Undesirable Consequences of Empirical Studies on Cybersquatting
Empirical studies on cyber- and typosquatting encourage bad behavior. People tend to do what most other people are doing, even when the given act is presented to them as something wrong. (August 21, 2010)

A Case for Limited New TLD Flavors
La Casa Gelato in Vancouver, Canada, is doing just fine by selling a grand total of more than 500 ice cream flavors (wild asparagus, balsamic vinegar, dandelion—you get the idea). On the other hand, Apple Inc. has built its enviable business on the principle of the fewer options the better. So, what does the confused ICANN need to do with its proposed new top-level domains (TLDs)? (August 21, 2010)

A Systematic Brand- and Domain-Naming Approach
Is “sky blue” or “millennium blue” more valuable as a brand and domain name? To determine such values, you need a systematic methodology to ensure confidence in your best choices. (August 21, 2010)

Fixing ICANN: Step 1
How can ICANN get back in shape? To start with, it can rewrite its mantra/mission statement in easy-to-understand language and develop transparent measures to monitor the group’s success. (August 21, 2010)

The Path to End Cybersquatting
Dialogue is the only way to end cybersquatting. Distrust between brand owners and domain owners (with an assist from some cockeyed business incentives) has turned a problem into a very expensive vicious cycle. Now that ICANN is about to launch new top-level domains (TLDs), negotiations must start immediately or both sides will pile up further loses. (July 19, 2010)

Comments on Economics Study of ICANN’s New TLDs
ICANN has taken another crack at the question of the economics of launching new top-level domains (TLDs). The first report that the group commissioned on the subject was greeted by a loud and unhappy uproar. Now we have the preliminary draft of a new report, this one by professors Katz, Rosston, and Sullivan. It is insightful and analytic, but the final version needs to consider the theoretical and empirical issues outlined below. (July 19, 2010)

Statistical Models for Market Approach to Domain Name Valuation
To describe various types of domain-name valuation methodologies, I compare domain names with commercial and residential real estate and art. I then focus on statistical methods to identify comparables used to appraise a domain name. I also outline the intuitive appeal, advantages, and limitations of statistical models, and the erroneous arguments against the models. (June 20, 2010)

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