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<title>Re: [governance] ICANN RFC on its performance</title>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Hi Bill,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I agree with you that one of the things
that ICANN really needs to do is be more confident of its successes. We all
know the history, and the defensive mentality still lingers in parties on all sides.
ICANN is certainly changing – I’ve seen it first-hand both inside
and out the organisation – and the RFC is a way to review those that
changes that have already happened and try to pick out a path for future
changes.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>As I understood it – but I’ve
not been following it closely enough – there was a suggestion that
various Internet bodies give an update at the start of the IGF about what
they’re been up in the past year. I’m sure ICANN would sign up to
that. If there’s a circling of wagons though, I’ve missed it. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>That said, I said consistently as a
journalist covering the IGF that I thought discussing ICANN as a main topic in <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:City> was a very bad
idea. And I actually think that doing that this year would also be a mistake. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>The ideal scenario in my mind would be for
every stakeholder to submit the same single paragraph saying that the IGF
should be about access in 2007. It is shameful that we always talk about access
and yet that is the one topic that somehow never gets the spotlight. If you
simply made the topic unavoidable we might actually get somewhere. And it’s
only one year – we’ve another three IGFs to go.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I would also like to see some
future-looking guru stuff at the IGF – looking at the future of the
Internet by extrapolating from the past. That and a review of some of the
social impacts of the Internet (and they are huge) to see if there are any
lessons that can be learnt. A review of international laws and approaches used
in dealing with the tough parts of the Net – piracy, pornography,
gambling. And so on. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>This sort of thing could make the IGF both
practical and inspirational. I suppose that’s why I think trying to drag
up ICANN and other related organisations at this point is a bad idea. Even if
it is discussed, I doubt if any good will come of it.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Anyway, I’m going to stick with what
I *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>can</span></b>* do – which is
promote open discussions about ICANN within and around ICANN. So please do
review the RFC and put in some inputs.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Also – if people want to try out the
more interactive blog and public participation site as a way of having a
conversation about this rather than the current email-and-wait process, I would
be delighted. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Kieren<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> William Drake
[mailto:drake@hei.unige.ch] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Saturday, May 12, 2007 7:26
PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> Governance<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [governance] ICANN
RFC on its performance</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Hi Kieren,<br>
<br>
Just one perhaps unusual (and given the comments that will probably ensue,
somewhat off topic) thought. You suggest that, “the idea of
discussing ICANN at the IGF is, I assume, in order to draw attention to the
elements of the ICANN model that people don’t think are working
properly.” That’s one idea, but there are other possibilities
in such a dialogue, including highlighting the bits that do work relatively
well, and considering whether these offer any generalizable lessons worth
applying elsewhere. For example, long ago and far away, the WGIG did a
little exercise where we tried to look at how some of the key organizations did
or didn’t comply with the WSIS principles. When we compared ITU and
ICANN it became immediately evident that the latter was more transparent and
inclusively participatory/multistakeholder, which made the notion of somehow
transferring functions to the ITU even more patently indefensible, and it
disappeared from the debate. Proponents of intergovernmental
‘oversight’ were then left to propose various sorts new councils
etc. that were plainly not going to go anywhere. <br>
<br>
An instinctive ‘circle the wagons’ response to proposals for mere
discussion may be as contrary to ICANN’s long-term interests as it is to
preferences of ICANN’s critics. Why not view this as an unique
opportunity tell ICANN’s story and carpe diem, rather than shutting it
down? And BTW, while there are undoubtedly people with grievances
“that are rapidly becoming historical,” that’s not what the
caucus is proposing to talk about. We deleted the history language long
ago and suggested discussion of, “ICANN's status as an
international organization, its representation of various constituencies and
stakeholders, and the changing role of the GAC within ICANN,” which are
forward looking topics.<br>
<br>
Best,<br>
<br>
Bill<br>
<br>
On 5/12/07 4:26 PM, "Kieren McCarthy" <kierenmccarthy@gmail.com>
wrote:</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I recognise that raising this may be the
online equivalent of throwing a lump of meat to a pack of starving wolves, but
then *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>not raising it</span></b>* seemed more
stupid to me because of the depth of knowledge and expertise on this list.<br>
<br>
ICANN has put out a Request for Comments on its performance. And since this
list seems to discuss little else, I really think you should review it and get
involved. <br>
<br>
Taking my newly acquired ICANN hat off for a second, the idea of discussing
ICANN at the IGF is, I assume, in order to draw attention to the elements of
the ICANN model that people don’t think are working properly. There are
some genuine grievances there and it’s understandable that people would
wish them raised at the Internet Governance Forum. I would argue however that
most of these grievances are rapidly becoming historical, and that is the
reason why the IGF will likely not discuss them.<br>
<br>
For those people that are driven solely by a desire to improve the Internet and
its functioning – and I think it’s a real shame that you
can’t simply assume that – one of the most effective ways of doing
that will be to work within ICANN’s self-changing processes. <br>
<br>
ICANN hat back on (yes, it was off for that last paragraph). The RFC is out
there for public comment. It is structured around a series of questions about
