New gTLDs - Why No Discussions Here?

[addz123]

Quite a number of companies have already come forward to get refunds on their new gtld applications, and from what I've seen many more may do so before the March deadline. If they hurry, they can get US$130,000 back if they pull out before March 23. See http://domainincite.com/11909-pile-up-gm-cancels-two-more-new-gtld-bids and http://www.thedomains.com/2013/02/2...applicant-drops-out-this-time-aig-on-chartis/

You can keep an eye on who's dropping out of the new GTLD process, and which strings they're giving up, by going here http://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/viewstatus and then selecting Search By: "Application Status" and then choosing "Withdrawn" from the pulldown that appears.

I think these are all defensive registrations where they don't actually have any plans to build or use the brand gtlds.