http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-27aug12-en New gTLD Update for Applicants (27 August 2012) We have additional updates for applicants this week: Applicant Update Webinar The next Applicant Update Webinar is scheduled for Thursday, 6 September at 12:00 UTC. Topics will include status on Initial Evaluation, an update on batching/metering options, information on application comments, and new gTLD sessions we are planning for Toronto among other things. If you are unable to join us for the live webinar, it will be recorded and posted to the webinar page (http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/webinars) on the new gTLD microsite. The webinar is open to everyone but directed toward applicants in particular. Clarification Questions Pilot The Clarification Questions Pilot is scheduled to kick off this week. Notices have gone out to the 50 applications selected and participation is optional. Preliminary evaluation results show that a large number of applications require clarification. The purpose of the pilot is to ensure that the questions evaluators ask are clear and applicants understand what information they are being asked to provide. See attached [PDF, 80 KB]. Change Requests We are finalizing the process to post application change requests. A set of seven criteria have been created to evaluate each request and, if approved, the change will be reflected on the posting page of the microsite http://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus ). New gTLD Microsite The new gTLD microsite is getting a facelift. We are working to refresh the microsite, making it a bit easier for you to find what you need. A new feature we will add is an Applicants Corner. This is a place where applicants can go to get important advisories as well as to check the status of various parts of the program still under development. Keep an eye out for the microsite's new look!