On 15 May 2012 08:21, Avri Doria <avri@acm.org> wrote:
Actually without SOIs from all ALAC and RALO leaders we have no idea who may our may not have commercial or other interest.
It always helps to fact-check before making accusations. A number of the participants in this discussion, proponents of WHOIS accuracy and supporters of the RT report, have already published SOIs -- including myself<https://community.icann.org/display/gnsosoi/Evan+Leibovitch+SOI>, Carlton <https://community.icann.org/display/gnsosoi/Carlton+Samuels+SOI>and Alan <https://community.icann.org/display/gnsosoi/Alan+Greenberg+SOI>. And ALAC has already engaged the ICANN staffer who designed the GNSO SOI system to do the same for ALAC. Patrick's specific accusation is that commercial intrerests have swayed the ALAC position in favour of WHOIS accuracy. I have challenged that accusation, and offer contrary evidence. In the meantime, I am still awaiting confirmation from Patrick which At-Large leaders -- or even non-leader membership -- has demonstrated any of the motives that form his accusation.
Also since a commercial entity can become an ALS, it is difficult to make a sweeping statement that there are no underlying commercial interests.
It always helps to fact-check before making accusations. The current guidelines<http://www.atlarge.icann.org/correspondence/structures-app.htm>about ALS criteria preclude commercial entities. ALSs must be membership-based organizations. Those members may themselves be commercial entities, but the ALS itself must be primarily engaged in serving its membership. There is no demand for non-profit incorporation since that designation is not globally universal or accessible. These are minimum criteria, I am aware of at least one ALS that was denied membership in recent memory because its aims were deemed by the RALO to be too commercial.
I fear that perhaps thou doth protest too much. I always worry when I see such an indignant response to a question about hidden motives.
And worries can be as completely baseless as accusations. If there are hidden motives, by all means let's expose them. Given the current atmosphere regarding conflicts of interests within ICANN, exposure of agendas is heartily welcomed by many including me. But to do so requires more than an evidence-free guess. - Evan