InternetNZ Consults on Final SLD - '.geek.nz'

InternetNZ
(The Internet Society of New Zealand Inc)

6 December 2002

Media release

InternetNZ Consults on Final Second Level Domain - '.geek.nz'

InternetNZ, through the Office of the Domain Name Commissioner, is calling for public discussion regarding the request for a new second level domain name of '.geek.nz'. Discussion is open for a period of 60-90 days from 5 December 2002. "This is the last proposal received before a moratorium on new proposals was imposed by the Society in August this year." said InternetNZ Executive Director, Sue Leader.

"InternetNZ doesn't prejudge any proposal, but we're all aware that this one will generate plenty of debate, and there is unlikely to be much middle ground." Leader said. "To the proposers, to be called a geek by one's peers is to receive a high accolade as it acknowledges technical expertise and competence. To others, the label geek conjures up images of pocket protectors and slide-rules. Clearly this difference in perception will influence the discussion." she concluded.

Discussion will be open for at least 60 days (until 2 February 2003) but the period may end earlier than 90 days (4 March 2003) if, in the opinion of the Domain Name Commissioner, substantive discussion has ceased. Anyone who is interested in participating in the discussion is encouraged to read the proposal, which can be found at http://www.dnc.org.nz/story/30058-30-1.html

The moratorium on proposals for new second level domains was set by the Society to allow the Domain Name Commissioner to undertake a consultative review of the process for creating new second level domains. "It's time for a second look as the whole environment has changed on the Internet. What looked appropriately open and consultative in 1997, looks overly complex and lengthy in 2002. Some people think we should do away with second level domains entirely, so the consultation should be at least as interesting as the '.geek.nz' discussion," Leader said.

If successful, '.geek.nz' would become the twelfth second level domain in New Zealand, and join '.maori.nz' as the only new one since the current process was established in 1997.

The proposers have established their own website at: http://geek.nznog.org/

Ends
For further information please contact:
exe.dir@internetnz.net.nz
or the Proposers: media@geek.nznog.org

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