Guys, As you are aware, our Constituency has been asked to submit comments on the question of Vertical Integration. With some difficulty, due to the size of the VI working group (70+ members) and the profusion of e-mails, I have tried to sift through the essence of the discussions, which are yet far from over.
From proposals presented by various participants, I think the one coming from the PIR through Kathy Kleiman, would seem to echo the concerns that ISPCP members have been expressing. Since I am unable to attach it herein, you will find it in a separate e-mail as a forwarded message.
Additionally, I am attaching some selected segments of a report by CRA International, presented to ICANN on October 23rd., 2008, which can serve as a basis for understanding the challenges involved in VI. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/crai-report-24oct08-en.pdf The discussions in the WG revolve around these identified issues, and there are advocates for complete and unlimited integration, for none at all, and some who seek hybrid solutions. After we discuss on the call, we can decide on the contents of the comment to be presented to ICANN. Sorry I couldnt get this to you all earlier. Tony Harris