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

[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Removing .com price restrictions would make it less accessible to those who need it most
by Peter P Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

As someone who has worked with many small business and startups, a .com domain name and associated e-mail address makes a big difference in credibility as they start out, helping change the perception of a business from a fly-by-night operation to one that can be trusted and relied upon. Many new small businesses are started by people trying to ramp up a new revenue stream for themselves or their families, and launch with little to no resources precisely because the point of starting the business was to solve that very resource problem. By allowing prices for the .com top-level domain name, which is solidly positioned as the default extension in the public consciousness, to grow significantly in pricing would place that credibility increasingly out of reach for those who need it the most. Maintaining this kind of accessibility is outlined ICANN’s own statement of purpose: “...ICANN is dedicated to preserving the operational stability of the Internet; to promoting competition; to achieving broad representation of global Internet communities; and to developing policy appropriate to its mission…” The promotion of competition amongst users of the Internet and the fostering of a diverse global Internet community sourced from all economic situations is much more in line with ICANN’s broad and inspiring mission than promoting competition amongst those few organizations who hold a stewardship role for this network which has transformed how the global public connect and transact. While price increases at some level are inevitable due to the simple fact of monetary inflation, under what terms and at what rate those increases happen should be much more conservative than the proposal here, especially in the light of falling infrastructural prices and the margin already built into the business of being an operator of this kind. Keep the .com domain pricing accessible for with the least and with the most need by significantly reducing the allowed rate of price increase. Peter Pallock

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Please, do not raise the .com domain names.
by Jean-David Roth Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi everybody, I own several .com domain names, (around 30 I think) among several other ones with different extensions. Therefore if you increase your prices for .com, I may be in high difficulties to continue with my solo entrepreneur endeavors, which are already difficult. Also, I think that with the improvement of technology, domain names should not become more expensive over time, but on the contrary cheaper. The price of servers is decreasing year after year, for a given capabilities (if you compare servers with same bandwidth, memory, HD, etc. ) Therefore, even if there is more and more domain names to administer, I don't really think you need to increase the prices. You may in fact decrease them. I would therefore see any endeavors to increase the .com domain names prices as unfair, and, especially if you do not respond to this email to justify your point, I would be critical of the companies responsible for such increases. I have also seen some other extensions raising their prices, and i had for instance to get rid of several .space domain names I owned due to an increase in prices. And therefore I am a bit angry to the people at .space, because, being there at their very start, I helped them, but finally they did not help me. Price increases would hit the .com in my opinion and perhaps not make you richer, because it might end up in people discontinuing their .com .com might even lose a part of its historical comparative advantage over other extensions. In case I hear of .com real price increases, I may also try to obtain states intervention to try to ask you not to take this direction, because I would see it like being profiting from a monopoly position. If you do not increase your prices, on the other hand, I will keep a good image/feeling about Icann, Verisign, and all companies involved. I know my English writing is not perfect, since it is not my mother tongue, and I apologize for that. Nevertheless, I felt I should let you know how I feel about all this, and it wasn't easy for me to do. Please hand this email to your hierarchy, so that it reaches the decision makers about these matters. I think I represent well what other people may think about this, if they were aware of price increases risks for .com Have a nice day, and thanks for listening Jean-David Roth 17 chemin des Marais 1234 Vessy Switzerland.

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

Feb. 11, 2020

Like many others, I am concerned by Proposed Amendment 3, and I oppose opening the door to increasing the cost of .com domains—particularly for the effect it would have on start-ups, as well as the many individuals who have purchased .com domains for personal use. The current rate is already more than justified. Thank you, Zachary Yaro

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Disapprove of Ammendment 3
by Moshe Alfih Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

While the internet is complex, mandating changes to the fundamental building block of the internet is a costly and difficult task. Simply reading the last page shows how out of touch this agreement is with realities. * Mandating a disclosure nobody will read and hackers will simply ignore will not make the internet safer. * Additionally, domain owners cannot necessarily control the content on their own site (e.g. social media, hosted subdomains like github) and certainly should not be penalized for unauthorized content without ample time to take down * Registrar operators are not aware of subdomains and cannot possibly police the misuse. * Browsers and search engines are already taking an active role in publishing malware sites with warnings blocking access. They are already crawling the internet and can take notice and act on a granular level rather than taking a sledgehammer to an entire domain. As such, I stand opposed to Amendment 3. Thanks, Moshe

