DNOA vs ICA

[Spade]

So... I noticed that someone from the ICA is now posting at NP. Obviously, we hear quite a bit of the DNOA due to the fact that it has started thanks to the managers of NP.

My question is.... which organization is going to do the better job? It seems that both groups exist to perform the same function. Your thoughts on these groups?


For clarification, I am a member of the DNOA.

 

[AdoptableDomains]

I wondered the same thing. However, after seeing the membership fees, I think there must be different agendas. DNOA came from some discussion that the established in the industry were being being brought down in reputation by the new, small, and first timers that either didn't know better or didn't care to operate in a businesslike and ethical manner. DNOA is inexpensive enough that even the part timer and hobbyist should be able to afford to join and learn. ICA seems a little pricey for all but the professionals. I think both have good inentions for the industry, but I think they are going to have slightly different bodies of membership who may have different needs of membership.

 

[fonzie_007]

Anyone have links so I can read up more about ICA? I'm already familiar (and a member) of DNOA.

 

[stscac]

For clarification, I am a member of the DNOA.

You might want to check on your membership status. It should show on NP under your post, and on my system it doesn't for you.

-Steve

 

[Spade]

You might want to check on your membership status. It should show on NP under your post, and on my system it doesn't for you.

-Steve

Yes, unfortunately since the re-launch none of the new DNOA members have the DNOA symbol on their posts (I have already requested this) and I hold a small little position with the organization. So, yes. I am positive.

 

[sibaong]

Anyone have links so I can read up more about ICA? I'm already familiar (and a member) of DNOA.

www.internetcommerce.org

 

[GreenGambler]

I haven't heard of the ICA but I don't think I'm going to join another one just yet. Thanks for the link Sibaong.. I'm gonna check it out. I like being a member of the DNOA. I'm sure more of these organizations will continue to pop up but I hope DNOA continues to be #1

 

[verbster]

Sounds silly, but some time ago I got IDNC dot org, thinking of a way to form a rival to icann...and have domainers play a part in some of the gigantic decisions and actions icann is part of...or not part of, as it were. International Domain Name Commission or something.

Not trying to hijack your thread...just offering some perspective.

 

[Dave_Z]

However, after seeing the membership fees, I think there must be different agendas.

Some of which probably happen to coincide with some of DNOA's.

Nothing wrong with working with them, as long as one knows where to draw
the lines when they differ with any interest group on certain issues.

 

[Spade]

Obviously their large annual membership fee is a big deal, but Im more curious to know what specific agenda they are focusing on? What functions will they perform? I mean, whats the difference in bennefits between the two groups? Im just not seeing it. Both are brand new, one feels like it was created for the elite domainer and one feels like it was created for the average domainer. Anyone else feel this too?

 

[fonzie_007]

Is ICA a non-profit? I didn't see anything on their webpage to state that they were.

 

[bbalegere]

What is the link to ICA?
Is it similar to DNOA?

 

[Peter]

What is the link to ICA?
Is it similar to DNOA?

http://www.internetcommerce.org/

Their membership fee for a standard user is $199 (discounted to $99 this year). The sign up page does not seem to say whether that is a 1 off fee or an annual fee (but I would hazard a guess it is a yearly fee).

I personally don't see too much overlap in the 2 organizations objectives but in the event of an issue in which both organizations had the same agenda then I doubt there would be a problem to work with each other when needed (providing both agenda's were 100% crystal clear etc.).

As has been pointed out above it looks as though the organizations are aimed at different people.

Is ICA a non-profit? I didn't see anything on their webpage to state that they were.

The following is a quote from Jude_ICA's profile

Jude Augusta: Executive Director, Internet Commerce Association * The ICA is a not-for-profit organization that Defends the Rights and Interests of Domain Name Owners.
Newsletter + Polls at www.InternetCommerce.org
(E.g. "Are Domains Property?" / "Who Will Get RegisterFly's Domains?" etc.)

However I did not see anything on the website suggesting this.

You might want to check on your membership status. It should show on NP under your post, and on my system it doesn't for you.

-Steve

He is a valid member. At the moment people who sign up the seal does not show here on namepros. We are currently looking into fixing this (members who have the seal signed up before the database split).

 

[fonzie_007]

What I'd like to know is whether ICA is a registered non-profit. Calling yourself a non-profit and being a registered non-profit are two different things. My specific concern is where all the membership dues are going to. If I decide to sign up, I want accountability of where and how the funds are being used.

 

[Ben42]

From: http://www.internetcommerce.org/our_issues

The first of their "Key Issues" is this:

Domains be recognized as private property and domain owners have the rights of private property owners as well as working with the appropriate US government agencies to see these policies pursued within WIPO as well as in bilateral and multilateral trade talks.

Good luck I say, a domain I think will always be "borrowed" from the registry. You don't really own it. What sort of benefits would domainers hope to gain from the domain be recognized as private property and not just a registration?

Does the DNOA have a stand on this?

 

[fonzie_007]

Good luck I say, a domain I think will always be "borrowed" from the registry. You don't really own it. What sort of benefits would domainers hope to gain from the domain be recognized as private property and not just a registration?

Spot on. I don't think this will ever change. Domains are a contractual right, not a property right. Domains are more closely linked with a leasehold rather than a freehold.

 

[Peter]

Good luck I say, a domain I think will always be "borrowed" from the registry. You don't really own it. What sort of benefits would domainers hope to gain from the domain be recognized as private property and not just a registration?

Does the DNOA have a stand on this?

I cannot remember it being discussed to be honest but I think I will start a thread over there now.

My personal view as stated above is that we merely lease the names, this is certainly not going to change in the near future nor would I expect it too. A user having ownership over a domain name would make things such as WIPO cases a lot messier than they already are, instead of a board deciding the fate it would have to be the courts. People believe that at the moment the people with the money win almost all of the time, this would certainly be the case if it were to be heard in a court of law.

 

[RJ]

The organizations' purposes are different, though both are non-profit organizations and they share some similar goals. ICA is mainly a lobbying & advocation body seeking to persuade legislatures and ICANN on behalf of registrant's rights. DNOA's primary goal is establishing a code of ethics for domainers to self-regulate themselves under, similar to the BBB.

Another difference, ICA is very well funded with the support of several large domain investment companies putting up $50k each. DNOA operates on a smaller scale.

 

[Ben42]

People believe that at the moment the people with the money win almost all of the time, this would certainly be the case if it were to be heard in a court of law.

Good point, I think that would be really bad for domainers. What are they thinking...they must have some reason.

 

[harkster]

Their membership fee for a standard user is $199 (discounted to $99 this year). The sign up page does not seem to say whether that is a 1 off fee or an annual fee (but I would hazard a guess it is a yearly fee).

If you look farther down at the highest level there is a reference to 'first year' discount.

Good luck I say, a domain I think will always be "borrowed" from the registry. You don't really own it. What sort of benefits would domainers hope to gain from the domain be recognized as private property and not just a registration?

I can't remember where or when but I think there was a court or political ruling sometime ago stating that domains were 'virtual' real estate or property with the registrant having rights and/or obligations. I can't remember any specifics but think the ruling was the result of a very large and old time portfolio owner challenging something or other.

But then I often suffer from 'fried brain' syndrome. :tri: