[ga] Re: [Re: Verisign proceeds with WLS, despite opposition]

[Loren Stocker <loren@800.net>]

Hi George,

Actually, It seems end users would have a far better shot at an injunction
than the Registrars, who launched "drop clubs," "namewinners," and such in
light of the potential for policy change. This argument may be dismissed.

In contrast, we believe that it is end users that will be irreparably harmed
by this WLS option. Just imagine ebay.com being "sold" to the first speculator
who asks! This option provides, in effect, reversionary domain rights to
unrelated 3rd party and -- as with all publically traded company -- this
option must be disclosed. Damage to shareholder value if not certain is highly
likely -- all so this ethically-challenged Registry can make $35??!! It is
essential to recognize that this damage is NOT in any way due to trademark
rights. In fact, the option for register.com is generic yet would have the
same effect on the publically traded company of the same name.

Best, Loren


George Kirikos <gkirikos@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hello,

--- Joseph McDonald <joe@vpop.net> wrote:
> If WLS goes through, it spells demise for competing registrars.  vrsn
> will own the namespace.
> 
> George, set up a paypal site for the legal fund, I will contribute. 
> I
> think many others will as well.  It's so sad that it has to come to
> this.

I'm not a lawyer, so it'd probably be inappropriate for myself to hold
funds in trust, or solicit funds. However, if one of the bolder
registrars would like to take the lead, I'll put in my share, as will
many in that "invisible opposition" that Verisign likes to pretend
doesn't exist. I doubt anyone can be found that will fund a pro-WLS
fund, besides the usual suspects. I don't think actual funds need to be
spent unless ICANN rubber-stamps the deal, which might be a few months
away given the paragraphs in the Registrar contracts pointed out
earlier, as to the independent reviews, etc. Sorry if that ruins your
Q1 launch and Q2 earnings, VRSN. ;)

If one does rough calculations, eNom's drop club would lose $25,000+
per month (say $250,000/yr). NameWinner/Dotster's probably doing at
least that much, if not more, given some of the stats on their catches.
Other registrars would lose similar scale revenues right away, or the
opportunity costs of future entry into those markets. Even some of the
SnapNames registration partners would lose big time, as there's no need
to pay them for rental of their registry connections once WLS goes
through -- instead they'd get their $2/slot margin, etc. based on
whatever they could sell (instead of a share of SnapNames' total
volume, based on maybe $15 to $20/name). Spending the legal costs just
to delay WLS for a year or two in the courts would probably be more
than returned in continuing revenue under the Status Quo in the
meantime, especially as many of the registrars have in-house counsel,
and don't necessarily have to spend the big bucks on outside help.

The first registrar (or group of registrars) to setup a trust has my
cash. Who shall have the first-mover advantage, and benefit from all
the positive press by being a leader, the David against the mighty
Goliath?

Sincerely,

George Kirikos
http://www.kirikos.com/


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