Wendy likely knows those at the berkman centre and oxford internet institute. perhaps she can comment better on how suitable key academics there could be of use (or not to alac) personally, i think getting an academic involved is fine - but it does move away a bit from the focus of the at-large constituency whose goal it seems to be is the representation of users. If there's frustration among the user groups - like the ones from north america - and others, it is due to the fact that proposals related to consulting user and meeting with other ALS's are ignored before they are even formally proposed to ICANN. I think we - being the alac - need to get our house order and define our priorities and strategies . Why do i say that, well, let me ask a few questions that i'm often asked about alac.. - Do we have a 1, 2 or 5 year strategic plan that is set by users following a civil society/ngo bottom up consultation process... - Do we have a budget we can actually influence in any direct way - no. do we follow our own agenda instead of a staff driven one - Do we effectively communicate and share events, consultations and discussions that take place at a regional level - Do we interact effectively with other key icann stake-holders, such as RIR's - are we accomplishing the goals set out for ALAC in the ICANN bylaws ? well, I hope we can answer these questions and many more at the upcoming meeting.. regards, Robert --- Robert Guerra <rguerra@privaterra.ca> Managing Director, Privaterra Tel +1 416 893 0377