DNForum - Domain Sales, Domain Forum, Domain Appraisals, Domain Registrars - View Single Post - Important: Tiered Pricing Battle Again At ICANN

**carlton** · 11-12-2008, 06:36 PM

Couple more observations. With the profound dissent voiced two years ago regarding biz/info/org contracts, it is beyond alarming that ICANN are back again repeating the same mistake with the com/net Verisign contract. Something stinks of extreme corruption.

They didn't do us a favor two years ago. They chose the only legitimate course of action that any competent, fair-minded regulatory body could make. As George points out, the same irrefutable logic that steered their decision two years ago ... stands now. What disturbs me is that ANYONE in ICANN would allow this ridiculous contract error to even get past the first draft. Something stinks of extreme corruption.

The problem is that the absence of price control language in the contract effectively FAILS to offer you the necessary protections that will keep Verisign from jacking up your domain renewals. On one hand, reasonable-minded might think "Oh this is an over-reaction and Verisign would never jack up renewal prices or adopt tiered-pricing". However, if you have been around for several years, then you will have learned that abuse and exploitation often occur (they are almost the norm in the domain industry) ... unless specifically prohibited. Ask yourself this: "Can I trust Verisign to treat me fairly and protect my com/net domain investments?" Don't be naive.

Carefully written contract language is the only thing that will safeguard you as a domain registrant and/or internet business owner. I don't presume to know how people should feel, but the inevitable conclusion is that you will be violently angry, and financially strapped, when Verisign and ICANN's choices result in an email to your inbox which informs you of a "new pricing system" that will apply to your upcoming renewals. Some convoluted bullsh*t like "market analysis and increased operating costs have required us to raise your renewal in accordance with ...... (fill in the blank with smoke and mirrors)"

Bottom line: "Verisign may take advantage of a poorly written contract, and ICANN will have failed to prevent it." These are all my opinions, obviously, but my concern is that domainers be able to protect their interests before it's too late.

Please post on the ICANN comments forum and write ICANN members individually to demand price protection and the prohibition of tiered-pricing.

11-12-2008, 06:36 PM	#44 (permalink)
carlton Internet Real Estate Last Online: Yesterday 01:50 PM iTrader: (2) Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 897 DNF$: 580 Location: USA Country:	Couple more observations. With the profound dissent voiced two years ago regarding biz/info/org contracts, it is beyond alarming that ICANN are back again repeating the same mistake with the com/net Verisign contract. Something stinks of extreme corruption. They didn't do us a favor two years ago. They chose the only legitimate course of action that any competent, fair-minded regulatory body could make. As George points out, the same irrefutable logic that steered their decision two years ago ... stands now. What disturbs me is that ANYONE in ICANN would allow this ridiculous contract error to even get past the first draft. Something stinks of extreme corruption. The problem is that the absence of price control language in the contract effectively FAILS to offer you the necessary protections that will keep Verisign from jacking up your domain renewals. On one hand, reasonable-minded might think "Oh this is an over-reaction and Verisign would never jack up renewal prices or adopt tiered-pricing". However, if you have been around for several years, then you will have learned that abuse and exploitation often occur (they are almost the norm in the domain industry) ... unless specifically prohibited. Ask yourself this: "Can I trust Verisign to treat me fairly and protect my com/net domain investments?" Don't be naive. Carefully written contract language is the only thing that will safeguard you as a domain registrant and/or internet business owner. I don't presume to know how people should feel, but the inevitable conclusion is that you will be violently angry, and financially strapped, when Verisign and ICANN's choices result in an email to your inbox which informs you of a "new pricing system" that will apply to your upcoming renewals. Some convoluted bullsht like "market analysis and increased operating costs have required us to raise your renewal in accordance with ...... (fill in the blank with smoke and mirrors)" Bottom line: "Verisign may take advantage of a poorly written contract, and ICANN will have failed to prevent it." These are all my opinions, obviously, but my concern is that domainers be able to protect their interests before it's too late. Please post on the ICANN comments forum and write ICANN members individually to demand price protection and the prohibition of tiered-pricing.* __________________ PremiumDomains.biz BLOG \| ColoradoSpringsApartments.com \| Manhattan.mobi \| California.biz \| DETROIT.US Last edited by carlton; 11-13-2008 at 07:01 AM..