Hello Craig,

> 
> Finally, allowing businesses to now register an appropriate name (that
> relates to their business) in order to participate in the 
> upcoming auction
> would minimise the prospects of "cybersquatting" since there should be
> no-one else who values the domain name more highly to sell it to.
> 

This sounds good in theory - but relies on perfect market knowledge.

Most of the really valuable ".com" generic names were secured well before
the value in those names was realised.

Given the auction process is occurring over Christmas/New Year period, I
expect that cybersquatters could clean up with many names at below market
value, and then start a business of selling these names to those that really
want them at a higher price - or hold onto them (squat) until their value
increases.

I personally support the approach of the 13 Aug 2001 cut off date.

Note that not all domains will be applied for.  Those where there is not an
application, will be available for first-come, first-served registration
when the new registry goes live next year.

Bruce Tonkin