- comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20@icann.org

[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Regarding ICANN Treatment of .COM Domains
by Rob Allegretti Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Please do not amend the .COM Registry Agreement as planned. The changes proposed are not a fair and equitable treatment of new and existing .COM domain owners, and appears without more explanation to be an abuse of ICANN's position in the domain name registry market. Increasing prices to increase profits with no driving increase in cost or expense on ICANN's part is little more than abusing a monopoly over an international commodity. ICANN should operate as a non-partisan, non-profit organization aiming to regulate domain naming with as much transparency and accountability to those it is providing services to as possible. Arbitrary and profit-seeking price hikes for ANY top-level domain should not be permitted, and doing so should result in ICANN's loss of the ability to manage commodity TLDs. Thank you, Rob ZUDY(r) Rob Allegretti Director of IT 608-216-8987 www.zudy.com<https://www.zudy.com/> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.sigxvid1

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Comment
by Jessica Warren Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I do not support this change. This is another example of big business making things harder for the average American working people. This makes owning and operating a small business even harder. America is supposed to be the land of dreams, but it is becoming harder each year to become an entrepreneur. Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Do Not Increase Domain Prices
by Luis Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I own a small business and have purchased several domains over the years. I would like to voice my opinion on increasing prices for domains. Please do not increase prices. Domains are expensive enough already as it is and increasing prices would deter people from starting businesses and or Avoiding avoiding having an online presence. Thank you for Reading this email. Luis Talamantes

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Objection to proposed price increase to .COM domains.
by Buben Code Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I am a registrant of a .com domain name. I am against the proposed price increase to .COM domains. ICANN is supposed to govern the domain name system in the public interest. *Buben Code*

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .com rates
by Johnathan Ebbers Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I'm writing to you today to express my dissatisfaction with the recent proposed changes to .com rates in the coming years in exchange for funds from Verisign. I think that this will only serve to further social inequities. I do believe that widespread perceptions are more "sticky" than prices, and as much as it is tempting to believe that hiking the prices of .com domains up to nearly double will simply and solely result in them becoming half as popular and desirable, I do not believe this to be the case. Most ppl are unaware of how much domain names cost, they are unaware of how these prices are determined, and they do not know that the most popular TLD is owned by Verisign. So, I think ppl will continue to view websites with a .com domain with higher legitimacy and yet, it will become a larger barrier to entry for new upstarts and, for the vast majority of domain possessors, represents another way in which wealth is transferred from those who have less of it to those who have much of it. I strongly discourage you from moving forward with this "deal," and I hope that you ultimately choose to serve the public interest. ICANN has continued as a largely unregulated and unmonitored body for quite some time, but there's no reason that could not change in the future – Johnathan Ebbers

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Keep .COMs Accessible and Affordable
by Brittany Norris Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Please keep .Com's affordable and accessible. The steps you're taking limit creativity and participation on the internet. Not to mention it seems like y'all did this below radar. Not cool. --- Brittany Norris Graphic Designer & Digital Director

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Stop raising rates
by Anthony Codispoti Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

This is a cash grab at the expense of EVERYONE who uses the internet. Your costs aren’t increasing that much. So please stop making the Internet more expensive for everyone else to use. Think about all of the small businesses, and independent contractors. Every extra dollar in your pocket comes out of someone else’s pocket who is struggling to make ends meet. __________________ Anthony V. Codispoti

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Please Stop increasing .com Prices
by EasyHacksForYou Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi, This is Zubair Ashraf. A common man, who is using .com domain names to share his knowledge with world & to help people. Most of the world & people are not that rich who can afford such prices already. Barely, they can pay the prices are now. But if you guys increase the prices. It will be impossible to be online with legal & right names. It will be tough for us to help people & make difference in lives. Hope you guys understand our problems, & Stop this increase in price. Regards, EasyHacksForYou.com Zubair Ashraf

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Domain price increase
by Kevin Wilson Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I am a registrant of a .com domain name. I am against the proposed price increase to .COM domains. The current rate of $7.85 is already far more than justified. ICANN is supposed to govern the domain name system in the public interest. Kevin Wilson Toronto, ON, Canada

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Maintain price controls
by Sandy BV Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I disagree with your recent deal and your uncontrollable price increase. You must include in your decision making everything involved in the process of using the domains. You can't increase the price so much; to cannot accept donations that are really purchasing your actions and you must be clear in the use of any monies in a way that benefit the community and not the pockets of your management. Cordially, Sandra Bollo

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] I oppose to the 3rd .COM ammendment proposal
by Cristian Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I find it unfair that the .COM property prices increase. This will lead to an even more unequal internet, where domain inflation will push content creation of individuals out an ever more centralized internet. -- Cristian E. Duguet

