Re: ICANN Draws Fire Over Proposed Charges

[bmanning () vacation karoshi com]

> On Mon, 5 Jul 1999 bmanning () vacation karoshi com wrote:
>
> > > That is not entirely true. 
> >
> >     I'd be interested in your thoughts on why you think 
> >     that there will be a change in the root server
> >     operators or placement of servers.  As an operator
> >     I've been paying attention to this and think I understand
> >     whats going on.
>
> Certainly. First, operation of the "A" root server is going to be turned
> over at the direction of the Department of Commerce. 

        What does that mean? 

> Second, at present
> one or more root server operators is refusing to sign a contract with
> ICANN. 

        I've not seen or heard of a contract that ICANN wants
        root server operators to sign.

> Third, it is my understanding that the current "l.root-server.net"
> server is(was?) being designated as the new authoratative "A"
> server(corrections welcome.)

        To clarify, the existing root server operators are working
        on a process for how change management should occur. Its
        not clear to me that a target site has been selected/agreed
        nor would I expect to see anything of the kind w/o 
        such a plan being in place.  "L" has been used, as a placeholder,
        in some of the discussion. 

> > > I didn't see the reporter injecting commentary in the article, instead
> > > sticking to objective facts and quotations, so I am curious as to why you
> > > believe they have a "serious misunderstanding" of the issues.
> >
> >     mixing a proposed domain registration fee and coordination of
> >     root servers seem to be orthaginal issues. While the
> >     "objective facts and quotations" may be accurate, they
> >     may not have any relevence to each other. Looks a lot
> >     like a hash to me... 
>
> Umm, he who controls the root servers, controls domain names. I'd say
> they're pretty related issues.

        Only to a very limited extent, in a properly configured
        system.  

--bill