IP: ICANN to levie fees, for reduced influence.

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> From: "Judith Oppenheimer" <joppenheimer () icbtollfree com>
> To: <dave () farber net>
> Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 17:50:03 -0500
>
> Committee Advises Internet Overseer To Cut Role Played by General Public
> Associated Press
>
> NEW YORK -- The general public's influence on the body that oversees the
> Internet should be reduced, with fees levied for the right to help choose
> its members, a committee headed by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt
> recommended.
>
> Such changes are required to avoid endless debate over the role and
> influence of the at-large, or general, Internet community on the Internet
> Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, Mr. Bildt said.
>
> Existing and other proposed methods for picking at-large directors are
> unworkable because of technological or political demands, he said.
>
> The nine-member At-Large Membership Study Committee, created by the Icann
> board earlier this year, recommends reducing at-large representation from
> one-half to one-third of the board seats.
>
> In addition, individuals wishing to help select representatives would have
> to pay unspecified annual membership fees and own domain names, which
> typically cost about $30 a year.
>
> Critics complained that the reduced role of individuals would let Icann
> make key policy decisions that favor private business interests over the
> average Internet user's concerns. Some even equated membership fees and
> domain-name ownership with poll taxes that some southern states had adopted
> a century ago to keep former slaves from voting.
>
> http://interactive.wsj.com/articles/SB100499893145190560.htm
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> Judith Oppenheimer
> http://JudithOppenheimer.com
> http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
> 212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------


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