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Verisign and ICANN deal is a bum deal for me
by Jerry Hammack Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To whom it may concern, Last month, you announced significant changes to the contract you have with Verisign, Inc. who operate the .COM top-level-domain (TLD). These changes were made in secret, without consulting or incorporating feedback from the ICANN community or Internet users. It appears these changes will harm our consumers given that .COM domains make up 40% of all registered domain names online. Allowing Verisign to increase the wholesale price to registrars for .COM domains every year for 8 out of the next 10 years means that .COM wholesale domain prices can grow by more than 70% over and above current prices over the next decade. These costs will have to be borne by consumers in the end. That means me. And for what? The contract also allows for other price increases, which could drive prices up further, ultimately making .COM domains less accessible and more expensive for everybody. It is alarming that alongside these contract changes, Verisign will pay ICANN an additional $20 million dollars over five years to support ICANN's domain name system initiatives, without any clarity about how ICANN will spend the money, or who will ensure that the funds are properly spent on domain infrastructure. These changes will have significant impact on the Internet and my small business for years to come. You have not consulted your .COM customers at all prior to making this deal, which will have a huge, negative impact on numerous businesses. Please reconsider this deal, the price increases that are bound to be passed to consumers, and do the right thing for the Internet community by striking a balance between profit and service. Don't be greedy and don't allow Verisign to be either. Sincerely, Jerry Hammack -- +++-------------------------+++ Jerry Hammack a: 25 The Esplanade, Suite 1704 Toronto, ON, Canada M5E 1W5 p: 416-977-8503 c: 416-400-7630 e: jer(a)jerryhammack.com

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Don't go ahead please!!
by Joe Burrill Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

*This amendment is a bad idea, Increasing prices of .coms by 70% over 10 years is a joke and is clearly a money grab. Don't go ahead!* I agree with all of the points Namecheap have highlighted in their article: There are four main concerns with ICANN’s decision: 1. Price Increases Verisign will be allowed to increase the wholesale price to registrars for .COM domains by 7% each year in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. After a two year “freeze”, Verisign can increase prices by 7% annually during 2026-2029, then another two year “freeze”. This cycle will continue, meaning that within 10 years, .COM domains could cost approximately 70% more than the current wholesale price of $7.85 — and the sky is the limit. It is not clear how much of these price increases registrars will pass along to consumers, but it is likely that most of these increases will be paid by domain name registrants. The contract does allow for other price increases for certain extraordinary situations, so it is possible prices could increase more than anticipated. 2. ICANN Will Receive an Extra $20 Million With the contract changes, Verisign agreed to pay ICANN an additional $20 million dollars over five years to support ICANN’s initiatives regarding the security and stability of the domain name system. There is no explanation why Verisign did this, how ICANN will spend the money, or who will ensure that the funds are properly spent. 3. Verisign Can Operate as a Domain Registrar ICANN also had rules that the operator of a TLD could not operate a domain name registrar. Although in 2012 ICANN allowed operators of new gTLDs to have domain name registrars, it did not apply to Verisign. The new contract will allow Verisign to operate its own registrar, except for selling .COM domain names itself. To circumvent this, it is also possible that Verisign could act as a reseller of .COM domains, through another registrar. This result is that the company that controls almost 80% of the registrar pricing for domain names will compete directly with all domain registrars, maximizing its control of domain name pricing to the detriment of other competing registrars. While this might result in lower prices to consumers, fewer registrars will harm competition, choice, and domain name services. Verisign’s registrar could also use its dominant position to charge higher prices to consumers, while at the same time raising registrar prices. 4. ICANN Ignored Previous Comments As detailed on Standing Up to ICANN to Keep Domain Prices in Check and pricecaps.org, over 3,500 comments were submitted in support of price controls for the .ORG, .INFO, and .BIZ TLDs. Only six comments supported removing price controls. ICANN discounted the comments that were in favor of maintaining price caps. A number of the comments were submitted using an online tool, which caused the comments to be discounted as “spam” by the ICANN Ombudsman. ICANN removed the price caps, primarily relying upon a biased preliminary analysis from 2009 by an economics professor that did not reference any data. Cheers Joe

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Outrageous
by D. Michael Enfield Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Your deal with Verisign is outrageous. I am directing my Congressman to initiate an inquiry. D. Michael Enfield 526 Westgate Drive Napa, CA 94558 415-341-5880 Tel 810-561-6240 Fax

