From: Wade Davidson 
Sent: Friday, 19 October 2007 1:25 AM
To: jo.lim@auda.org.au
Subject: Draft Recommendations, September 2007

Dear Jo,

 

Please find below my comments on the draft recommendations.

 

Draft Recommendation #1: I agree

 

Draft Recommendation #2 a-f: I agree

 

Draft Recommendation #3: I am in favor of option 3b, anything less would be an unnecessary 
compromise. The current transfer policy is extremely restrictive, a relaxation of the rules 
will encourage new investment in the .com.au space.

 

There are hundreds of high quality .com.au domains that are inactive, the registrants have 
left them dormant for years, unable to sell them but unwilling to let go of what are 
valuable assets.

 

Whether or not the secondary market is opened, the value of generic domains is well known, 
registrants will not let them go without fair compensation. Domains will continue to be 
undeveloped, leaving the .com.au name space looking like a desolate wasteland.

 

If the secondary market was opened these domains would finally have an opportunity to be sold 
to those who have the resources to develop them. The sale of domains should be allowed without 
any constraint. 

 

Although registrants don’t own their domains, the license equates to a business opportunity, 
in many cases the opportunity certain domains represent is extremely valuable. If the current 
registrant is to let go of their opportunity, they should be fairly compensated and not forced 
to go through unnecessary red tape.

 

There are already existing policies to protect trademark holders and ensure the eligibility 
of registrants, so long as a buyer meets the eligibility criteria the sale process should not 
be restricted, nor should it be made difficult or unattractive for either party.

 

Regards

Wade