[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

DNSO.ORG application, an analysis



Who gets the power in the current (16-12-1998) DNSO.org draft? An analysis

A. What are the membership classes, how are they represented?

The DNSO draft proposes a division into membership classes 
or constituencies. The representation of each class and the 
definition of each class is given in different parts of the
application. I have placed these together to get an overview
of how the power is divided in this DNSO draft.

1  Registries

 Definition:      A name registry (defined as an entity with write 
                  authority to a zone referenced by a TLD),

 Representation:  6 seats in the Name Council

 Notes:           This definition would include
                  * ccTLD registries            (>100)
                  * existing gTLD registries    (1)

		  This definition would not include
                  * prospective gTLD registries (+/- 20)

                  Note that this definition does not include prospective
                  gTLD registries since they do not have any "write authority
                  to a zone referenced by a TLD" according to this 
                  definition unless alternative roots are recognized. 

                  But even if the current prospective gTLD registries
                  are accepted they will not have much influence since
                  there are no more than a dozen serious prospective gTLD
                  registries at this moment.

                  Note that the registries get twice as much representation
                  as all the other constituencies in this draft.
2.  Registrars

 Definition:      A registrar of generic/global or country-code top- level
                  domains ("TLDs") (defined as an entity with a direct
                  contractual relationship with a registry to register names
                  within a TLD zone)

 Representation:  3 seats in the Name Council

 Notes:           A lot of registrars in the US do not have a direct
                  contractual relationship with a TLD registry. Such a
                  relationship is currently not necessary to register
                  names with the InterNIC.

                  It is unclear at this time if all the companies that
                  currently act as a registrar to the InterNIC will be
                  offered a contractual relationship under equal terms
                  and thus may become member of this constituency.
                 
                  A lot of smaller internet providers in non-US countries
                  do have a direct contractual relationship with a ccTLD
                  registry, since some ccTLD registries require such a
                  contract.

3.  Infrastructure and connectivity providers

 Definition:      A network operator or service provider (defined as a
                  legal person operating a name server for clients and
                  offering Internet connectivity to third parties)

 Representation:  3 seats in the Name Council

 Notes:           A lot of internet providers also act as a registrar
                  for their customers. And internet providers are by
                  definition also businesses. So they may also be
                  represented in 2. and 4.
                                      
4.  Businesses and other organizations

 Definition:      Other business or organizations (defined as any legally
                  constituted organization with a legitimate interest in
                  Domain Name issues)

 Representation:  3 seats in the Name Council

 Notes:           This puts special interest organizations that may
                  have businesses as its members on an equal footing
                  with businesses themselves.

                  Registries, registrars and ISPs are by definition
                  businesses or organizations. So they can also become
                  members of this constituency. 
                                      
5.  Organizations primarily concerned with the interests of trademark owners

 Definition:      An organization representing trademark interests, defined
                  as entities primarily concerned with trademarks or defending
                  business against counterfeiting.

 Representation:  3 seats in the Name Council

 Notes:           It is at least very curious that a special interest 
                  group gets so much representation in the DNSO. Businesses
                  that have much trademark interest will probably also join
                  the Business constituency.

6.  At Large
                                      
 Definition:      A member of the DNSO may be a member in more than one
                  constituency if it meets the qualifications for each
                  constituency for which it applies and pays the membership
                  fees for each such constituency.  No member of any of the
                  constituencies 1-5 may be a member of the At Large
                  constituency.

 Representation:  3 seats in the Name Council

B. Who decides about membership?
  
   The Names Council. If an application for membership is not approved
   the applicant may appeal to a Fair Hearing Panel appointed by the
   Names Council. The Fair Hearing Panel is not given explicit powers
   in this draft.

C. Are these constituencies fixed?

   No, constituencies may be created, deleted or merged
   and their representation may be adjusted using a procedure that
   is to be developed by the DNSO and Names Council.
                                      
D. How is the Names Council elected? 

   Members of each constituency may nominate individuals to represent
   that constituency. The term for each member is three years. Every
   year one member of the Names Council for each constituency (2 for
   the registry constituency, obviously) are reelected. The winner is
   not necessary the individual that gets most of the votes. Preference
   is given to individuals from geographical regions that are
   underrepresented.

E. What are the powers of the Names Council?
   
   The Names Council may determine policies regarding TLDs. 
   The Names Council may select the nominees of the DNSO to the
   board of the ICANN. 
                                   
F. What are the powers of the members?

   The members may nominate and elect members of the Names Council.
   The members may vote on recommendations that are sought by the
   Names Council on its policy. 
                                      
-- 
Onno Hovers (onno@surfer.xs4all.nl)
"We'd better jump under the bandwagon before the train leaves the station."
 -- Dilbert's Boss