[wg-c] Public utility model

[Harold Feld <hfeld@mediaaccess.org>]

I'm actually curious how those who have played in the public
utility area feel about this.  I face the notion
with unbridled horror, but that's because I was always on the
end-user side of deciphering and challenging public tarrifs. Yech.

Does anyone who like the public regulatory model actually
have experience in this area?

"Robert F. Connelly" wrote:

> At 13:26 20-11-1999 -0500, Cade,Marilyn S - LGA wrote:
> >Bob, can we avoid the use of a public utility like commission or role for
> >ICANN? I'm wondering how to best approach this, as you are.
>
> Dear Marilyn:
>
> I recognize that it's a last resort, but such an expedient or something
> which has the same effect should be included if for-profit registries are
> to be considered.  Prices, profits and salaries for the staff must be kept
> within reason.  BobC
>
> At 15:45 20-11-1999 -0800, Rod Dixon wrote:
>  > In my mind, we either support the two business models or we don't.
>
> Dear Rod:  OTOH, there's something to say for testing one variable at a time.
>
> At 22:36 20-11-1999 -0500, Milton Mueller wrote:
>  >Bob: If regulation is necessary, it will be necessary for non-profits as well
>  >as for-profits.
>
> Dear Milt:  Your have posed a valid point.  BobC
>
> At 22:46 20-11-1999 -0500, Milton Mueller wrote:
> >I don't understand why those who believe that the non-profit model is superior
> >try to prevent the very existence of any alternative.
>
> Dear Milt:  Again, the old rule of testing one variable at a time.  I am
> not dead set against for-profit registries.  I think it is premature to
> launch them before other areas of concern are effective neutralized.  BobC
>
> At 04:33 21-11-1999 -0800, Kent Crispin wrote:
>  >But many people find it emotionally difficult to give in to
>  >extortion, however small the scale -- for large TM holders, the
>  >practical reality is that every new gTLD is an automatic, required
>  >expense, a tax they must pay for no benefit.
>
> Dear Kent:  But with a reasonable method of effective preemptive blocking
> of famous trademarks, that burden is decreased.  BobC, who thinks he's
> found a way to stay within the two posting limit;-}
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> "One test is worth three expert opinions!"
>
> "It's sorta like the 'coon, he ain't much good after you've skinned him
> once or twice."
> Ulric B. Bray