On Mon, 18 Sep 2000, Jay Fenello wrote: > >He therefore informed me that there > >was no further reason to negotiate, as there was no continuing > >organizational support from IFWP for the final meeting. At this stage, > >though NSI was strongly pushing for a final meeting as well, NSI decided it > >was more prudent simply to enter a negotiation with IANA. IFWP fell into > >apparent disarray, as the support from them for the final meeting had been > >compromised. On Tues, 19 Sep 200, Jim Dixon wrote: > > This is where Berkman could have provided > assistance, but instead, took the easy way > out. > While it may seem like we are flogging a dead horse to spend any more time to discussing the fateful wrap-up IFWP meeting, it is clearly an issue that continues to ignite controversy among those who had such high hopes for the IFWP process. As years pass, memory is often transmuted Kurosawa-like by the filter of one's subsequent knowledge, experiences and aspirations. That said, I believe both Jim Dixon and Jay Fenello have posted accurate accounts as known to them through their participation on the IFWP Steering Committees. Where we diverge is in our assessment of Berkman's role or obligations at that crossroads. I was scribe for the final two meetings of the Steering Committee. My role was to capture as fully and accurately as possible what transpired in a global teleconference simultaneously taking place at 3 p.m. in Germany, 6 a.m. from my California perch and 9 p.m. the previous evening in Asia. After taking those notes, I offered every teleconference participant the opportunity to review them for errors. The minutes are posted on my website because, despite numerous requests for instructions about where to send or post them, no guidance was forthcoming. The Steering Committee apparently felt its work was done and there was little interest in this residual piece of the historical IFWP record. I do not agree with those who have pilloried the Berkman Center by asserting that it caused the demise of the wrap-up meeting. This is akin to shooting the messenger. Nor do I believe it was Berkman's place to push for a meeting absent the two major players. As Jonathan Zittrain made clear to members of the Steering Committee, "We are disposable parties here." Berkman offered a venue for an editorial meeting that was to precede a ratification meeting, and thus Berkman was closely involved in its logistical coordination. Yes, the SC was surprised by the information Jonathan Zittrain presented at the September 5, 1998 teleconference. However, it is not right to place the domino effect of IANA's and NSI's machinations and negotiations at the time upon Berkman's shoulders. Someone was tasked with providing updates to the SC. That task fell to Berkman. The SC, as the coordinating body of the IFWP process, had a an opportunity to tell IANA and NSI that it was serving a larger community and the meetings would proceed with or without them. It chose not to do so. The proposed bylaws had been through four iterations by then (including a proposal from NSI). Another proposal drafted absent input from either IANA or NSI would never pass muster with the Department of Commerce. Those who fault Berkman for the demise of the wrap-up need to look elsewhere. And one must ask, would a wrap-up meeting have changed the outcome we have today? IMHO, not likely. Would it have changed how the interim ICANN board was chosen. IMHO, not likely. Humans have a fondness for closure, but that's not likely to be forthcoming any time soon on matters relevant to the curious and debatable birth of ICANN. [snip] > >You have stated, falsely and recklessly, that Berkman (and because I was the >negotiator, that means I) stopped the final meeting. That claim is reckless, >because even a simple review of the evidence would show you the contrary. >(See, for example, the minutes of the IFWP teleconferences, which are >contrary to your claims. <http://www.domainhandbook.com/scmin.html#090598>) > -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Ellen Rony // http://www.domainhandbook.com Co-author *=" ____ / [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Domain Name Handbook \ ) +1 415.435.5010 // \\ "Carpe canine" The more people I meet, the more I like my dog. If you want a friend, get a dog. -- Harry S. Truman
