Reglikedomain industry desk

ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom Talks regarding Domainers

Beckstrom gives initial comments regarding domainers.

In an article regarding fresh top level domains and trademarks in today’s Financial Times, ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom is quoted saying:

“You can look at domainers in many ways. Some see them as cybersquatters, some look at them as entrepreneurs. I think there is a rich and healthy debate to be had.”

Most domainers will view this as a positive statement. I e-mailed Beckstrom to make sure he was quoted in context and get some clarification. He responded verifying the quote and his view on the role of domainers in the domain ecosystem:

I think there are always multiple perspectives on any issue. Not unlike hedge funds. Some countries see them as villains while other market participants see them adding great liquidity to markets. I’m not sure but am open to both perspectives.

Here’s hoping that, under Beckstrom, ICANN will pay more attention to the views of domainers.

Also on the wire

Other reporting from the domain desk.

VPolicy & LawVeriSign SpeaksNames are spammers’ favorites — Cheap domainPolicy & LawNames are spammers’ favorites — Cheap domainOver descriptive skateboard domain names — A fightPolicy & LawOver descriptive skateboard domain names — A fightTPolicy & LawTyposquatting for Corporate Espionage: ITWorldFirm states Brent Oxley’s dictionary domain is a typo of its made up namePolicy & LawFirm states Brent Oxley’s dictionary domain is a typo of its made up nameFPolicy & LawFirm uses UDRP to go following dead man’s domain nameDomain search ranking patent — Verisign getsPolicy & LawDomain search ranking patent — Verisign getsObserve.com UDRP claims deniedPolicy & LawObserve.com UDRP claims deniedSues to overturn UDRP decision — Mike MannPolicy & LawSues to overturn UDRP decision — Mike Mann