Original report author to address feedback.
In March 2009 ICANN released two reports from professor Dennis Carlton of The University of Chicago about demand for new global top level domain names and competition. At the time, Domain Name Wire described them as “whitewash” reports. They were essentially propaganda pieces supporting ICANN’s view that there is demand for new TLDs, and showed that Carlton lacked general understanding of the top level domain name space and competition therein.
A number of other organizations, including Visa and Time Warner, also questioned the reports. Europeanâ€American Business Council wrote “ICANN should pay for a truly independent economic study of the market instead of commissioning an economic advocacy paper designed to support its wish to rollout new TLDs).”
ICANN has agreed to address these concerns…by going back to Carlton. In its analysis of public comments, ICANN writes:
ICANN has asked Professor Carlton to supplement his work by addressing the comments that ICANN has received on these topics. ICANN intends to post the results of Professor Carlton’s work prior to the Board Meeting in Sydney.
Now seriously, do you expect him to come back with different conclusions than last time?
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M. Menius says
Excellent post Andrew. That whole Dog-n-Pony show kind of sickens me.
Until they begin drawing sound conclusions, ICANN deserve complete and continual scrutiny from the public … since they are poised on the brink of policy failure(s).
Time permitting, any of us could have drafted a more objective summary based on facts. ICANN’s gimmick is to impress higher authorities with such studies.
Fortunately, so many varied corps and organizations are against the initial proposal that ICANN will further smear itself with feces if it persists in moving forward without clear, comprehensive fixes and changes.
David J Castello says
This is proof positive that ICANN is either playing games or simply tone deaf. Carlton’s “reports” are considered comic fodder by anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the industry – and ICANN knows it
Johnny says
ICANN has total blantant disregard for anyone with any knowledge about domains b/c those knowledgeable people do not jive with ICANN’s interests. It’s evidenced by who they pick to give an opinion.
Dennis Carlton has about as much knowledge of domains as the U.S. Gov’t does about running GM.
Steve M says
Sorry, ICANN; but supplementing hogwash still leaves us with … hogwash.
john doe says
It is time for the US government to get involved, I hate to say but it is time.