Internet Domain Registrations

[George Bray]

I wrote:

>> I'm still of the opinion that network registration processes be controlled
>> by a government organisation - the spectrum management agency, DOTC,
>> whoever. I don't think it's unreasonable for domain name owners to pay a
>> nominal fee (in the US its $50) per annum for upkeep of the "system".

To which Robert Hazeltine replies:

>I think passing this job over to government would be a _very_ bad
>choice.  I've been there, done that (for 20 years) and from that
>experience and backgound would not recommend it.

Robert backs up his argument with personal experience of government
administration horror stories, all of which I can believe. I have
experienced some good government registration systems, but I'm not here to
advoate government is the only organisation who could do it.

If one of the many Australian Internet lobby groups were to come forward,
design and administer such a system I think this would be preferable to a
private company made from directors of exisiting ISPs and carriers.

>It is not clear to me from the present discussion where people think the
>problem lies.  [...]

It's primarily the time factor required to register domains that people are
whinging about. Your other points about lack of review, recognised rules
etc are also valid.  Though one cannot blame the current register as what
we have had up till recently has been adequate. The huge influx of
organisations onto the net calls for a higher bandwidth registration
facility, at least.

Yes, it is possible for "us" to re-examine and re-design the system, but
who's got the time? Several supposed lobby groups for  the internet have
sprung up in this country, some have even mentioned this issue as one of
their priorities.  But the current situation still remains. I don't have
the time, nor the knowledge to do this either. As usual I'm happy to debate
the issues, but my business cannot afford to lose me for the effort this
re-design entail.

>I cannot see why any of this logically follows from the problems outlined
>todate, provided that the volunteers have the time and capacity to do the
>job.

The rate at which registrations are required will soon reach the stage
where the current volunteers cannot cope with the load.  It's only a matter
of time. What's going to happen when all these homes and businesses come
onto the net via the broadband networks?  Poor Robert Elz wont be able to
carry out his usual network wizardry for the numbers of domain
registrations asked of him. And IMHO, I'd prefer to see his expertise used
to manage the network rather than process paperwork.

[ cross-posted to aus-isps for alternative wisdom ]
--
George Bray (geo@moreinfo.com.au) Phone +61 2 484 9922  Fax +61 2 9980 7736
MoreInfo Internet Publishing, Sydney Australia  http://www.moreinfo.com.au