This is a guest Post by Bill Sweetman who is General Manager of YummyNames, a service from Tucows.com, a top 5 domain name registrar, that allows marketers, entrepreneurs, and startups to buy premium domain names for their business.
Bill is also a member of the ICA Board:
“”The domain investing industry, as wonderful and exciting as it is, is pretty small compared to other industries and consists of a relatively small number of individuals, companies, and related service providers. It is very easy for our eclectic little group of domain enthusiasts to be outgunned by deep-pocketed interests from other industry groups who don’t know or care about domain investors and have no qualms about crushing our industry. Remember, most people wrongly equate domainers with cybersquatters.
Not to sound alarmist, but many of the *basic* things that you take for granted, such as the right to own lots of domains, park (or lease) a domain, even just re-sell a domain name, are all things that could disappear in the coming years if some of the more extreme ‘anti-domainer’ and ‘anti-commercial’ forces out there get their way. I am not kidding here.
The only organization that is actively monitoring ICANN and various government entities on behalf of domain investors is the ICA. And not just monitoring, either. Phil Corwin is right there, in the trenches so to speak, often the only person speaking up when a policy or rule is proposed that is not in the best interest of domainers as well as everyday domain owners. Phil is a tireless crusader for domain investors and we are all very lucky to have him on our side.
If you make a living buying and selling domain names, and you want to continue to enjoy the unique domainer lifestyle, I strongly encourage you to consider supporting the ICA. No amount is too small, and you can donate right on the ICA Website at http://internetcommerce.org/donate
There is no other, and no better, organization out there fighting for your rights as a domainer. But ICA can’t continue doing so without your support.
Thanks for listening.
Bill Sweetman
General Manager of YummyNames””
NOTE: Worldwide Media, Inc. which is owns and operates TheDomains.com is Silver Member of the ICA as Well.
You can read domainer Nat Cohen’s Guest Post of Why he supports the ICA on Elliotsblog.com
R. E. = ” Remember, most people wrongly equate domainers with cybersquatters. ”
This is an interesting and true statement Bill.
It is in my opinion a subtle nuance that many of our adversaries use as a tool, off stage, most effectively in brunting any movement towards shoring up leaseholders legal rites, in repelling theives stealing their assets legally. Why have you and other registrars pussy footed around pushing for more protections?
Is it because leaseholders are guaranteed their leasing costs be returned if they lose their leases for any legal reason? If this were so do you think all registrars would push harder??
The way things are now the registrars are protected and the leaseholders are thrown to the whims of a highly questionable legal system. We are tired of front of stage gestures, we would like to see more protections Actually pushed for by registrars and not just shallow lip service.
We think it is a commendable action by supporting the ICA but what about back stage action as well? in supporting more protections for lease holders? Respectfully
Gratefully, Jeff schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Any lease holders rights are only as good as the rights of the underlying domain holder
Jeff
spend less time on the blogs, in the forum and on linkedin and give a few bucks to the ICA
Much more constructive use of your time
@ MHB
If there were truly supportive lease holder rites upheld by ICANN and Registrars the 90% kill rate enjoyed by theives would be much lower. This smoke screen reply is only a diversionary tactic designed to lead us all away from the real question. The Real Question is —-
Why are Registrars and ICANN not incorporating deep protections rather than the shallow ones now in print? Lets get back on Center, whats your answer thats better than your shallow protection = ” Any lease holders rights are only as good as the rights of the underlying domain holder ”
This is an insult to intelligent people.
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Jeff
Again you can leave 1,000 comments on blogs, forums and linkedin and they will not result in one ICANN change or action
Contribute to the ICA
They get stuff done
Inspired by Nata post I stepped up this week and suggest that the 5000 comments on the 3d thread with $10 each going to the ICA instead of Blake Irving’s yacht might also bring better ROI and help Louise from becoming a bag lady
Because if they take your domain and all is hinging on the big prize you could end up homeless in the streets
good idea Owen
Folks- you know what the main problem in the world right now esp in USA….
It is all about Control, it is all about Money.
Money=Control=Money=Control=the feeling of Power
If we take money out of the equation, people will be more civilized.
@ BullS
You know what another main problem in the world right now is?
PROCRASTINATION
Don’t wait until one of your generic domain names is hijacked before you step up to support the *only* organization that is acting as every domainer’s watchdog and pitbull.
The ICA needs the support of domainers TODAY.
P.S. Thank you to Mike Berkens for helping spread the word.
