I am in the process of reaching out to the companies with whom I do the most business. I am thinking about only doing business with companies who are members of the Internet Commerce Association. Is this a drastic measure? Perhaps, but if we don’t stand up for our rights, do you think anyone else will?
This is the email I am sending to my partners:
“Is xxxxxx a member of the Internet Commerce Association? The recent Anti Phishing Act proposal has some scary language for domain investors, and I think the ICA is our best chance at making sure it isn’t passed as is. I am toying with only doing business with members of the ICA. Please let me know if xxxxxxxx is a member of the ICA, and if not, when they might become a member.
Thanks,
Elliot”
Email to My Domain Partners
I think that’s fair. Lots of big businesses do this. I would also reference ICA’s code of ethics, and how you want to be assured that they follow this code.
The word ‘scary’ really conveys nothing of substance to
anyone unfamiliar with the issue. Better that you say it
has deep ramifications for all asset holders, domain and
otherwise, because a small extension of the logic suggests
that ANY asset with the same name as a business/trademark etc.
could feasibly be appropriated/confiscated by using this bill.
Now THAT’S scary.
I support this idea and am thinking of doing the same. However, I hope in time that the ICA is able to monitor its members as well, making sure they adhere to their code of ethics. As of now, joining is just a fee to do business with you (or me), as there are no checks in place to maintain an ethical membership.
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
I think something like that takes time. Right now the focus should be on coming up with a plan to re-write this proposed bill. Once this happens, then it will be time to focus on internal organization.