Question: What are your positions on the new TLDS and how gradually should these be introduced into the system?

Nominee Replies

Barbara Simons - posted on 2000-10-04 19:11:00 I support the creation of a great many new TLDs as quickly as possible, and I support the continued creation of new ones. There is no technical reason for severely limiting the number of new TLDs and creating the artificial scarcity that currently exists. Lyman Chapin - posted on 2000-10-04 08:31:41 I am in favor of a greatly expanded top-level domain space, but believe that we should take advantage of the opportunity to proceed deliberately, rather than hastily, toward that goal. The real issue is social, legal, and political stability, not the technical stability of the Internet (which will not be affected by the introduction of many new TLDs). Emerson Tiller, J.D., Ph.D. - posted on 2000-10-03 16:16:17 More TLDs as soon as possible. In fact, let anyone who is interested in operating a TLD, notify ICANN and then have ICANN put the TLD up for auction so that it will be allocated efficiently rather than decided upon in some back room of ICANN headquarters. ICANN should be able to set threshold bid to ensure it recovers cost for checking out technical and financial capabilities for the top bidder (although it should be probably lower for nonprofits). The higher the bid, the more money ICANN will have to fund its activities (which apparently it needs). High bid TLDs may help later to subsidize less popular, but needed, TLDs for education and non profits. Lawrence Lessig - posted on 2000-10-03 04:26:11 My view is that they should be rolled out as quickly as possible, both generic and chartered, and without the tax hiding as an application fee. Harris Miller - posted on 2000-10-02 14:18:35 As mentioned elsewhere, I am in favor of introducing new TLDs. That process, however, should be a careful one. I would prefer to see alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (whether the UDRP or a revised version) in place, and some means of resolving the famous marks issue. Whether the latter can be achieved by a sunrise approach or some other means, I would want to think through. But in general, a steady and measured introduction of TLDs is in the best interests of consumers' expectations, preserving the seamless end-to-end network, and will minimize needless litigation.