http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-08aug08-en.htm ICANN has published a paper from its contractor PowerAuctions LLC, regarding the use of auctions to award new TLD strings in case of contention. http://icann.org/en/topics/economic-case-auctions-08aug08-en.pdf I think it would be important that the At Large speaks up. The model proposed in the document is a purely capitalistic one. It is based on the assumption that all gTLDs are created to make as much money as possible. Smaller, community based TLDs seem quite difficult to launch in such context. The mere possibility of auctions will actually generate contention on some strings. The little guys wishing to establish a not-for-profit TLD will be outplayed by the wealthy ones. A public forum has been established at http://forum.icann.org/lists/auction-consultation/. Comments to auction-consultation@icann.org before 8 September 2008. -- Patrick Vande Walle