Re: [wg-c] new TLDs

[Milton Mueller <mueller@syr.edu>]

Dave Crocker wrote:

> At 12:27 AM 12/23/1999 , Karl Auerbach wrote:
> >The difference is between
> >ICANN/DNSO imposed charters on gTLDs and letting TLD operators freely
> >attempt to select criteria, if any, and, if they feel like it, to try to
> >build a meaning.
> >
> >The former approach is Internet Governence writ large. It implies a
> >certification authority to say who fits and who does not, and implies
> >liability to ICANN for errors.
> >
> >The latter approach is nothing more than a standard private efforts at
>
> You forgot to mention that the former is a continuation of 15 years of
> operation while the latter is a basic change to DNS administration.

Untrue on both counts. There were no "charters" imposed on any ccTLD registry
delegated under RFC 1591. There were "charters" on .mil, .gov, and .edu, but not on
com, net and org. You're also incorrect about the latter being a "basic change" in
DNS administration. The concept of a domain in RFC 920 is that it is a delegation
of authority to the domain operator. RFC 920 is only concerned with responsible
management of the domain for technical stability, not with the criteria that the
domain manager uses to parcel out names.

> You also forgot to mention that the former facilitates IANA/ICANN retention
> of authority and control while the latter imparts "property" to a TLD registry.

Better check with Kent on this. You guys are not singing the same tune.