockets) at the whim of some
official at ICANN.
 
It is fundamentally immoral to make variable pricing a part of the renewal
and registration scheme. It is equivalent to confiscation without due
process
if the domain owner cannot or will not pay the "protection money" required
to renew his or her domain names. At the end, this reduces the domain
registration process to an auction or a poker game where he who can bluff
best or he that has the deepest pockets is the winner.
 
Instead of allowing domain owners to concentrate on innovating and solving
customer problems, this decision will foster a more political domain renewal
process with senseless negotiations, confusion and needless litigation. It
adds unnecessary complexity and cost. 
 
Looking long term: the directions that the powerful are taking on the Net to
consolidate their power will induce those who wish to be "free" to set up
alternate services and their own networks and organizations.  This could end
up as a
two-tiered Internet, which will result in a whole new set of challenges and
concerns.
Such changes in regulation and cost will also deter many people from
starting their own
 internet businesses.  Where will the 'cash cows' come from then, when no
one is starting 
new internet businesses - except for the ultra-wealthy or well-funded?
 
Please reconsider the variable domain name pricing scheme from the current
proposals.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
Julia Paterson

 


 
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