Hello fellow IRT members,

I’ve been thinking about the community consultation on contention resolution, particularly the seemingly popular proposal to hold a ($100/ticket) raffle for applicants (not only for prioritization but for also to eliminate contention). I think there are some positive benefits to the raffle concept, particularly eliminating any need for any of the contention resolution components of the program.

But on that same note,  I’m wondering if anyone has considered the negative impact on a single-TLD applicant?

First, the single applicant only has one shot at getting a TLD, and second, if they are applying for a string that is more generic their chance of walking away a “winner” is quite low.

This may not be a problem for the single applicant going for a very uncommon string, but it would be for any single applicant going for a more generic term.

Ultimately a raffle poses no up-front disincentive for a cash-rich portfolio applicant from buying hundreds of tickets (and/or applying for hundreds of strings,) because only the raffle winners would be evaluated (and therefore have to pay the full application fee). 

On the other hand, if the Board were to decide on a Vickry auction where applicants put in their bid along with their application, contention sets are also eliminated up front, and there would be a financial disincentive to “over apply”. Applicants would be committed to paying the winning price if they proceed. If they choose not to proceed the next highest bid would win.  In this case one is incentivized to “over bid’ or “over apply”.

A Vickry type auction gives applicants some control over the outcome whereas a random drawing has no financial disincentive nor allows the single applicant any control over the outcome.

Thoughts?

Elaine