I agree with the concerns re process. This "Working Group" was nothing of the sort, but instead a small, self-formed and self-interested group of new-TLD applicants who have tried to railroad process through ICANN. That alone warrants disagreement. Substantively, I think the proposal is foolish because it is likely to result in more rather than less delay to the newTLD implementation, which I would like to see happen ASAP, provided that 'overarching concerns' are first adequately addressed. Those concerns seem to have been addressed, as adequately as possible (though we have not seen the latest DAG yet), and anyway the suggested EOI process seems more likely to reopen dressed wounds than it is to cure anything. As we have discussed on the list, the Business Constituency is not going to formally comment on this to ICANN, and neither will I. It is not really a substantive concern, but one of process. The GNSO made clear recommendations about timing and communications, and now -- it seems to me -- the Staff and a small group of self-interested parties is trying to circumvent that. Mike Rodenbaugh RODENBAUGH LAW tel/fax: +1 (415) 738-8087 http://rodenbaugh.com -----Original Message----- From: owner-bc-gnso@icann.org [mailto:owner-bc-gnso@icann.org] On Behalf Of Philip Sheppard Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 1:32 AM To: 'bc - GNSO list' Subject: [bc-gnso] Propose that the BC support GAC process comments on EOI The GAC have submitted a proposal on process. In effect it asks the Board to delay a decision until after debate in Nairobi. I would like to suggest that the BC supports this. Please let me have your opinion today as public comments close today ! --------------------------- The full text of the GAC advice is on the comments list but the specific process advice is as follows: "the GAC therefore advises the Board to: - avoid taking a decision on the EoI at its February meeting and defer it until the next ICANN Public meeting. A premature decision could trigger requests for reconsideration and further derail the discussion; - request that staff facilitate a full cross-community deliberation on the EoI at the next ICANN Public meeting, prior to any final decisions; and - ensure that the second summary of comments clearly documents the respective interests of respondents." Philip