A. What are the membership classes, how are they represented?
The DNSO draft proposes a division into membership classes
or constituencies. The representation of each class and the
definition of each class is given in different parts of the
application. I have placed these together to get an overview
of how the power is divided in this DNSO draft.
1 Registries
Definition: A name registry (defined as an entity with write
authority to a zone referenced by a TLD),
Representation: 6 seats in the Name Council
Notes: This definition would include
* ccTLD registries (>100)
* existing gTLD registries (1)
This definition would not include
* prospective gTLD registries (+/- 20)
Note that this definition does not include prospective
gTLD registries since they do not have any "write authority
to a zone referenced by a TLD" according to this
definition unless alternative roots are recognized.
But even if the current prospective gTLD registries
are accepted they will not have much influence since
there are no more than a dozen serious prospective gTLD
registries at this moment.
Note that the registries get twice as much representation
as all the other constituencies in this draft.
2. Registrars
Definition: A registrar of generic/global or country-code top- level
domains ("TLDs") (defined as an entity with a direct
contractual relationship with a registry to register names
within a TLD zone)
Representation: 3 seats in the Name Council
Notes: A lot of registrars in the US do not have a direct
contractual relationship with a TLD registry. Such a
relationship is currently not necessary to register
names with the InterNIC.
It is unclear at this time if all the companies that
currently act as a registrar to the InterNIC will be
offered a contractual relationship under equal terms
and thus may become member of this constituency.
A lot of smaller internet providers in non-US countries
do have a direct contractual relationship with a ccTLD
registry, since some ccTLD registries require such a
contract.
3. Infrastructure and connectivity providers
Definition: A network operator or service provider (defined as a
legal person operating a name server for clients and
offering Internet connectivity to third parties)
Representation: 3 seats in the Name Council
Notes: A lot of internet providers also act as a registrar
for their customers. And internet providers are by
definition also businesses. So they may also be
represented in 2. and 4.
4. Businesses and other organizations
Definition: Other business or organizations (defined as any legally
constituted organization with a legitimate interest in
Domain Name issues)
Representation: 3 seats in the Name Council
Notes: This puts special interest organizations that may
have businesses as its members on an equal footing
with businesses themselves.
Registries, registrars and ISPs are by definition
businesses or organizations. So they can also become
members of this constituency.
5. Organizations primarily concerned with the interests of trademark owners
Definition: An organization representing trademark interests, defined
as entities primarily concerned with trademarks or defending
business against counterfeiting.
Representation: 3 seats in the Name Council
Notes: It is at least very curious that a special interest
group gets so much representation in the DNSO. Businesses
that have much trademark interest will probably also join
the Business constituency.
6. At Large
Definition: A member of the DNSO may be a member in more than one
constituency if it meets the qualifications for each
constituency for which it applies and pays the membership
fees for each such constituency. No member of any of the
constituencies 1-5 may be a member of the At Large
constituency.
Representation: 3 seats in the Name Council
B. Who decides about membership?
The Names Council. If an application for membership is not approved
the applicant may appeal to a Fair Hearing Panel appointed by the
Names Council. The Fair Hearing Panel is not given explicit powers
in this draft.
C. Are these constituencies fixed?
No, constituencies may be created, deleted or merged
and their representation may be adjusted using a procedure that
is to be developed by the DNSO and Names Council.
D. How is the Names Council elected?
Members of each constituency may nominate individuals to represent
that constituency. The term for each member is three years. Every
year one member of the Names Council for each constituency (2 for
the registry constituency, obviously) are reelected. The winner is
not necessary the individual that gets most of the votes. Preference
is given to individuals from geographical regions that are
underrepresented.
E. What are the powers of the Names Council?
The Names Council may determine policies regarding TLDs.
The Names Council may select the nominees of the DNSO to the
board of the ICANN.
F. What are the powers of the members?
The members may nominate and elect members of the Names Council.
The members may vote on recommendations that are sought by the
Names Council on its policy.
-- Onno Hovers (onno@surfer.xs4all.nl) "We'd better jump under the bandwagon before the train leaves the station." -- Dilbert's Boss