ICANN added this proposed "relief" last friday to the budget, after several of the budget committee voiced outrage at the $19,200 fee. ICANN tells us they are not able to provide details yet, as they don't have them. They made this up on the fly in reponse to comments from us. Frankly, I believe it was done in an attempt to deflect some of the critisizm of the budget. However, they still need 3.8 million from that section, so for every one they forgive, that will increase all the others fee. Keep in mind that the $19,200 is calculated by dividing 3.8 million by the number of people paying it. Also keep in mind that although the 25 cent fee is fixed for three years, I do not believe the 3.8 million is fixed, and could increase as necessary. I am certainly surprised ICANN wants to be in the business of approving business models or granting scholarships/forgiveness to a select few. To me, this sounds like trouble brewing. Rob. -----Original Message----- From: owner-registrars@gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-registrars@gnso.icann.org]On Behalf Of Robert Andrews Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:10 PM To: Registrars@Dnso. Org Subject: [registrars] ICANN Budget--Registrar Variable Support Fee Hello All, I usually don't comment in this forum as America Online does not sell domains to the public, but it a registrar to allow us to manage our own domain names. I have read many of the complaints about the budget and specifically those from Bhavin concerning the Variable Registrar Support Fee. What I haven't seen mentioned is the stipulation for relief for smaller registrars as stated in the Budget Document by any of the participants in this forum(please see paragraphs 1,2,3 on page 16 of the budget proposal). The budget document refers to a "mechanism to forgive 2/3 of the fee", but does not cite the "definite criteria" a registrar must meet to be granted relief. Those so concerned should inquire of ICANN to publish the full details of this mechanism. Additionally, it is in the interest of all registrars to see that as many registrars as possible receive this relief as the example in the budget document shows that it will result in lower registrar fees for everyone. As ICANN put forth this proposal, they are expecting the reduction in revenue in this area. Robert B. Andrews America Online, Inc. Systems Programmer, Network Management RobAndrews2@aol.com, randrews@aol.net 703/265-5958 x55958 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of America Online, Inc. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. America Online, Inc. accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.