Patrick and all, Yes this is a bad idea. It sets a bad precedent, that will be contentious for years to come. But as the lady of the evening once said, "Money walks, and BS just talks". What remains now in this context is, will the sluts prevail? Maybe .XXX will get another opportunity... Patrick Vande Walle wrote:

http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-08aug08-en.htm

ICANN has published a paper from its contractor PowerAuctions LLC, regarding the use of auctions to award new TLD strings in case of contention.

http://icann.org/en/topics/economic-case-auctions-08aug08-en.pdf

I think it would be important that the At Large speaks up. The model proposed in the document is a purely capitalistic one. It is based on the assumption that all gTLDs are created to make as much money as possible. Smaller, community based TLDs seem quite difficult to launch in such context.

The mere possibility of auctions will actually generate contention on some strings. The little guys wishing to establish a not-for-profit TLD will be outplayed by the wealthy ones.

A public forum has been established at http://forum.icann.org/lists/auction-consultation/. Comments to auction-consultation@icann.org before 8 September 2008.

-- Patrick Vande Walle

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