Re: [ga-roots] Hello

["List Admin" <patrick@quad.net.au>]

On Sat, 02 Jun 2001 08:44:56 +0700, Stefan Probst wrote:

> just wanted to warn you, that you have a new lurker ;)

Welcome to [ga-roots] Stefan.  One or two of your posts on other lists have
been reposted here and I'm sure that GA subscribers are interested in
further development of these views.

> Very interested in the issue, but little experience, so I appreciate your
> understanding for possible "newbie comments" ...

LOL.  We all have to start somewhere.  Even now many of us still need to
sort out the best way to advance the discussion.  My view is that [ga-roots]
is a Working Group designed to assist ICANN in formulating a policy on
"alternate" roots.

Some will argue that "alternate" roots are outside ICANN, they are
competitors, and as such no policy is needed.  Others take the view that
ICANN should at least recognise the reality of the way the DNS works.

In following the second view, I suppose, ICANN's CEO has recently issued a
statement which proposes a unique root.  I think many would agree with that
view, at least in a form of virtual meta-root, but not necessarily that
ICANN should control it.

One inherent problem is that ICANN is seen as US-based whereas the internet
is a global phenomenon.  Some argue that ICANN does, in fact, represent a
global view.

> I was trying to make up a picture of the landscape during the last months,
> but it is quite difficult, because infos on the websites of TLD holders
and
> other roots are inconsistent and incomplete.

Several people are trying to assist in providing a better resouce.  One such
is is William X. Walsh.  He has his own views but his technical expertise is
undoubted.

> The only thing, which was quite clear is, that New.net and Namespace.com
> are cooking their own soups. All the other ones seem to have more or less,
> direct or indirect relations.

Clearly it is not in anyone's interests to wreck the system.  Colliding TLDs
seem to create confusion, at least, and instability at worst.  Most root
operators will therefore try to combine competition with co-operation.  This
is a difficult road to follow.

One body, the Top Level Domain Association or TLDA, was formed as a trade
association of all TLDs.  I am a director of that body but speak here in my
personal capacity.  My position as the Alternate Chair of the DNSO General
Assembly leads some to think I have a possible "conflict of interest" in the
debate.  However, I just think it is an interesting challenge.

Name.space has always followed its own independent efforts and is generally
ignored.  I think this is a pity.  New.Net has now set up a system of
colliding TLDs.  However, they seem to have funds and their approach may
lead them to dominate the "independent" market.

However, many see this as the writing on the wall for ICANN.  It certainly
seems to have given Stuart Lynn something to think about.

Finally, to have a "debate" we need "debaters".  I'd urge any lurkers to
come out of the closet and say what they think.  They might get some flak
but it will help generate a more informed resolution of the issues.  Welcome
to the battle !!!

> Cheers,
> Stefan
> Hanoi, Vietnam
> ISTF and others....

Best regards
Patrick Corliss


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