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM TLD PRICE INCREASE
by Nickolas Grijalva Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

My name is Nickolas Grijalva and I am a member of the .com owner community. I have read the information about ICANN unilaterally deciding with Verisign to allow price increases for .com domains over the coming years and see this as nothing more than a simple bribe from a large company to the governing authority in order to give them advantages over their competition and make them more money. It comes complete with a $20 million 'kickback' for ICANN If there truly is an interest in the overall market's future and impact on .com TLD purchases, both from the consumer's perspective and from the many domain registrars' perspective, there should have been a longer and more open dialogue between all before any decisions were made. It seems clear that ICANN knew this would meet with resistance and therefore is making these decisions behind closed doors. I do not agree with the decision or the methods in which this decision was made and I question the motive behind them. There is no need for me to supply data that demonstrates the negative impact this will have on the market, as these figures can clearly be seen on various registrars' websites that are courageously exposing ICANN's actions. Let's not deceive ourselves into thinking that ICANN made this decision without already knowing and understanding this impact already. They simply are being called out for it now that they have been caught. But now is the time to make the right choice, listen to those who are speaking out against the actions and reverse the decision it made. Please read and consider my email along with the many others that I'm sure you are currently receiving and make the right choice. Sincerely, Nickolas Grijalva

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

Feb. 11, 2020

I am a registrant of many .com domain names. I am against the proposed price increase to .COM domains. No one other than Verisign wanted 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. Adrian Ferrer Park City, Utah United States

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Hello there
by Kenang Purwadinata Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

My Name is kin kenang, I heard that you will increase dot com domain for more than 60%. Is that true? If this really happened I'm scared that I can afford to pay it. I have more than 4 .com domains but I also a student who don't earn much money from my websites. Please don't increase the price that lot. Sorry for my bad English since its not my first language. Kinkenang

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM Price Increase
by Henry Li Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi, I want to express my opposition to the proposed .COM price raise over the next decade. Also, please increase transparency of what this proposed price increase would do for the industry. Regards, Hanrui Li

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] What a terrible decision
by David Vaught Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

The recent agreement ICANN made with Verisign, Inc. Regarding price increase for .CON domain names 8 out of the next 10 years is terrible for consumers!! Not okay, ICANN Sent from my iPhone

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Comments on .com Proposal
by Manuel Vega Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Another example of corporate greed! Why increase prices other than to make VeriSign rich with no intention to improve the .com space

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .com considerations.
by Jb Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Please be mindful of the potential for price increases with the upcoming verisign deal. As a small business, cost is always a consideration and a primary driver in decisions. In a day where owning a website is challenged by presence on multiple social media platforms a website .com expense is further challenged if costs increases. Thank you, Jason Bahr.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposed Amendment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement: OPPOSED
by Domain Manager Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I’m fully OPPOSED to this amendment. These kinds of backroom deals and price increases just makes citizens continue to lose faith in capitalism, bureaucracies, and corporate America. Please reconsider this decision. Byron Levy

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

Feb. 11, 2020

A .COM address is a critical resource for small and medium sized businesses. The name registry is and should nearly 100% automated. There is no particularly expensive part of storing a name in a database, and everyone in the industry knows it. The cost of computing infrastructure drops every year. This cost increase is not simply passing on increased costs to the user, but instead it is an attempt to mine one momnopoly (.com names) in order to fund new initiatives in other areas outlined in the proposal. Because these other areas cannot fund themselves, we assume that is because they are not of value to the consumers. It is therefore inappropriate to take funds from the .COM names in order to do these other initiatives that nobody wants. A .COM address is a critical resource for small and medium sized businesses, and we should not unfairly burden this critical part of our economy. The cost of a .COM name, should reflect the cost of that function, and that cost has been going down in all the years since the ICANN was set up. -Keith Swenson

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Unjustified Domain price increase
by Naveed AGN Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I have SMB operator and my multiple business are working with different domains with small footprints Your move to such price increase effect my annual renewal cost and acquisition of new domains badly, the ICANN is support to community not to exploit You are requested to call back this annual increase policy and transform new policy by taking stakeholders onboard Regards Naveed

