CITRI Reply to comments plasted on Slashdot
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Thanks
to everyone for there support for the CITRI project.
Given
the massive number of postings of comments and replies,
I feel I should set a few things straight.
1)
CITRI is a non profit organisation - and by that we
mean charitable - there will be no 'skimming' or 'fat
salaries' taken out of raised funds. We intend that
as much of the money raised as possible should go towards
the implementation of information infrastructure in
Iraq . We are asking people and companies to support
us with their own resources, as has been done by Onega
& others so far. If there is any payback, it is
in the knowledge that we are working for the good of
humanity. If and when we need to hire full time staff
on the ground (In Iraq), they will be paid a reasonable
local salary. Onega has stated publically that they
will not take a penny / dime from the project, and accounting
will be completely open book.
2)
Some people have questioned our calculations and projections
of revenue. They are based upon financial models, but
one key thing to bear in mind is that traditionally
registrars have charged a flat fee for each domain.
So that when initially registered, sports.com is charged
the same as asdrgneofrnvg.com, although the former is
considered more desirable. Vast sums of money have passed
hands on domains after initial registration - we believe
that by conducting an open auction at the point of initial
registration, this premium goes where it should - into
CITRI projects. Whether the amount raised is higher
or lower than target, it would all make a difference.
3)
We completely agree with all the comments about food
coming first. This is what the Red Cross / US / UK /
UN are doing right now, and will continue to do. CITRI
is a longer term plan to help the development of the
country through the use of IT.
4)
Registrations & the auction process are not open
yet (and are not guaranteed ever at this early point)-
we are currently talking to IANA / the current controller
of the dead .IQ domain about redelegation. This process
can take a number of months, and may not be to ourselves
(Uncle Sam may already have a plan - if it is better
than ours, then we would back this). We have so far
received a great deal of goodwill, and thank everyone
for it, but we can not take pre registrations / bids
at this time.
5)
CITRI is all about partners. We have big partners, from
IT firms and others, who will help with the hosting,
infrastructure, the domain auction <not confirmed
yet, but try guessing who is big in internet auctions>
etc. If you have any time or resources to offer, and
are willing to do it for the PR alone / absolute cost
(remember funds to the projects), please do send us
an email, or get in touch. We are particularly keen
in making contact with technically literate Iraqi's
who intend to head back soon.
Our
sincere thanks to everyone for their support and comments.
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