Archived forums:

• Request for information on domain tasting
• Independent review of Nominating Committee
• Changes to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement

• Aug 2007
• Jul 2007
• Prior to July 2007

Explanation: In view of the increase in domain tasting, the GNSO Council recently considered an Issues Report on Domain Tasting [pdf] and resolved to form an ad hoc group for further fact-finding on the effects of this practice.

The ad hoc group has prepared a Request for Information [pdf] to assist in gathering facts and opinions, while inviting both qualitative and quantitative input (question FAQ here).

The easiest method of providing your answers and comments, and information related to this RFI, is via the electronic survey available at this link. Responses made to the survey, updated in real time, are available here.

The group would especially appreciate statistical and other empirical evidence to support your responses, or references to potential sources of information.

Update (5 Sep): The Intellectual Property Constituency has prepared more questions to gather facts and opinions about domain tasting from its members, trademark owners, and their representatives. The results will be provided in aggregate form to the ad hoc group as additional qualitative and quantitative input.

The IPC's supplemental RFI was designed and written in full by IPC members and is available as an online survey here. The survey will end on 20 Sep 07 at 11.59pm EST.

Announcement | Comments | Online survey | IPC Supplemental online survey | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Increased protection for those registering domain names is ICANN’s goal in this consultation on its Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) and the accreditation process for companies who register domains.

The RAA is the contract that governs the relationship between ICANN and its accredited registrars. The current version was put in place in May 2001. The same contract is in place between ICANN and each of the more than 900 accredited registrars.

The consultation is looking for ideas and input on amendments to the RAA and the registrar accreditation process in order to provide additional protection to registrants. Previous discussions in the ICANN community has already helped create a number of suggestions for discussion. Details of these proposals, as well as the consultation process, are available on ICANN's website at http://www.icann.org/topics/raa/.

The amendments can be read in full at the links below:

• Accreditation by Purchase
• Enforcement Tools
• Group Liability
• Private Registrations & Registrar Data Escrow Requirements
• Contractual Relationships with Resellers
• Operator Skills Training and Testing

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: The Interisle Consulting Group is conducting an independent review of the Nominating Committee (NomCom). The NomCom selects of 8 members of ICANN’s Board of Directors; 3 members of the ccNSO; 3 members of the GNSO; and 5 members of the ALAC.

Interisle's review team is gathering information from many different sources, including interviews with people who have participated in or closely observed the NomCom process, and seeks public input from anyone who has information or observations to contribute concerning any aspect of the role, structure, or operation of the NomCom. Please use the "Add Comment" link below to send an email to the evaluators.

The principal objectives of the Review are to determine (i) whether the NomCom has a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure, and (ii) if so, whether any change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness.

Since this is an independent review, comments sent to the team will not appear on an ICANN comment forum. Comments may appear in the final report, although that is down to Interisle to decide. The final report will most likely also form the summary/analysis part of this consultation.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments