Local cost related to running a TLD

[Avri Doria]

Hi,

Good point.

I don't know if anyone has the time and information to do this - I don't - but it would be very interesting to see if a group of NCSG/NCUC members could work out a substantive paper on this subject to throw into the ICANN conversations - especially now that they are talking about putting together a group of some sort to discuss methods of making the new gTLD program more accessible to developing countries.  It would be really good if we could bring some facts and passion into this discussion so that this travesty in terms of new gTLDs only for the rich can be avoided.  I think this is not only important for those in developing nations, but it is important for ICANN as a corporation in the public service and in meeting its AOC commitments.

I think this is a perfect time to engage in these discussions, but we have to come in with a solid foundation.


a.



On 18 Mar 2010, at 16:09, David Cake wrote:

> At 11:31 PM -0400 17/3/10, Avri Doria wrote:
>> Hi,
>> 
>> The issue is that when one complains about this cost, the reply is that the 185,000 fee is nothing when compared to the cost of running a registry. So when one responds that in developing areas, the cost of running a new registry, especially a small  one with a slow ramp up will be much lower, we are asked to prove it.  And to date have not had the figures to do so. 
>> I..e when I make the argument that it cost less to do a proper regisrty in Cambodia or Kenya, I am just handwaving, because I do not have the financial facts.
> 
> 	Even in expensive developed countries,  even taking into account Jorges estimates of what it takes to run a registry, the estimates of what it takes to run a registry are all basically nonsense.
> 	Why?
> 	Because the cost of running a registry operation may be large, but what is the marginal cost of running another domain for someone who already runs a registry, and already has the hardware, support and contracts in place?
> 	The reality is the 'oh, it takes a lot of money to run a registry' line is one of those lines that gets waved around a lot by people who already have a profitable business - but the reality is that for those folks, the question of how much is costs to run a registry is very much a flexible question. But given their relatively low marginal cost for running an additional registry, it is in their interest to keep the barrier to entry to the business quite high.
> 	Regards
> 		David