As an auDA member (yet to be ratified) I have to say that we're NOT HAPPY
with what's being rushed through by auDA, for whatever reason.  And I think
that we're probably typical of a whole swag of domain name resellers out
there, who should be fearful for their businesses if our concerns are
anything to go by.  Some examples:

*	We have only 2 days in which to comment on the complex draft
registrar agreement, but NO opportunity to discuss concerns we have.  We,
for one, received no notification of its release.  This is inexcusably short
for such a crucial issue that will directly affect us all.
*	Any auDA impositions on their registrars are foisted on us
resellers, yet we've had no input into their composition or content.
*	There is NO obligation on auDA to develop or publish a Code of
Practice.
*	What references there are to any Code of Practice make no measurable
or enforceable provision for recourse or punitive action in the event of
non-compliance.
*	The issue of SPAM is inadequately addressed
*	There is no obligation on registrars to resolve (only to
investigate) or act on complaints from us or our collective clients
*	No criteria are given whereby reseller agreements can be terminated
- only a directive from auDA.  Hair colour, perhaps?  We resellers have no
recourse or appeal mechanism.
*	auDa acknowledges that it acts "for the benefit of the Australian
public", yet their actions and indecent haste are excluding imput by that
very public they purport to serve.
*	There are no provisions to protect registrars, we resellers or
registrants (our customers) against vested interests or conflict of interest
by auDA officials and/or auDA service providers.
*	Where is the transparancy of process that an organisation owes, and
is obligated to provide, its members? 

Our concerns are considerably heightened by recent (and not so recent)
examples of abuse and predatory business practice of which several members
complained, but against which auDA and Melbourne IT were apparently
powerless to act.  By the way, we are STILL waiting on auDA's reponse to our
specific question in this reard.

We see nothing in the draft agreement that will improve our already weak
situation - indeed, we see our collective ability for recourse against shady
business practice, and abuse of improperly obtained information, being
weakened still further.

We are deeply concerned, and I would like to call a public meeting to be
held in the next 48 hours (say 10h00 Friday), to get these and other issues
on the table WHILE WE STILL HAVE THE CHANCE.  Let's not emasculate
ourselves, and our customers, through apathy.

Your expressions of interest PLEASE.


Ron Stark
Business Park Pty Ltd
mail: ronstark§businesspark.com.au
tel: +61 (0)3 9592 6895   fax: +61 (0)3 9591 0729
mob: +61 (0)41 812 9922



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