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Please Do Not Allow .COM Price Increase
by Esther Filbrun Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To whom it may concern: As a small blog owner on a .com domain, I have a very tight budget when it comes to managing my online presence, since my blog is supported by my work salary. It would be much more difficult to afford to keep the blog up if I have to pay more for my domain name—so either I would lose my search presence by going to a free domain, or I would lose my site completely. Either way, I would view having to move because of high price increases as going against my right to free speech. Please do not allow this proposal to go through. Thank you, Esther Filbrun

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM amendment
by Jeremy Smith Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I'm writing to request that any .COM amendments be presented to the ICANN community and Internet users for feedback and consideration before details are finalized and implemented. Additionally, I think it would be sound judgement for there to be requirements on how ICANN spends the additional $20 million over 5 years. Domain infrastructure would be a good place to spend it, and a third party verifying appropriate spending and progress of work being done would be a good idea, too. I get it. Stuff constantly gets more expensive to run and maintain. It's reasonable for ICANN to be able to cover the cost of fufilling it's various roles, and that consumers would adopt an appropriate proportion of necessary increases, but this sort of back room, secret agreement business isn't good for the overall community and it certainly breeds distrust. Please operate with honesty and integrity. A lot of us depend on you and the services you provide. Thanks. Jeremy Smith

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Taking food off kid's tables
by Billy Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To whom it may concern, My family business runs on tight margins to operate. By increasing the .com price you are effectively reducing our footprint on the web as we cannot afford supporting the domains which bring us business. This proposal is directly taking food off children's tables which is against the freedom of the internet. Please reconsider your decision so that thousands of children can have food and security. Thank you, Billy Richardson

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM price increase
by Philippe Gagné Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I wanted to say that I am against a drastic increase in .COM domain prices. I have been a good .COM domain names customer for many years, and I don't think that there is any reasonable reason to increase as much as the current proposition wants to. Thanks, Philippe Gagné philgagne.com and other domain names

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Comments
by Lewis Kelly Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I do not support this agreement. The amendment would increase prices significantly over a short period of time and ultimately the domain consumer will pay for privatised greed.

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

Feb. 11, 2020

I understand that on January 3, 2020, ICANN announced significant changes to the contract it has with Verisign, Inc. to operate the top-level domain .COM. I also understand these changes were made in secret, without consulting or incorporating feedback from the ICANN community or Internet users. Why do you want to harm competition, choice, and domain name services? I understand ICANN was created in part to introduce competition between domain name registrars, but now ICANN itself is at the heart of the problem, without considering any input from Internet users on these critical decisions. Well, here’s my input. 1. 7% price increases—and upwards—with no ceiling is unconscionable 2. Why should Verisign operate as a domain registrar when ICANN initial ruled that the operator of a TLD could not operate a domain name registrar? Why would anyone be willing to pay exorbitant fees for this? 3. ICANN should not ignore public comment and feedback I run a business and I am always looking for services that support my business, not put it in peril. I urge you not to ignore public comment about this decision and rethink the changes in the contract. Marlene _________________________ M Hutchins • Art Director Montana Corp. Office:406.721.2425 • Regional Office:406.550.0349

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

Feb. 11, 2020

Please be advised that as a business owner and owner of multiple domains I strongly oppose the proposed domain price increases. Increasing prices of internet services affects everyone, and can hinder growth and learning, especially in disadvantaged areas. Thank you, Eric Steinberg Sunrise, Florida USA

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] 🛑 These changes will deprive me of having an online existence
by Ben Abbes Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Please do not make these changes because it will deprive me of having an online existence. As you knew domain name registration is not a choice, everyone has to pay the registration fee each year. Considering that .com has an international reach, it must be affordable for website shoppers around the world, regardless of their purchasing power. This price increase exceeds the budget of users in several low-income countries. And then change the interest as we know it today. 🛑 I'm against these changes 🛑

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Do not raise our internet rents beyond what we can afford
by lakeswholelakes . Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To ICANN, You cannot in good conscience raise the "rent" of website hosting for the next 10 years. You will exclude many people who, not being multinational corps, do not have the resources to be spending ever-more of their already tight budgets on holding on to their own names, especially ones that they already have. Do not betray your registrees, the ones who make the internet what it is. 70% increase is too much, too much for you & certainly too much fpr us who value a free and accessible internet. Sincerely, Stephanie Beattie

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .com price increase
by Oswald Abraham Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I am a user of .com website. With the current economic conditions staggering around the world, and business having negative growth, it is insane to think of price increases for .com websites. I wish to state my objection to any price increase now or into the future. Yours sincerely Oswald Abraham

