________________________________ Regarding Tuesday’s call (Monday night in the US), I am offering the following hypothetical based on Donna’s suggestion to collect sealed bids prior to a reveal of the contention set. String Contention Proposal to Avoid Speculation in TLDs 4 applications for .sam string – contention set and parties not revealed on application date. Per Donna's suggestion, parties are all 4 notified of string contention and asked to submit sealed bids. Sealed bids received. (Some may drop out.) Application 1 is a Community Application for .sam for the "Society for Aviation Maintenance". All worldwide aviation maintenance unions back this application. Public comment is sought. At this point, the other applicants know there is a CPE application but their bids are already in. Should private resolution be permitted at this point or not? A. CPE Pass leads to Appeal. If sustained, Application 1 wins. If overturned, move to highest bidder and seek public comment on that application. (It's still possible for this application to be the highest bidder even if it fails CPE.) B. CPE Fail leads to Appeal. If overturned, Application 1 wins. If CPE Fail is sustained, move to highest bidder and seek public comment on that application. Application 2 for .sam Purpose: Dedicated to domains for those interested in the Samurai arts. Application 3 for .sam Purpose: Free speech on the pros and cons of Uncle Sam (USG) Application 4 for .sam Purpose: Retail sales. Assume CPE for Application 1 fails and that Application 4 submitted the highest sealed bid. Solicit public comment on Application 4 and the Objection deadline is triggered. Sam's Club files Legal Rights Objection against the Application 4 winner. A.LRO Success leads to Appeal. If successful LRO upheld on appeal, move to the next highest bidder not withdrawn, solicit public comment, and trigger Objection deadline. If LRO success is overturned, Application 4 wins .sam. B. LRO Failure leads to Appeal. If failed LRO upheld on appeal, Application 4 wins .sam. If failed LRO is overturned, move to the next highest bidder not withdrawn, solicit public comment, and trigger Objection deadline. ________________________________ This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If the reader of this message or an attachment is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message or attachment to the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the sender. The information transmitted in this message and any attachments may be privileged, is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the intended recipients, and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §2510-2521.