Inexpensive Alternatives for ICANN Disputes?

SerialHistorian asks: "The commmunity college newspaper that I was once a staff member and webmaster of had its domain name expire recently without realizing it, and it was snatched up by a porn merchant from the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, we found that the ICANN dispute fees -start- at $1500. For a college paper whose full annual budget is $10,000, that's not a realistic price... so is there any alternative to the ICANN dispute method so that they can get their domain name back?" According to ICANN's website, there are a limited number of approved UDRP providers, none of which will arbitrate for anything less than US$1100. Are there cheaper methods that one can use to challenge a domain name reassignment? Is it possible to challenge domain name transfers without invoking the UDRP? Why does the handling of such disputes cost so much?

Comments

Re:why should you get it?

[duffbeer703]

Normally I would agree with this... but I've seen first hand that domain registrars are beyond incompetent in handling renewals and providing warnings to about-to-expire accounts.

There should be some sort of regulation that puts these bulk-registering or domain name extortion rackets out of business. There is no legitimate need for any organization to register thousands of domain names.

sex.com

[Anonymous Coward]

I believe sex.com was transferred to a new owner because he forged a letter of consent from the owner. Wouldn't cost much at all.