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Comment
by Alistair Tait Snowie Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I do not agree with the proposal. This will harm small businesses to get a presence on the web as well as make it more difficult for developing countries to get an online presence. *Alistair Tait Snowie* *Managing Director* Mobile: +44 7717 181343 Private Office: +44 1259 727600 (Scotland) Trading Floor: +44 203 740 8670 (London, Tait Capital/Ebury) alistair(a)taitcapital.com Tait Capital UK, 105 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QT *taitcapital.com <http://taitcapital.com>* *Tait Capital UK Limited is part of Tait Global Holdings Ltd. * This email and any attachments may be confidential and legally privileged. If you have received this e-mail and you are not a named addressee, please inform the sender by return email and delete both emails. If you are not a named addressee, you must not use, disclose, distribute, copy, print or rely on this e-mail. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author. Any statements made, or intentions expressed in this communication may not necessarily reflect the view of Tait Capital UK Limited. No content herein will bind Tait Capital Limited or any associated company unless confirmed by a formal contract from Tait Capital UK Limited. Any figures or amounts given in this e-mail are quotations only are subject to change. Tait Capital UK Limited. Registered in England and Wales (registered no. 10146256) Tait Capital makes no representation or warranty as to the absence of viruses in this e-mail or any attachments. Registered Office: 105 Victoria Street, Westminster, London SW1E 6QT. Tait Capital UK Limited is owned wholly by Tait Global Holdings Ltd, for more information visit www.taitglobalholdings.com.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] What a waste
by Canis Aves Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

A terrible abuse of power, putting the Internet right into the hands of corporate interests. Great job...not.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM domain increases over the next decade
by Kim Golter Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To whom it may concern: I was troubled by the recent disclosure of an agreement made between ICANN and Verisign that allows an increase in the wholesale price to registrars for .COM domains every year for 8 out of the next 10 years. As a nonprofit leader, every dollar counts for us. Every, single dollar. It’s hard enough to raise the funds necessary to fulfill the mission we have. To add more burdens in something so basic and ubiquitous as .com domains - which we rely upon - is confounding and oh so frustrating. I hope your organization reconsiders. In fact, I urge it. Respectfully yours, Kim Kim Golter Founder/CEO Jeremiah’s Promise E: kim(a)jeremiahspromise.org <mailto:kim@jeremiahspromise.org> P: 650.739.6038 W: https://www.jeremiahspromise.org <https://www.jeremiahspromise.org/> Ready for the Next Step? https://www.jeremiahspromise.org/programs <https://www.jeremiahspromise.org/programs> Nonprofit Support? https://www.jeremiahspromise.org/leadership-initiative <https://www.jeremiahspromise.org/leadership-initiative>

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM registry pricing
by rcombs Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I am not aware of any reason for the price of domain registration to be increased. The cost-per-domain to operate a registry has only dropped as infrastructure has gotten cheaper, and that trend shows no sign of reversing. The .COM registry runs extremely efficiently at large scale. There is no reason for prices to outpace inflation, and indeed one would expect them to be _dropping_. This change is not sensible.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] 70% increase
by Fraser Rennie Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I have a small website development company and deal with small businesses regularly. They depend on affordable domain names to allow themselves to present themselves on the internet which is a hugely vital role in marketing in the modern day. This price increase seems futile with little explanation. Fraser Rennie Saura Digital Media

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM Price Increases
by Leo P Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I oppose the price increase on .COM domains. This will mostly affect small businesses that are already struggling.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Proposal
by Yves Clermont Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi I understand that security on the web is important but domain increases must be done at a level that the cost of a raise will not be to exaggerated. Many sites are small and can not afford to have a huge raise. Thanks Yves De mon iPhone

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Basically I dont want price increase
by Phong Thai Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

You decided to increase com prices without us, this is not good I hope you'll keep the old prices

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM Domain Prices
by Steven Sullivan Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello, I would like to express my concern with the proposed changes to the contract with Verisign Inc. I believe the increase in .COM domain prices will be harmful to small business owners such as myself who rely upon being able to host their own websites at .com addressed. I am not convinced the price increases are warranted and am not confident the increase in funds will be spent in the right place for ICANN's infrastructure. Please consider revising your agreement to better serve the interests of the public (do not raise prices and implement independent verification of infrastructure funds being used correctly). Best, -Steven Sullivan

