RE: [wg-b] Japanese Sunrise Program

["Hartman, Steve" <HartmanS@Nabisco.com>]

I don't know what the article or what Japan did proves about the Sunrise
Proposal, but the reaction of those wg-b members below writing about the
matter shows that, like the Japanese discovered hiding on a island years
after WW2 ended, they are still fighting the war.

A question I've thought about alot over the past few months is whether the
Internet lends itself to serious debate about deeply felt issues or held
beliefs. As difficult as it is to reach consensus on such issues in
face-to-face meetings, well established social conventions encourage
civility and there are informal and formal rules of procedure that we are
accustomed to. The social customs and practices that foster civil behavior
in face-t0-face communication are lacking in on-line communications.

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Mikki Barry [mailto:ooblick@netpolicy.com]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2000 2:18 PM
To: wg-b@dnso.org
Subject: Re: [wg-b] Japanese Sunrise Program


>Dear (former) WG-B Members:
>
>I think this article shows that despite all the criticisms about the
Sunrise
>Program it was the best solution available.
>
>Mike
>

Isn't that rather akin to saying "because a few people go overboard, 
it's ok to repeal the First Amendment because that's the best 
solution available?"  It's an overreaching overreaction to the cyber 
bullying by the trademark lobby, scaring registrars into draconian 
measures in the attempt to avoid liability.

It's very sad to see the way the ideals of the Internet have given 
way to wholesale strip mining of the name space for the benefit of 
the few.  Registrars, registries, and other businesses alike have 
'caved in' to the demands of a single lobby "because it's easier" 
than standing up for what is right.

First the names will become too regulated for individuals and small 
business owners.  Next, the content will be threatened to the point 
where you'll need a lawyer before you can post a web page.  That 
isn't what the Internet should be about.  "The Internet is for 
Everyone?"  Ironic, no?

The "best solution available" is the same as it has ALWAYS been. 
Open the name space.  Thousands of new TLDs will alleviate consumer 
confusion.  After all, isn't preventing "consumer confusion" what 
trademark law is build upon in the first place?  Wouldn't consumers 
be less confused by delta.air, delta.hardware, and delta.dental than 
who gets delta.com?  Then deal with actual cases of infringement. 
Gee, what a concept!