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[obfuscation <truncatedtree AT proton.me>]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jakob, but I go by WagonWheel online (And IRC). Today I'm coming to the list with a discussion for an upcoming vote proposal that I intend to follow through with. I want to discuss a project I've been working on for a few months now: "MicroNIC," an alternative root domain system for micronations, microstates and non-recognised states. I have some lofty ambitions for this project, and over the previous months I have learned a lot about DNS systems, network infrastructure and the general backbone of the internet itself. So let me start off with some important links, and then I'll go into questions.

You can visit a mirror of our main website at http://micronic.geek
You can visit a mirror / preview page for the domain registry at http://reg.micronic.geek

You can see the current status of our network at http://status.micronic.geek/status/master

Current T1 server IP: 103.249.236.158

Current T2 server IP: N/A

Planned expansions: 2x dedicated T2 servers, 1x mail server, 1x CA for .micro and partner domains.

What is MicroNIC?

MicroNIC is the name of the project itself, similar to FurNIC and even OpenNIC itself, but much smaller and with a narrower focus. MicroNIC started shortly after I learned about and joined OpenNIC, I wanted to initially create a TLD for .micro however it's expanded it's scope since then. MicroNIC is going to be an alt root for Micronations, Non recognised states, Hobbyists and anyone generally interested and nerdy enough to find a .Micro domain useful.

Why do you want to be peered instead of joined under OpenNIC?

Independence and my inexperience. I plan to support MicroNIC for as long as I can; its infrastructure is funded for the next 36 months. But ultimately I accept that MicroNIC is a niche showpiece that won't see widespread adoption from the micronational community, or even the OpenNIC community itself. Much like the original New-Nations domain project, I see MicroNIC as a proof of concept to show the world what an alternative can be, and to show that it's possible. That said, why do I want to be peered? Well, it's so that if the project fizzles out and goes nowhere, it would be much easier to simply cut off the peering rather than remove a deeply integrated system.

What experience do I have?

Absolutely none, other than the fact that I've built this. That's it. Nothing special, nothing unique.

What domains will you support?

Our primary TLD will be ".micro" to represent micronations. However, we will operate several restricted or "gated" SLDs under that for official micronation use, once approved by an internal vetting process. These include ".gov.micro," ".org.micro," ".embassy.micro" and ".ngo.micro." Each requested domain will be verified and approved to prevent hijacking and misuse.

We are currently in talks to also operate and control the infrastructure behind several new dedicated ccTLD-style domains for larger micronations, and so far some have shown interest in supporting the project:

.pd | Principality of Sealand

.sea | Principality of Sealand

.sw | Republic of Slowjamistan

.ws | Westarctica

.vd | Free Republic of Verdis

Along with the above, I am also currently attempting to obtain the New-Nations databases and records in order to bring the project back.

What's next?

I'll admit, I'm still new to all of this; that's partially why I want to be peered rather than placed directly under OpenNIC, so that if I fail and break everything, it only affects me. I've been working on a custom webmail client and a bridge to Gmail that I plan to deploy later in the year, which would allow registered emails from .micro domains to email any OpenNIC or peered domain, along with external addresses, using a bridge.

I'm also actively working on developing a CA for .micro and MicroNIC's domains specifically, but that's a year off. I'm doing all of this now because I intend to present MicroNIC to the other participants of MicroCon 27, the largest micronation convention, held every two years. I want to show off MicroNIC and create buzz around it, and if nothing more, to show that my views align with the broader micronation community.

What do you want us to do?

In this discussion, let me know your open and honest thoughts. Have a look at the website on the .geek domain (it's buggy and uses a premade template, so consider it a lite BETA), along with the new registry site and software. In theory the registry site should work and allow people to register a .micro domain, but as I ported it over to a .geek domain, I'll also just say it's a BETA.

AI DISCLOSURE:

I feel that it is right to state when and where AI or AI assistance was used. This project has had AI assistance with learning and with some script development. Both fully generated and partially generated code has been used, along with AI-assisted workflows and guides. Fully human-made code and OSS also exist in this project. This email was written by me and only checked by an AI tool for spelling and grammar.

Thank you, Jakob / WagonWheel