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] please act in the best interest of the internet, refuse contracts with virtually unlimited .com price increases
by Anthony Veltri Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi, You have a monopoly on the price of .com registrations. Please do not abuse this and allow for year over year price increases. thank you, Anthony

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

Feb. 11, 2020

Dear Madam, or Sir, I am concerned about this amendment to the Registry Agreement because it will affect, not just me, buy any individual who would like their own domain name. I am 100% sure that no corporation will object to the 28% cost increase every six years as they earn money off their domain name and paying almost any amount would be acceptible to them. However, there are a great deal of small businesses that would see this as a burden as well as individual users out there that have purchased their own domain name and are using it for personal use, not commercial use. Several of us have multiple domain names, if for no other reason than to protect our own names from being used to run a website. Regards, Arash -- Arash Jenab, PhD, P.Eng.

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Expect us to drop 80% of our domain renewals
by Brandon Na, Seattle Organic SEO Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Just saw the evil news about you and Verisign quietly deciding to raise prices. The reason why I hold onto 20+ domains regularly is because my registrar keeps them very affordable unlike the GoDaddys of the world and it allows me to maintain good ones to potentially build businesses with. You also get an annual stream of income from them. Now that you'll be raising the prices as you have basically decide, expect me to let go of upwards of 80%. You can do the math. I hate evil businesses like you and will do even more to make sure that I don't support the unethical practices. Very silly. Thanks for NOT considering the customers' wishes (or even slightly trying to empathize with us).

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Objection to the proposed amedment 3 to the .COM Registry Agreement.
by Bernie Bernstein Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Simply put, the proposed 7% price increases are not justified by any data that has been presented and it far exceeds the rate of inflation. No increases should be permitted without examination of the projected actual costs to ascertain their reasonableness and accuracy. Further, there is no assignment of accountability nor is there specified a way to measure performance. Best regards, Bernard Bernstein

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] please open negotiations on price increases to the consumers
by Tom Cloud Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Many not-for-profit organizations and private entities can be hurt by price increases in domain name registration. Many of them provide valuable services and I ask that you reconsider your price increase plan for registration. thanks, Tom Cloud

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Verisign contract and ICANN greed
by r.dernister Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I strongly oppose these price increases. While it is appropriate to charge a handling and maintenance fee for registering domain names, this is turning into a massive rip-off. ICANN does not “own” domain names in the first place, yet I see many .com names are being sold as “premium” names for outrageous prices. If anyone searches to see if a name is already registered but does not immediately register it, almost immediately thereafter it’s designated as a “premium” name to be rented for hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. ICANN and related registrars cannot legally sell or rent something they do not own. This has turned into a massive get rich quick scam for ICANN and the registrar. From one point of view this is a monopoly and a restraint on trade, so perhaps the U.S. Department of Justice or one of the state attorneys general should investigate this. If ICANN wants the registry system to be nationalized, they’re on the right path. Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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

Feb. 11, 2020

Since Verizon has a monopoly on .COM domain names, and since millions of .COM domains have been registered with the expectation of a fixed price, it is better if Verizon not be permitted to raise prices beyond what is needed to offset inflation. Joshua Hunt

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] .COM Changes
by Stefano Zapata Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hello there I strongly disagree with all proposed changes regarding amendment 3 of the .com Registry Agreement This is a decision that should be made with more people and not just Verisign and ICANN. We should all advocate for consumer affordability and not corporate profits. Sent from my iPhone

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] I request that you do not increase pricing for .com registration
by Jon Gelman Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I r=write to you to request that you do not raise pricing for .COM domain registration. Your proposal for price increases will stifle business growth and place additional economic burdens on small companies. Jon L. Gelman | Attorney at Law | jon(a)gelmans.com 19 Darlington Dr., Wayne, NJ 074740-2805 m. 973.723.2084 | f. 973.807.1811

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Domain charge
by larry williard Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Are you trying to make it much easier for large companies and corporations to own .com names. You re penalizing the small owner and shifting again away from people to corporations. Im against the increase in charges.

