Re: Specific Questions

[Danny Padwa <padw7068@sparky.cs.nyu.edu>]

>>>>> "Christopher" == Christopher Ambler <chris@hal.iodesign.com> writes:

    Christopher> 4. Lottery or Objective Criteria?

I think this should be broken down into two subtopics, since much of
the discussion has blurred two distinct issues:

4a.  Limited initial set of registrars, or open to all?

4b.  If limited, how selected?  Lottery or objective criteria?

Most of the arguments against a lottery seem to be along the lines of
4a.   That is, people stating that there shouldn't be a lottery since
there is no need to limit the initial set of registrars, and that any
such limitation is an illegal restraint of trade.    I disagree with
these arguments, since a limited rollout is the only practical
approach in my view, but that is a well-defined discussion topic.   If
you think than anyone who can meet a (reasonably low) set of
requirements should be able to play on day 1, you are arguing against
a limited set here.

The second issue, how to select a limited set of registrars (assuming
a limited set) is more interesting.   A lottery has the drawback of
necessarily turning qualified applicants into "losers".....no way to
avoid it if there are more applicants than slots.   However, using a
set of "objective criteria" probably has some drawbacks that its
advocates don't see.

If we are going to be restricting to a small number of registrars on
day one, and will pick them by choosing the "best" applicants by some
metrics, what metrics would you use?  I expect that any agreeable
metrics would wind up favoring the large existing software and telecom
companies rather than the start-ups.....I doubt that very many
start-ups have the balance sheet of a Microsoft or a Time-Warner, or
even a SAIC.   Choosing the "best" by objective metrics will make
start-ups most unhappy.

If we are restricting to a small set of registries, a lottery is the
only way to give the small guy a chance.   Don't intermingle
opposition to a lottery with opposition to a small set of registries.

- Danny