ICANN TCR consultation

[Olafur Gudmundsson <ogud@xxxxxxxx>]

Disclaimer: I'm a backup TCR at this point and have attended a number of KEY 
ceremonies both in person and via video feed
the comments below are mine but have been shaped by discussion with various 
TCR's 
If I was a TCR on the east coast I would be able to drive to ceremonies in 
about 2 hours thus attending ceremonies there is convenient,
unlike attending ceremonies in LA. 
Is the current TCR model effectively performing its function of ensuring trust 
in the KSK management process?

It is an important function 
Is the current size of the TCR pool appropriate to ensure sufficient 
participation in the ceremonies, while not overburdening the availability of 
specific volunteers?

The pool is sufficient. When selecting the current pool great consideration was 
taken to have global representation. The consequence of this is the "effort" of 
attending key signing ceremonies differs between the TCR's. Some can drive to 
the ceremony others need unto 2 days of traveling each way to attend. 
Should there be a minimum level of participation required of a TCR in order to 
be considered to be successfully discharging their duties?

I think that a TCR that can not attend 3 ceremonies in a row should resign/be 
removed. 
I think TCR's should attempt to attend 3 out of every 5 ceremonies.  
There is no standard provision to refresh the list of TCRs except when they are 
replaced due to inability to effectively perform their function. Should there 
be a process to renew the pool of TCRs, such as using term limits or another 
rotation mechanism?

In a normal circumstances I think each TCR should serve a 5-7 year term, the 
TCR's should be replaced on a rotating schedule. 
The current model does not compensate TCRs for their services in order to 
ensure their independence from ICANN.

This is bogus argument either the TCR's have enough integrity to fulfill their 
duty or not. Why are TCR's more independent than the Auditors attending the 
ceremony and paid for by ICANN. 
Should the model of TCRs paying the costs of their participation be retained?

NO NO NO 
the current model will mean that finding new TCR's will be hard and the current 
ones will start resigning over the costs of attending,
right now in number of cases the TCR cost of attending is covered by their 
employer if the person changes a job that funding goes away. 
I think reasonable compensation for travel expenses is in order to retain high 
quality TCR's. 
Would some form of compensation to offset the expenses incurred by the TCRs 
detract from their independence in performing the role?

See above no. 
If you support compensating TCRs for their expenses, are there requirements or 
limitations on whom the funding organization should be? 

ICANN should cover the expenses, ICANN is responsible for the operation of the 
root and this is part that operation. 
If there is any issue with ICANN paying directly to TCR's ICANN should find an 
external independent body to handle the paperwork and
reimbursments. 

What should be covered expenses: 
Airline including Internet access, Hotel, rental car/taxi, stipend for food and 
drinks

TCR travel allowance should be similal to what ICANN provides for various 
people to attend ICANN meetings like members of nomcom. 

TCR's should not be reimbursed for travel time nor time attending ceremonies 


Olafur Gudmundsson ogud at ogud dot com