R. E. = ” Again you can leave 1,000 comments on blogs, forums and linkedin and they will not result in one ICANN change or action ”
This is the same kind of reply that the french govt. gave to the French people in 1795. These are not Fuedal French times. I hope this starts an uprising, if you dont try to bury this string with other propoganda as you usually do. This needs to be fleshed out because we have been taking a yard beatin, long enough.
Mr. sweetman you can dodge this only so long, you need to address this and soon, for your own sake. Feigning support of ICA is great but what are you willing to do to solve the root or foundation of the real problem! ———
The Real Question is —-
Why are Registrars and ICANN not incorporating deep protections rather than the shallow ones now in print?
Registrars have a big club to wield here and you are feigning theres really nothing we can do? This is laughable Sir.
Gratefully, Jeff schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Gratefully , Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
@ Jeff,
What registrars like Tucows are doing is supporting the ICA, showing up at ICANN meetings, participating in ICANN policy discussions, and working with different stakeholders in public and behind-the-scenes.
As far as I can tell, your main contribution to domaining is posting comments on domain blogs.
I encourage you to take a break from blog commenting and attend an ICANN meeting, or at least watch a Webcast of some of the public sessions. You might learn something.
Cheers,
Bill
The other day I was watching a TEDx video where the speaker was predicting in the future one of 4 persons should have a cancer in their life for sure. OUCH!
The rate was horrible and we was talking here about something really more scaring than UDRPs.
Did I made a donation to a cancer research organization after the show?
No, like probably most.
There are dozen and dozen of causes that affect us and that are potentially more important for us, and we don’t support them. So succeed to get funds for a business association is very difficult the way things are setup today.
Bill Sweetman exposed very well the situation and the fact only ICA can help. All readers have understood and agree that something must be done, but how many donations did you received today from these hundred readers?
You could post “send money” as many times you want, this will have a low effect.
Why?
These are the kind of questions that anyone can ask to himself:
– I have no idea who is helping and at which level so I cannot appreciate if the amount I was willing to send was ridiculous or excessive.
– Today nobody know if I made a donation or no, I am quiet as collegues of the industry could not tell me further I am cheap!
– The only donators I see listed are a hundred times richer than me, am I the only poor idiot who was planning to help?
– There is no representative in this association, so I will not even get the satifaction of a THANKS in return.
It looks stupid but this missing list showing donors and donations is enough to stop donation urgency.
What lead the world is not only the money, but also the recognition, notoriety, ego, …:
– If the representative of the association is a person I admire or estimate in the industry then just for the pleasure he notice my donation and thanks me I should be tempted to make one (recognition).
– If all the donators are listed in the association site and I see collegues of my industry are helping the association than I would not want they think I do not care myself (notoriety).
– If I see my competitor have make a donation, I do not want to be lower than him, so I will probably do a larger donation (ego).
…
Blog posts like this one are good to inform (like the TEDx show was also very informative) but nothing will happen if the association don’t do these minor but critical changes I suggested in Elliot post I think.
Bill- the day they take away my “BullS” and MarijuanaGuy dot com will be the day Hell breaks loose all over the world!!!
The start of Domain World War I -DWW1
Hello Francois,
The ICA can only use what little tools they have in a highly skewed situation in favor of UDRPS and other loopholes in the printed, almost non-existent leaseholder protections. Phil Corwin comes into battle with a knife and the perpetraitors come in bristling with nukes. Mainly because the protections in place are laughable.
I have the utmost respect for phil, and if I thought that leaseholder protections are at the top of ICAs list as priorities, I will personally solicit fundraising for ICA. I think Owen has a good idea in soliciting for funds. We all need to pull together for (Lease Holder Protections) , corny as it may sound your financial as well as my financial health depends on it.
We are not all lawyers that can hide in their protective fox holes. If you are tired of being abused get people over to this thread for comment and keep this thread alive. Those who are silent only have to blame themselves for the abhorent conditions that now prevail in the ICANN Registrar Web.
Please voice your opinions,before this thread dissappears and we find ourselves in the same leaky boat leaving port.
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
The other day I was watching a TEDx video where the speaker was predicting in the future one of 4 persons should have a cancer in their life for sure. OUCH!
The rate was horrible and we was talking here about something really more scaring than UDRPs. – francois
@Francois
That’s exactly why I am launching http://UMPHTV.com
Boost your spiritual vigor, and a dose of positive thinking. Visit us.
Jeff,
Unfortunately I do not understand what you are trying to say in this thread.
I am a very basic person and you are coming here with things that looks not directly related to the theme of the post like “leasing” so I am lost.
I think registrars simply apply existing rules and if these rules change they should follow.