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the.COM Registry Agreement
by Gene Madison Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement
by Kendra Oberhauser Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I’m the owner of a few .com domain names, and I am very much against the proposed price increase. I am not a big business; I have a few small business that make me a nice supplementary amount each year, and even as it is, the domain prices are difficult sometimes. My income isn't stable because of my profession, so keeping an online presence for my side businesses is absolutely key. Please support small and growing businesses by halting this crazy price inflation of 70% over time. Thank you for your time, Kendra

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] The way I think about internet
by Jerick Gutierrez Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

At first, I thought the internet and all organizations behind it, like ietf and ICANN are the most inspiring organization in the world. They just made things possible with the internet community always involved. Community has huge input in every decisions made. I thought internet can be compared to how inspiring International Space Station was made. If this. Com registry pursues, it might change the way I look at it. Or maybe other people too.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] voting against the agreement
by Christian Suttner Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I believe the planned agreement is not in the best interest of internet users and the progress of the Internet as a whole. Also, the lack of adequate transparency is worrysome. I would prefer if the amendment goes not go forward in this way.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] (no subject)
by Dee Price Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To Whom It May Concern: The behind closed doors deal that has apparently been made is unfair, which I’m sure is the reason that it was made behind closed doors. Unfortunately, my understand of this will mean that .COM wholesale domain prices are now able to grow by more than 70% over and above current prices over the next decade. I’m sure that unknown to the little ones like us this contract also allows for other price increases, which could drive prices up further, ultimately making .COM domains less accessible and more expensive for everybody. With the way that people are realizing that the regular 9 to 5 system that is in place is crumbling around their feet, there is already an avalance of people looking to purchase .COM domains. I believe it is unfair for this amendment to be put into place especially at such a high cost to the public. Shame on those who have done this! I’m asking to please reconsider that decision. Respectfully, Darnell Price Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .com Price Increase
by Kayne Ruse Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I would like to voice my opposition to Proposed Amendment 3. I can't afford to pay exorbitant prices for my domains each year - I can barely afford them as is. I've already been forced to let several of my domains expire. Please, think of the struggling entrepreneurs like me who can't afford this - you'll be taking away their business fronts. Nobody benefits from this except verisign. Best regards, Kayne Ruse KR Game Studios

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement
by Ross Hendrickson Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I am a registrant of a .com domain name. I am against the proposed price increase to .COM domains. No one other than Verisign want increases in .COM prices. The current rate of $7.85 is already far more than justified. Verisign is merely your manager of the .COM Registry – it has no business dictating the price. ICANN is supposed to govern the domain name system in the public interest. Des Moines, Iowa, United States

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement
by Lucy Unger Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, It was recently brought to my attention that Amendment 3 is being proposed. On a close reading of this amendment, I am truly alarmed. While I understand that ICANN and VeriSign are coming together expressly to address security threats and the resiliency of DNS, none of the information provided to the public has reassured me that ICANN will appropriately spend the $4,000,000 annual payments from VeriSign. Furthermore, the allowances for price increases for .COM Registry Services set a dangerous precedent. While it is true that the price increase is capped annually, the maximum "cap" for the period covered by this amendment -- that is to say, while ICANN is still receiving its payments from VeriSign -- is a whopping 30%. As an independent artist who uses a custom domain to manage my brand, a 30% increase in costs across the board would put me out of business. Additionally, since this amendment explicitly *allows* a price increase past the stated $10.26 "cap" as early as 2027, which conveniently coincides with the end of ICANN's receiving payments from VeriSign, I am extremely worried about the effect this price increase will have on small business owners such as myself who rely on .COM Registry Services as a core part of our marketing. As such, I strongly reject the amendment as proposed, which includes no protections for consumers such as myself and clearly targets the support large corporations for whom the $2.41 difference in the cost of .COM Registry Services is negligible. Thank you, Lucia Unger

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement
by Pascal K Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I’m against the proposed "Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement" Verisign agreed to pay ICANN an additional $20 million dollars over five years to support ICANN's domain name system initiatives, without any clarity about how ICANN will spend the money, or who will ensure that the funds are properly spent on domain infrastructure

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM Price increase
by Patrick Medley Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

This is absolutely wrong and motivated purely by profit. Clearly ICANN should not hold any position of power if this is how they wield it. If this goes through then the next natural step is the formation of an organization to replace ICANN. Än organization with the public's interest in mind, not a private corporation.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3
by Auriette Lindsey Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I'm very concerned that proposed amendment 3 includes language that could lead to sharp price increases for domain registration. My husband and I both own the .com domains for our names. I would hate to see the cost of keeping those names rise beyond our ability to pay. We are not all corporations or investors (squatters). Some domain owners are ordinary people who don't deserve to be priced out of a website. Thank you, Auriette Lindsey Pensacola, Fla.

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