ICANN today stated its decision to “move forward in the implementation of the new gTLD Program while balancing and addressing community concerns on specific aspects of the program.”  Bravo.

But it is also slowing its process, from this year to next year.  In doing so, the Internet guardians of competition, stability and security are reading a script from a turn of last century burlesque.

“Slowly I turned, step-by-step, inch-by-inch…to take my revenge” was a key line in a bit called “Niagara Falls.” In moving slowly, step-by-step, inch-by-inch, ICANN may be hoping to take some of the steam out of heated criticism of brand and trademark holders.  All they have assured themselves of, though, is a chaotic meeting in Sydney.

Unless, rather than continue to put off analysis that can lead to decision, ICANN allows the potential market for gTLDs to help make its point.

Right now, before the new registries are even more than a glint in ICANN’s eye, thousands of people a day are pre-ordering domain names.  Thousands. If ever there were a reason to move more quickly — especially with ICANN counting so much on revenue from the program — this is it.

Rather than hope the furor dies down or otherwise goes away, the mission ought to be to broker quickly a deal that satisfies everyone (or no one)

Wishing won’t make it so.  But ICANN’s wishing might be another homage to burlesque, defined as “a humorous theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes grotesque exaggeration.”