I share Michael and Bill advice here, write on blogs, forums, … is good to give his opinion but it does not help to resolve issues. It’s probably only be present in the ICANN reunions and lobying in Washington one can hope to make things change, and this is what ICA is trying to do with the help of Phil.
Hello francois,
I fully understand where you are coming from. Below the surface is a huge shell game that may only be understood by a very few. I have experience in shaping and analyzing Market dynamics and have vextensive experience in the area and once worked for the Rockefellers in shaping Foriegn market policy.
We are here to tell you that if registrars and ICANN wanted to shore up Leaseholder protections they could do this in a New York minute. my question to you and others is why havent they done this???
Why are they more than willing to push out more registrations and ignore current lease holder rites. Could it be they are more interested in keeping cash flow than in guaranteeing current lease holders security?
What are the real alterior motives behind them not having a care for the consistency and legitimate solvency of their paying constituency? Could it be they really want minimal protections so that the rich and powerfull can hire attorneys and get what they should have to pay for? Through legal thievery ?
Take a closer look at my questions and you may find some truths. The Strategic Values of especially .COM Profit centers is staggeringly misunderstood, and domain holders need to see through the smoke to the real truths. The original owners of leases are being hosed by very clever interlopers.
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal tiger)
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
“Lease” is Jeff-speak for registered domains. He is pointing out we don’t really “own” them, no doubt.
Jeff, you may have valid things to say but if you speak in unfamiliar terms nobody will understand you.
@ Accent,
I understand that you and others may have a hard time understanding all these concepts. Thats Ok as long as you get enough to know that there are some questions that I have asked that are sensitive to be sure, but they need answering. So far there are no takers, but I have kinda been hoping Phil corwin could be involved in all this. To be sure these are sensitive questions, they may be to hot to handle as they say.
All we know is that we are being fed a lot of Horse puckey on many fronts.
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal tiger)
“SEO Manipulated Search Engines know the power of Pure Play Generics and the role they are increasingly taking in ruining their party.”
Now that’s “heavy” Metal!
The only power that matters is that which we all hold in our two hands. All you need to do is go to the ICA website hit a button marked PayPal and donate as little as $5 or $10. You won’t get cancer, you won’t go without food or shelter or medicine and maybe together we can make a difference instead of just a bunch of noise.
Jeff
I think you may have seen les miserables 1 too many times
R. E. = ” Jeff
“I think you may have seen les miserables 1 too many times”
I think that the arrogant think that we are lemmings, Most lawyers (not all) think they can ignore moral laws, as long as they can manipulate the dockets. You Sir are arrogant.
Gratefully, Jeff schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
@ Owen,
R. E, = ” “SEO Manipulated Search Engines know the power of Pure Play Generics and the role they are increasingly taking in ruining their party.”
Now that’s “heavy” Metal!
The only power that matters is that which we all hold in our two hands. All you need to do is go to the ICA website hit a button marked PayPal and donate as little as $5 or $10. You won’t get cancer, you won’t go without food or shelter or medicine and maybe together we can make a difference instead of just a bunch of noise.
This is great advice! I am following your lead. Thanks Nameste
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Hello Bill,
R.E. = ” I encourage you to take a break from blog commenting and attend an ICANN meeting, or at least watch a Webcast of some of the public sessions. You might learn something.
Cheers,
Bill ”
Ah Bill , this is so entertaining and just plain enlightening.
I consider a registrar being a paid lobbyist within the ICA fabric as a real conflict of interest. If you dont understand this you may want to get an interpreter. You underestimate my backers and colleagues and most of all your mocking of us may be very costly in the long run.
This fencemenship is taking us off center I believe.
Here are questions you will be forced to answer sooner or later.
R. E. = ” Remember, most people wrongly equate domainers with cybersquatters. ”
This is an interesting and true statement Bill.
It is in my opinion a subtle nuance that many of our adversaries use as a tool, off stage, most effectively in brunting any movement towards shoring up leaseholders legal rites, in repelling theives stealing their assets legally. Why have you and other registrars pussy footed around pushing for more protections?
Is it because leaseholders are guaranteed their leasing costs be returned if they lose their leases for any legal reason? If this were so do you think all registrars would push harder??
The way things are now the registrars are protected and the leaseholders are thrown to the whims of a highly questionable legal system. We are tired of front of stage gestures, we would like to see more protections Actually pushed for by registrars and not just shallow lip service.
We think it is a commendable action by supporting the ICA but what about back stage action as well? in supporting more protections for lease holders? Respectfully
R. E. = ”
The Real Question is —-
What are registrars alterior motives with introducing more gTLDs when there are already way to many in existence?
