Re:Icann is right (Score 1)

Actually, your analogy is an accurate description of free enterprise capitalism, which can be ugly and may seem unfair, but is nonetheless the system that big business lobbyists claim to support. It wouldn't be illegal to purchase an 800 number for the purposes of selling it later--in fact, part of the reason for the advent of 888/877 numbers was the existence of an aftermarket whose sales did not benefit telcos. There is a burgeoning aftermarket for domain names (which offers a far broader frontier than 800 numbers) and a host of marketplaces, but registrars, until recently, couldn't get in on the action. It's more lucrative and like any smart businessfolk, registrars want to get in the game, take it over, and run it themselves. Thanks to their close ties with the former government-sanctioned monopoly, they have a shot. While it is technically an illegal shot, their roots stem from the very organization (US Gov) that polices these matters. If you think you can't get good domain names now, wait until the company that used to sell them for $35 (way back when you didn't think to get a good name) now sells them to the highest bidder. Register and NSI are doing it right now. You won't be able to get your name from them any cheaper than you can get it from any other aftermarket nexuses. But the more of these marketplaces that exist, the better your chances for a fair, open market. Monopolies always hurt consumers. True competition always helps consumers. Nuff sed.