[ceejayoz]

I mean, if the .com registry said to Google “renewals are $10B for Google.com or we let someone else have the domain”, that would border on extortion. People build brands on these, and it’s odd that you can’t permanently buy one or at least have a predictable cap on price increases.

[throwawaylinux]

> I mean, if the .com registry said to Google “renewals are $10B for Google.com or we let someone else have the domain”, that would border on extortion.

I don't think it would be extortion, it would just be Verisign breaching their agreement with ICANN.

> People build brands on these, and it’s odd that you can’t permanently buy one or at least have a predictable cap on price increases.

I think you could have those things if you use services that are backed with appropriate contracts or regulations. It's more odd that people would build their brand using a company that is not known for providing stable, consistent, long term products and services.