Below the surface is a huge shell game that may only be understood by a very few. I have experience in shaping and analyzing Market dynamics and have vextensive experience in the area and once worked for the Rockefellers in shaping Foriegn market policy.
We are here to tell you that if registrars and ICANN wanted to shore up Leaseholder protections they could do this in a New York minute. my question to you and others is why havent they done this???
Why are they more than willing to push out more registrations and ignore current lease holder rites. Could it be they are more interested in keeping cash flow than in guaranteeing current lease holders security?
What are the real alterior motives behind them not having a care for the consistency and legitimate solvency of their paying constituency? Could it be they really want minimal protections so that the rich and powerfull can hire attorneys and get what they should have to pay for? Through legal thievery ?
Take a closer look at my questions and you may find some truths. The Strategic Values of especially .COM Profit centers is staggeringly misunderstood, and domain holders need to see through the smoke to the real truths. The original owners of leases are being hosed by very clever interlopers.
Why are Registrars and ICANN not incorporating deep protections rather than the shallow ones now in print?
Registrars have a big club to wield here and you are feigning theres really nothing we can do? This is laughable Sir.
Bill the body of evidence is very evident and you may want to consider your tact before it is too late.
More to follow Bill : (” Ahm Yoa Huckelberry “) quote from Tombstone
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider
Hello Bill,
If you really want to clear away the stone, you need to fundamentally fight for more Leaseholder protections. You and other Registrars credibility will recover high ground. This is what ICA would preach, we need you and (ALL REGISTRARS) to follow suite in requesting ICANN support, your alterior wishes for meaningful lease holder protections. (the current structure is creating doubt) !
Granted this will take courage, but will be in the interest of ALL including ICANNs credibility.
If you expect support for your initiatives in the near future, you should consider Trust factors in achieving them. Market Integrity is paramount.
Gratefully Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Hello Bill,
You may want to digest this for your Educated needs = http://www.technologyreview.com/review/428911/icanns-boondoggle/
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Hello Bill @ Bill Swetman
R. E. = ” The DNS has other Structural problems that are just as disruptive. WEAK and almost non existent Lease Holder Protections that should be on Registrars # 1 priority list. The registrars haven’t a care about this huge problem. Their # 1 priority is to pump out more disruptive extensions for profit reasons. WHATS UP WITH THAT ?? ”
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
Hello Bill Sweetman,
With all due respect:
All of the TLD extensions will mean nothing witout New Lease Holder Protections , if UDRPs and the uncertainty and ease with which Felons can try to steal Virtual Business Fondations from their rightful owners is not Checked.
Everything we speak of is tied to the secondary markets Valuations , the cash cow engines that supply the catalyst for our Industry.
The cuurent situation of uncertainty with weak Lease Holder Protections, severely impacts and suppresses Secondary Market Valuations!
Uncertainty in Stock Markets cause Bear Narkets. I think you know the far reaching implications here.
Bill its in registrars best interests in the long run to fight for New Tougher Lease Protections.
Why are you not seeing this? Why do registrars not want tougher Lease holder protections ?
Where there are valuable Assets you find big rats trying to get at the cheese!
Why are registrars not fighting for protections?
We are not going away on this subject, its paramount, to all of us lease holders.
We are here to tell you that if registrars and ICANN wanted to shore up Leaseholder protections they could do this in a New York minute. my question to you and others is why havent they done this???
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)
I hope someone at ICA reads this ! IIMPORTANT ISSUE BEING LOW ON PRIORITY LIST !
Why Reverse Domain Name Hijacking needs to be a Real Penalty !
All of the TLD extensions will mean nothing witout New Lease Holder Protections , if UDRPs and the uncertainty and ease with which Felons can try to steal Virtual Business Fondations from their rightful owners is not Checked.
Everything we speak of is tied to the secondary markets Valuations , the cash cow engines that supply the catalyst for our Industry.
The cuurent situation of uncertainty with weak Lease Holder Protections, severely impacts and suppresses Secondary Market Valuations!
Uncertainty in Stock Markets cause Bear Narkets. I think you know the far reaching implications here.
Bill its in registrars best interests in the long run to fight for New Tougher Lease Protections.
Why are you not seeing this? Why do registrars not want tougher Lease holder protections ?
Where there are valuable Assets you find big rats trying to get at the cheese!
Why are registrars not fighting for protections?
We are not going away on this subject, its paramount, to all of us lease holders.
We are here to tell you that if registrars and ICANN wanted to shore up Leaseholder protections they could do this in a New York minute. my question to you and others is why havent they done this???
Gratefully, Jeff Schneider (Contact Group) (Metal Tiger)