[registrars] Motion on Travel Funding

[Ross Rader]

On 10-Dec-07, at 1:07 PM, Eric Brunner-Williams wrote:

> I'd like to see an exception mechanism, either from the universal  
> funding position (nominally Adrian's) or the universal rejection  
> position (nominally yours), that has some means test for need.


In principle, I agree that something like this might necessarily be  
included, but in practice it would be difficult to apply. All of the  
Councillors come from established organizations and I fail to see why  
domain name prices should be increased simply to ensure their  
participation at ICANN meetings. If Councillors cannot afford to  
travel, then I would question their capability to represent their  
constituency - and also that of the Constituency to support their  
Councillors.

I don't mind a portion of my constituency dues being earmarked for  
this sort of thing, but there's something terribly wrong with ICANN  
collecting a tax to ensure telecommunications lobbyists, professional  
consultants and other paid advocates a free ride. The people that are  
lobbying hardest for this type of funding have the strongest track  
record of attendance at the ICANN meetings.

Ross Rader
Director, Retail Services
t. 416.538.5492
c. 416.828.8783
http://www.domaindirect.com

"To solve the problems of today, we must focus on tomorrow."
- Erik Nupponen