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

Feb. 11, 2020

To Whom it May Concern; On January 3, 2020, ICANN announced significant changes to the contract it has with Verisign, Inc. to operate the top-level domain .COM. ICANN and Verisign made these changes in secret, without consulting or incorporating feedback from the ICANN community or Internet users. The changes to the .COM agreement will have a much bigger impact on the Internet than the previous action for .ORG, .INFO, and .BIZ domains, due to the dominance of .COM. There are 359.8 million total domain names, of which 144 million are .COM — that’s 40% of all domain names. With 161.8 million country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs), there are 198 million generic TLDs (gTLDs). That means that .COM makes up 73% of all gTLD domain names. ICANN was created in part to introduce competition between domain name registrars, but now ICANN itself is at the heart of the problem, without considering any input from Internet users on these critical decisions. 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. As a member of the public, Internet user, and domain owner, I categorically and emphatically do not want these contract changes to occur. Please take my comments and concerns into account, as they are being submitted during the public comment period. Thank you. Sincerely, Bess Katerinsky

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] No to .COM increase prices
by T. L. Hanigan Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

To Whom it May Concern I've received an email from Name Cheap with information about a price increase. Please do not increase .COM prices. Tangie Hanigan

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Do not ratify ammendment 3
by Jeff Stieler Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

While I can appreciate ICANN’s need for funding, this is a blatant money grab on the part of Verisign who will undoubtedly raise prices on .com TLDs. Perhaps there’s another way for ICANN to fundraise? You’re selling out domain owners. -Jeff

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

Feb. 11, 2020

To whom it may concern. This deal has all the hallmarks of a company attempting to maintain its monopoly position at the expense of consumers by payment of a thinly-disguised bribe. There is no apparent justification for Version being given permission to increase the price of .com domains ahead of inflation in the manner agreed with ICANN, especially when it is unclear how the fee paid by Verisign will be used to improve domain infrastructure. Moreover, ICANN states that the organisation "promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers". Conducting negotiations in secret and granting a single company sole rights of administration, without consulting other interested parties, can hardly be said to be a strategy which “promotes competition”. It is quite shocking conduct of which ICANN should be ashamed. Stuart Laws

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Re: [Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Help Us Prevent .COM Price Increases
by Yves Tcheutchoua Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

Hi, I recently purchased the domain for my small business that I launched after struggling to find employment. I am passionate about building live changing products & plan to do so for the 20+ yrs. of my career. However, the message below sent by Namecheap, seem to indicate that your actions might cause a price increase for my .COM domain. I would like to prevent that from happening please, as I am already enduring several early business operational expenses. > On Feb 10, 2020, at 2:16 PM, Namecheap <support(a)namecheap.com> wrote: > > View in browser <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> > <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> > Help Us Avoid .COM Price Increases > > Hi there! > > We have important information <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> to share with you that will affect the price of your .COM domains. > > What's happening? > > Last month, ICANN, the organization that oversees domain names, announced significant changes to the contract it has with Verisign, Inc. who operate the .COM top-level-domain (TLD). > > ICANN made these changes in secret, without consulting or incorporating feedback from the ICANN community or Internet users. Although ICANN has a history of making similar deals behind closed doors, and also of ignoring unified opposition against such action, we are focused on leading the fight against price increases that will harm our customers (and the Internet as a whole). This is a crucial time to raise our voices given that .COM domains make up 40% of all registered domain names online. > > What does this change mean? > > Wholesale registries charge Namecheap a set fee per domain name per year. According to this new agreement, Verisign will be allowed to increase the wholesale price to registrars for .COM domains every year for 8 out of the next 10 years, and the increases don’t stop there. > > This will mean that .COM wholesale domain prices can grow by more than 70% over and above current prices over the next decade. 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. > > Why is ICANN doing this? > > Alongside these contract changes, 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. > > So, what can you do to help? > > These changes will have significant impact on the Internet for years to come, and only ICANN and Verisign have participated in this decision. If you want to make sure your voice is heard, let ICANN know how you feel about their recent decision. The Public Comment period <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> is open until February 14, 2020. > > You can leave your comment on the .COM proposal using ICANN's form <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…>. > > Find Out More <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> > 4600 East Washington Street, Suite 305, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA <applewebdata://F9F7166E-B0CA-4974-BCD5-BB4E1485D6B9> > Copyright © 2020 Namecheap.com <http://mailtrackemailout1.namecheap.com/ls/click?upn=QqNWTFdMeHiLPmRAI5EzI5…> > > We are an ICANN accredited registrar. > Serving customers since 2001. >

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] Stop the price increase!!
by Matthew Bernier Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

I don't support the price increases. - Matthew

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[Comments-com-amendment-3-03jan20] loopholes are abusive
by Laurent L Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020

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