An Issues Paper was released in April by the auDA 2015 Names Policy Panel.
This paper invited public comments on some of the main policies underlying the allocation and use of domain names in the .au domain space.
The results of the 1st public consultation are now in – and are worth a read.
As you’d expect with such a topic, there are certainly some mixed views!
Written submissions
There were 23 of these – however a number were simply based on a template response.
Links below to each submission (also viewable on auDA website):
As I mentioned, there were mixed opinions. Here are just a few excerpts from some of the submissions (though we stress the full text of each should be read to get a full and proper view):
AusRegistry supports the opening of the .au namespace to direct registrations. We take the position that ability to directly register domains at the second level is an expected conclusion to the evolution of the .au namespace.
ACCAN is opposed to .au being opened up to direct registrations.
The .au domain should be opened up to direct registrations.
auDA might also consider a registration cancellation mechanism if the .au domain is registered and then simply parked.
Gilbert + Tobin is not aware of any demand (from clients or otherwise) for direct registrations. In relation to the Panel’s point 4.5 Gilbert + Tobin agrees that there is a risk that opening up direct registration would compel current trade mark and domain name owners (particularly in the .com.au space) to register the corresponding .au name.
Online Survey Responses
There were 193 of these; and these have been helpfully summarised by auDA: View link here.
Now comes the hard part!
The Names Panel meets this Thursday to discuss these initial responses, and will start formulating some recommendations.
It is planned to have a 2nd Public Consultation in a few months time.
I think users will be for it (3 less keystrokes), website owners will be against it (redirecting from .com.au to .au) but the key issue is that registrars will sell more domains. So bend over here it comes.
“So bend over here it comes” – I agree!
The bottom line is anyone serious about protecting their brand will have another domain name to buy!
Without the change your brand is secure – with it you are exposed, and have to register another name. For those of us with 100’s or even 1000’s of domain names – that is a significant impost.
I fail to see any advantage. In my view this change just serves to line the pockets of those in the business of registering domain names at the expense of diluting the existing value of my portfolio – leave the dam goal posts where they are…please!!!
Ok 4 less keystrokes.
Where’s my coffee.
Blackmail