While waiting for anyone at all to offer any insight into the existence of private forums for other constituencies, I've taken the liberty of creating a group on Linkedin for ICANN At-Large. Right now this is a moderated group, meaning that it is closed to present and past members of ALSs, RALOs, ALAC and its liaisons. I chose Linkedin rather than, say, Facebook exactly because this is not meant to be a public book. Most of the people involved in At-Large are professionals, and many already have a presence on Linkedin. So far nine people have accepted the original invitations after only a few hours. If you think this is a bad idea, please say so... it can be taken down as quickly as it was created. But I think the value exists. ICANN has no moral justification to demand complete transparency from At-Large when it so aids other constituencies to operate by stealth. In any case, the Linkedin group is neither approved nor sanctioned by ICANN, and as such it's merely a place where people of like minds will gather to discuss... Formal discussions and decision-making will, of course, continue to be in open view, even if this is not the case everywhere in ICANN. I have already been asked by another NARALO member to raise this issue at our next meeting, with a possible outcome of NARALO launching a formal Ombudsman complaint even if we don't receive broader support. I would like to get the feedback of others in At-Large before proceeding. On one hand I would be complaining about the lack of response this issue has received since I raised it 13 hours ago. Then, having seen Cheryl's letter to the Board, I can fully understand the delay from ALAC. I do hope that eventually there will be more feedback, though. - Evan