ICANN published the second version of its Application Guidebook for new generic top-level domains earlier today (late evening Los Angeles time).
Alongside version two of the Guidebook—published by module and in a red-line version—are explanatory memoranda, the opening of a second public comment period (closing 13 April) and an extensive summary and analysis of the public comments made to the process so far.
What I would like to bring the community\'s attention though is that from the main announcement—Draft Applicant Guidebook: What You Told Us—to the second comment period, to the summary/analysis of comments, it is you and your comments that are front and center in this process.
There were some suggestions earlier this year that ICANN would ignore public comments. ICANN staff have since try to reassure the community that that is not the case but actions speak louder than words so this announcement, the approach taken and the work attached to it should hopefully put that argument to rest.
So if you are interested in this process of expanding the domain name space and you want to make sure it is done in the best way possible, please do review the documents and send in your views and suggestions.
And just to remind people: we have an online Question Box for the upcoming Mexico City meeting (1-6 March) so if you a question you would like to ask, particularly regarding the Applicant Guidebook, then this is a simple and easy way to ask it.
Written by Kieren McCarthy, General manager of public participation, ICANN. Visit the blog maintained by Kieren McCarthy here.
