New domain name rules

[John Hilvert]

At 12:43 PM 4/10/95 +1000, Sue Lowe -SMH wrote:
>Hi, 
>This is a general query that I think would be of interest to many, but about
>which I have a close personal interest. I have just had the requested - and
>most logical - domain name for my book on on-line services in Australia
>rejected by Telstra.

I think it is an issue that deserves airing.

>The plan was to use the Website to provide purchasers of the book with
>updates on pricing and service issues - a service to readers in this very
>volatile industry.

>The request was filed via Addison Wesley, the publisher, and it seems was
>rejected because it reflects the name of a product - the name of the book -
>rather than the company??   
>Obviously its disastrous for us, having invested in publicising that name. I
>have never heard of  a name being rejected before and we did not anticipate
>it not going through. It also took Tesltra about three weeks to respond,
>leaving us very short of time. I'm sure I've read stuff on the link before
>that suggested a 48-hr turnaround on domain names???

I was left with that impression also.

>But rather than push my own wagon - from a general perspective, is this "no
>product names" a new rule, since when and what is the logic behind it? Have
>these new rules been publicised and where? 
>To other linkers - what's the general feeling - is this a justifiable ruling
>by Telstra??

On the face of it - you seem to have been treated arbitrarily. 

Part of the problem is there is still some mystique about who is actually
responsible for the decision. It could be Geoff Huston, Robert Elz or
someone else. 

I understand Geoff was moving to simplify the process. Find out who has
discretion to review the decision.

If you can't negotiate an immediate internal review with Telstra, I suggest
you forward a complaint to The Commonwealth Ombudsman.

I've discussed this issue before with the deputy Ombudsman, John Wood. He
said complaints about telephone service and billing issues usually get
handled by Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). 

However the issue of domain names processing (speed and decision-making)
could be investigated by his Office, he said.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman's Address is GPO Box 442, Canberra ACT 2602. (ph
06 276 0155).

Good luck.



John Hilvert
Journalist at Large
"The shallower you are, the more ground you cover."
For great education software reviews try http://www.edutainment.com.au/