Message-ID: <3758A49D.F4AB8E4D@earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 00:16:29 -0400
From: charlz franz <charlzfranz@earthlink.net>
Organization: People Against Real Big Slobbery Dogs
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: Jim Williams <jlw@odi.com>
CC: us-list@ntiant1.ntia.doc.gov
Subject: Re: Automated .US Registration Site
References: <000401bea896$73571440$37e200d1@jbr.flashcom.com> <374EAACF.B2589A45@odi.com>
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Jim Williams wrote:

> I notice in reading the Domain Overview that not only is it
> permissible to charge for .us domain name service, there is
> no preference given to delegates willing to provide the
> service at no charge.  It seems to me that someone who is
> able to demonstrate technical competence and good faith, and
> who is willing to provide domain registrations at no cost to
> the client should be permitted to claim delegation away from
> someone who is charging a fee even if the governing locality
> has a contract with the entity charging said fee.  That is,
> there should be a presumption of free domain names and
> charging for domain names should only happen when no one is
> willing to do it for free.

The Overview clearly states that any charge should cover only reasonable
expenses and and gives the expectation that charges should be minimal
(http://www.isi.edu/in-notes/usdnr/usdom-overview.html#Cost).  I read that as
suggesting that $10/year is not unreasonable.  I also recall an ISI
representative at the NTIA meeting saying that there had been service
providers that had been removed for gouging on registrations.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you seem to think that a person providing
free .us domain name service is bound to be different from a person charging
for it, and you prefer the free provider "type."  But isn't it just as likely
that that type would be willing to provide the service still as a 'labor of
love' if they could recoup some of the necessary expenses?  I suppose it's
possible that a home pc and dial-up connection is sufficient, but if I could
get a new terminal and maybe a dedicated line out of it, I might consider it
myself.  8-)

Just wondering,
Charlie Franz
Not presuming to speak for NTIA but happily employed there as a policy
analyst.

.