how ICANN is doing and how it has done (I will list them below). <br>
<br>
I am ICANN’s general manager of public participation. That means I
consider it *<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>my job</span></b>* to encourage
participation and input from the Internet community. I also consider it my job
to make sure that input is heard at the relevant levels within ICANN.<br>
<br>
I am sure this post will attract the usual personal insults but my record
stands for itself when it comes to publicly raising issues in this field. I
would request that people make use of that.<br>
<br>
Let me make it quite plain though, the RFC is not about rolling out the usual
fantasies about how ICANN can be restructured, or moaning about something that
happened three or more years ago. As far as ICANN is concerned, those days are
over and now it is all about getting the job done. So any feedback that focuses
on helping ICANN get the job done will be gratefully received. Plus feedback on
recent changes in ICANN – if ICANN is going along the right path. Do
provide your views with as many facts as possible. They will be listened to.<br>
<br>
If you do not want to provide this sort of feedback, for whatever reason, then
please do not waste your time and mine writing a diatribe and then expect it to
be included in discussions. You can continue trying to get your issues raised
outside ICANN. For those that want to provide ICANN with a helpful outside
perspective however, please do respond.<br>
<br>
The deadline is 5 June. If there is enough material on ICANN’s sites on 6
June (note: not on this governance mailing list – I will not be
considering material in response to this post) to justify it, I will put in a
request for a meeting at San Juan where we can discuss this topic openly and
freely and I’ll stick myself in as the organiser. I will then produce a
report on what is discussed and I will make sure that everyone in ICANN knows
about it, from the receptionist to the CEO. But that’s only if the
material is useful and if there is enough of it. If it is, as I fear it will
be, the usual rants with a smattering of other comments, I have plenty of other
things to take up my time.<br>
<br>
So, that RFC:<br>
<br>
</span></font><font size=2><span style='font-size:9.5pt'>As part of an ongoing
interest in continuous improvement, ICANN is seeking community feedback about
its performance. <br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:
Arial'><br>
</span></font><font size=2><span style='font-size:9.5pt'>All responses are
welcome. Targeted comments regarding several areas of performance, which have
been drawn from the ICANN Strategic Plan, are of particular interest:</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type=disc>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>Is ICANN becoming more transparent, accessible and
accountable? What improvements have been observed and what still needs to
be done?</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>Has ICANN improved its operational performance?
What improvements have been observed and what still needs to be done?</span></font><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>Has ICANN improved its performance in the
development of Policy? What improvements have been observed and what still
needs to be done?</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>Has ICANN increased international participation?
What improvements have been observed and what still needs to be done?</span></font><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>Have there been improvements in participation and
in efficiency of the ICANN multi-stakeholder model? What more needs to be
done?</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>What plans and actions have been observed that
position ICANN for more comprehensive transition of the technical
coordination of the Internet’s system of unique identifiers. What
more needs to be done?</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:9.5pt'>What improvements have been made in dispute
resolution and the application of fairness and equity in the management of
complaints and other mechanisms of review that are available? These
include the work of the reconsideration committee, the Ombudsman and
independent review.</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=2
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:9.5pt'>Comments will be received
at <a href="http://forum.icann.org/lists/performance-2007/">http://forum.icann.org/lists/performance-2007/</a>
until June 5, 2007 and should be sent to: performance-2007@icann.org.<br>
</span></font><font size=1 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:Arial;color:navy'><br>
<br>
You can see this announcement here: <a
href="http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-08may07.htm">http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-08may07.htm</a><br>
<br>
I have also put up a blog post about it (open to comments) here: <a
href="http://blog.icann.org/?p=125">http://blog.icann.org/?p=125</a><br>
<br>
And I have created a page on the Public Participation site (wide open and proud
of it) here: <a href="http://public.icann.org/issues/performance">http://public.icann.org/issues/performance</a><br>
<br>
Feel free to discuss freely on the Public Participation site. If you want a
chatroom for it, just ask. If you want a structured forum page for it, just
ask.<br>
<br>
And please do spread the news of this RFC as far and as wide as you can.<br>
<br>
<br>
Cheers. See you all in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Geneva</st1:place></st1:City>
in a few weeks.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Kieren<br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:
Arial'><br>
</span></font><font size=1 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:Arial;color:navy'><br>
<br>
Kieren McCarthy<br>
General manager of public participation, ICANN<br>
<br>
kieren.mccarthy@icann.org<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>____________________________________________________________<br>
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style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><br>
<br>
***********************************************************<br>
William J. Drake drake@hei.unige.ch<br>
Director, Project on the Information<br>
Revolution and Global Governance/PSIO<br>
Graduate Institute for International Studies<br>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Geneva</st1:City>, <st1:country-region
w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region></st1:place><br>
<a href="http://hei.unige.ch/psio/researchprojects/Drake.html">http://hei.unige.ch/psio/researchprojects/Drake.html</a><br>
***********************************************************</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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