I am *very concerned *about the new proposals concerning the relationship between ICANN and Verisign, announced on 3rd January. Of most concern is the *autocratic approach *being taken. It appears that, once again, *ICANN is ignoring market feedback*, as it in mid-2019. Furthermore, as I understand it, these new changes have been *proposed in secret*, without any consultation with the ICANN community and Internet users. ICANN's mission should be *to best serve the needs of its customers* - and that can only be achieved* via consultations and actions based feedback*. Also, the idea of *Verisign becoming a domain registrar*, either directly or indirectly is *shockingly wrong*. That this concession by ICANN is accompanied by an additional *$20 million funding from Versign* over five years - with no clearly identified purpose for the funds - as far as I am aware - raises all sorts of *nefarious possibilities*. Whatever the reality, at the very least, *the optics look damned awful*. *PLEASE be more open and listen to the ICANN community!* *We have no alternatives*, so it is absolutely essential that you *listen, listen, listen* - and act accordingly. Thanks for your attention. Alex Goodall