FINAL VERSION TO BE SUBMITTED IF RATIFIED
The final version to be submitted, if the draft is ratified, will be placed here by upon completion of the vote.
FINAL DRAFT VERSION TO BE VOTED UPON BY THE ALAC
The final draft version to be voted upon by the ALAC will be placed here before the vote is to begin.
FIRST DRAFT SUBMITTED
The ALAC has concerns about the sufficiency of community expertise in panels that evaluate new gTLD community applications in string contention processes.
We believe that the evaluations have significant implications for community applications and require sufficient and relevant community-related expertise in panels that evaluate the applications. In providing this advice we draw from the learning provided by the failure of the new gTLD Applicant Support Program.
Community Priority Evaluation
Module 4 of the Applicant Guidebook specifies that the Community Priority Evaluation is applicable only for community-based applicants. The evaluation is an independent analysis (i.e., not dependent on prior applicant review results) and that any community application that passes the Evaluation will “eliminate all directly contending standard applications, regardless of how well qualified the latter may be.” Furthermore, community applications that fail the Evaluation will proceed into auction involving all contending parties where they may be at a disadvantage against fully commercial applications.
As per the new gTLD Program Timeline indicated at http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/timelines, we note that the string contention resolution process will begin in September 2013. We also note that the Economist Intelligence Unit and InterConnect Communications have been appointed as service providers for the Community Priority Evaluation Panel (see new gTLD Program Update at the ICANN Dakar Meeting in 2011).
We have concerns that these entities may have a natural familiarity and pre-disposition toward business that may discriminate against applications emphasizing community service over revenue-maximization.
The ALAC thus calls for community-related expertise in the Community Priority Evaluation Panel and stands ready to offer appropriate and un-conflicted ICANN community volunteers to serve as panel members or advisors.
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