RE: [ga] The Real World

["Cade,Marilyn S - LGA" <mcade@att.com>]

Marc,

I won't debate the number of seats for users or who users are, given the present ICANN evolution and Reform. I make one comment, you seem to think that business, institutional, non commercial users don't count... but only individual users..

I think that we should all reexamine how to ensure broad, stable participation and representation, and that is why I've personally supported the At Large recommendations.

You must be joking if you equate the registrars and registries with the business users. Don't mistake us. WE are users.

If you want better enforcement by ICANN OF THE CONTRACTS, that is interesting and important, and I suspect you will find support.... but not clear from your post WHAT  you want. I'm interesting in learning your concerns, but let me note for others who may decide to respond as well,  that I have both ICANN related and day job work to do, and will read coherent, and organized posts, not rants.

As far as alternate roots are concerned, one should think about history. In this country very long ago, and in Europe and Mexico, not so long ago, different telephone companies served distinct user groups. IF one wanted to reach someone on a "different root", one contacted the operator, who "connected" the roots... meaning disparate  groups of users.

Is that a future consistent with the goals of the international Internet community? I doubt that.

Marilyn

-----Original Message-----
From: Marc Schneiders [mailto:marc@fuchsia.bijt.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 10:46 PM
To: Cade,Marilyn S - LGA
Cc: ga@DNSO.org
Subject: RE: [ga] The Real World


On Wed, 22 May 2002, at 21:51 [=GMT-0400], Cade,Marilyn S - LGA wrote:

> Industry says, no. Thank you, but no. We will continue to evolve ICANN and
> welcome the support of governments [or multilateral organizations/treaty organizations]
> to private sector leadership.  We urge governments to work to support ICANN; to participate
> in GAC. To lend support to ICANN's activities. NOT to compete, and not to seek to
> take on functions which belong to ICANN.

ICANN manages a cartel of registries and registrars. The market cannot
decide therefore. Voting with $$ is impossible. Well, not absolutely
impossible. An alternative root is possible, naturally. But it is very
hard, and hardly what the industry would like.

The industry should therefore recognize that it cannot ignore its
customers, despite the fact that it has a monopoly.

On a more principal level: The Internet is different from other networks,
like cable television. It is not merely about suppliers and consumers. It
is also that, but at the same time it functions like the telephone
network, where the users make the content, not companies. Email is the
killer application. Despite all spam mainly a user to user tool.

So put users into your picture. Give them votes like you have votes. Like
it was meant to be, half of the votes on the Board of ICANN.

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