Dear George, dear all, we mentioned in our comment to the Carlton paper 3 clear cut reasons why this report is nice but just nice but cannot be topped by another nice study: 1. The report and many actors of the global Internet community have lost sight of is the question what economic scenario would happen if no new TLDs are introduced. I would like to dig up an old but still very virulent reason why new TLDs are vital to be added to the root: The Alternate Root Threat. It is obvious that several large countries will quickly establish their own root systems. China and several other countries may even be waiting for this opportunity with alternate roots operating in their countries for years. The damage to the global Internet by a fragmented root will not only harm ICANN's role as a provider of a ubiquitous and reliable network but also global business, in particular that of trademark owners, some of which heavily try to prevent new TLDs. 2. Another aspect of studies like that from Dr. Dennis Carlton is that it is a hard job to predict the future in highly dynamic areas like the Internet and computing. I would like to remind you of predictions of this kind which entirely failed, such as this one: "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers" (Thomas Watson, IBM-Chef, 1943). The report also underestimates the creativity of entrepreneurs but also criminals to develop great ideas but also bad ones, but conserving the DNS at the current status is definitely not the answer. 3. In the case of GeoTLDs we think that ICANN is definitely not in the position to deny a request of city and regional governments who decide to have their own TLD, regardless the potential economic value of these TLDs. Best regards, Dirk -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: owner-bc-gnso@icann.org [mailto:owner-bc-gnso@icann.org] Im Auftrag von George Kirikos Gesendet: Mittwoch, 5. August 2009 06:32 An: BC gnso Betreff: [bc-gnso] Does your organization believe ICANN has completed the economic studies that were promised? Hi folks, There seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether or not ICANN has completed the economic studies that were promised by the Board, before the launch of any new TLDs. The NTIA/DOC/DOJ mentioned this in their own comments: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/comments/2008/ICANN_081218.pdf My company does not believe the Carlton reports were in any way adequate. From the other comments I've read, most people do not believe they've been adequate. I believe this should continue to be a BC position, that the studies to date do not meet the standard that we expect. However, let's all go on the record --- what does your organization believe? Do further economic studies need to be completed before new TLDs are launched? Yes/no and why? And should the BC take a position? Sincerely, George Kirikos 416-588-0269 http://www.leap.com/