Re: [gnso-irtp-b-jun09] Comment Period - To Extend or not to extend, that is the question

[George Kirikos <icann@xxxxxxxx>]

P.S. I don't think it's *good* enough for folks to simply vote "yes"
or "no", without explaining their so-called "vote."

I note, for example Kevin Erdman of the IPC constituency voted "no" to
an extension. How does he reconcile that with the statement of J.
Scott Evans of the IPC that I quoted from below, which talked about
the need for longer comment periods??

Sincerely,

George Kirikos
416-588-0269
http://www.leap.com/

On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 6:55 AM, George Kirikos <icann@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
> That's cutting things very close, then, because if it is not extended,
> then one only has a few days left to finish one's comments. And there
> are numerous other important comment periods still outstanding.
>
> I'll note that this feeling of "overload" is shared by many in the
> ICANN community, who've expressly noted it in other recent comments,
> e.g.
>
> http://forum.icann.org/lists/atrt-questions-2010/msg00000.html
>
> "I think that it points out that this comment process is not very
> effective." (Alan Greenberg)
>
> http://forum.icann.org/lists/atrt-questions-2010/msg00009.html
>
> "It is clear to us that this public comment process is broken. To the
> extent that the purpose of the public comment process is to enhance
> the accountability and transparency of ICANN’s decision making
> process, it is failing.......(skip)...The first is the sheer volume of
> public comment periods.....(skip)....While ICANN decisions have
> significant impacts on many organizations and individuals, it is
> simply not feasible for almost any organization or individual to keep
> up with this pace of public comment activity....(skip)....These facts
> may help explain why a large proportion of public comment periods
> expire with virtually no substantive comments received. Members of the
> public simply cannot keep up with the volume of public comment
> opportunities; ...." (Steven J. Metalitz, Coalition for Online
> Accountability)
>
> http://forum.icann.org/lists/atrt-questions-2010/msg00012.html
>
> "The public comment period is also a highly ineffective one-way system for
> receiving input that the community has asked for years be improved."
> (Kieren McCarthy)
>
> http://forum.icann.org/lists/atrt-questions-2010/msg00025.html
>
> "A prioritisation of the ICANN work and longer time periods for
> comments are needed, especially for complex issues. Currently the
> workload just before the ICANN meeting is such, that it is clearly
> impossible for most members of the community to engage and contribute
> efficiently." (J.L. Debecker, ETNO)
>
> http://forum.icann.org/lists/atrt-questions-2010/msg00019.html
>
> "ICANN must provide the community more time for public comment, and
> greatly improve and clarify the public comment process itself to allow
> for adequate public consideration of its decisions and policy making.
> For example, in 2010 alone, there have been two public comment periods
> when nearly 20 or more topics have been open for comments
> simultaneously." (J. Scott Evans, IPC)
>
> Just to give 5 examples. From people who cannot "vote" for more time
> in your "poll.". And those are from folks who actually *commented*,
> i.e. we don't get to see all the "demand" from people for more time
> who simply gave up, because they didn't have enough time to comment in
> this so-called "democratic" process. There's a reason why there's a
> saying about the "tyranny of the majority" -- it gives people
> something to hide behind, so they can avoid accountability and
> responsibility.
>
> Folks *need* more time. When I first raised the issue in May, folks
> falsely asserted that it was just not possible. Now that it's clear
> that it *is* possible, ample time should be given (and 2 weeks just
> isn't enough, either, given all the existing comment periods folks are
> dealing with right now, not just my own feeling but those from others
> as stated above and elsewhere; if another comment period was extended
> by 3 weeks, so should this one, if folks aren't going to accept a
> September deadline). The "costs" of extending the comment period are
> minimal, compared to the benefits to the community.
>
> As Andrew Jackson said, "One man with courage makes a majority."
> That's leadership.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> George Kirikos
> 416-588-0269
> http://www.leap.com/
>
> On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 6:01 AM, Michele Neylon :: Blacknight
> <michele@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>> We discussed the possibility of extending the comment period both  on the 
>> call this week and on the list afterwards
>>
>> There is obviously some difference of opinion on the matter
>>
>> So in order to preserve my sanity and clarify the situation once and for all 
>> I've created a simple Doodle poll.
>>
>> Please vote with your name before 0900 UTC on Tuesday
>>
>> The vote of the poll will decide if we add the extra 2 weeks or not.
>>
>> Simple, easy and democratic
>>
>> Vote here: http://www.doodle.com/eaxwbb5i9d8k64h4
>>
>>
>> Mr Michele Neylon
>> Blacknight Solutions
>> Hosting & Colocation, Brand Protection
>> ICANN Accredited Registrar
>> http://www.blacknight.com/
>> http://blog.blacknight.com/
>> http://blacknight.mobi/
>> http://mneylon.tel
>> Intl. +353 (0) 59  9183072
>> US: 213-233-1612
>> UK: 0844 484 9361
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>> Direct Dial: +353 (0)59 9183090
>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/mneylon
>> -------------------------------
>> Blacknight Internet Solutions Ltd, Unit 12A,Barrowside Business Park,Sleaty
>> Road,Graiguecullen,Carlow,Ireland  Company No.: 370845
>>
>>
>>
>