>2.  The consistency problem.  Flexibility is an asset in people,
>consistency is an asset in computers.  If we accept that there will
>be multiple DNAs in the commercial 2LDs, the only way to ensure
>consistent application of the rules is to automate them.  Even with
>the best will in the world and clear guidelines and lists, twenty
>individuals at twenty DNAs will not apply the rules consistently.
>The end result with be some DNAs approving names that others reject.
>A lawyers picnic.
>
>My belief is that we want public trust in the domain name system  -
>that it is consistent, fair, equitable and reliable, - and public
>disputes, although never one hundred percent unavoidable, will be
>unhelpful.
>
>Regards, Mark

Mark,

I agree with these points as ideals but as Peter pointed out in our
technical tour before the ADNA meeting it appears to be impossible to run
DNAs without making subjective decisions. Lets see if I understood the
issues correctly:

For example, lets assume zip.com.au is available and Zip Hot Water Pty Ltd
and Zip Couriers (not pty ltd) applied for domains. An automated system
would say - OK, well *you* can have zip_hot_water_pty_ltd.com.au and *you*
can have zip_couriers.com.au because this is as smart as an automated
system could be. But then they say "but I want zip.com.au!", so what do the
DNAs do? If we have very very strict rules which allow them no leeway then
there is nothing to worry about - the applicants get the above names or
nothing but I don't think many applicants will be happy with this.
Alternatively we leave the DNAs to make judgements on allowing parts of
names which is what Melbourne IT do and then you have a situation where one
DNA might approve something that another wouldn't. 

This appears unavoidable to me - anyone know better?


Regards

--
Kevin Dinn ____________________    o    _          _--_|\    ZIP P/L 
Business Manager              /____|___|_)________/______\_____________
www.zip.com.au                         | .        \_.--._/  Virtually
Phone: (Australia) 1300 655577 Fax: (02) 9247 5276      v  the best :-)
............... President - Australian Internet Alliance ..............