Hi Jacob, I have to run to catch a bus at this time so I can't go into detail, but have a look at the ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT section of the Operational Plan, specifically where it states: "Facilitate the Policy Development Process consideration of economic, consumer, market and business issues through the retention of expertise in economic studies and statistical analysis." best regards, Danny --- Jacob Malthouse <jacob.malthouse@icann.org> wrote:
As you aware, the current budget anticipates net revenue of $46.6MM (37% above 06/07 budget) expenses of $41.6MM (32% above 06/07 budget) capital budget allocation of $1.6MM contribution to reserve of $3.4MM
I think it would be fantastic if more people could come see what we do here at the office. In lieu of that check out our annual report and latest budget proposal. They are both major improvements and I think we're doing a lot of really cool stuff we've never been able to do before in support of the DNS and the rest of the unique identifiers. I'm proud of what we've achieved in a very short time.
You will also note that the ICANN Operational Plan states: "Develop methods for handling queries and complaints. Collect data from phone calls and emails so that tools can be developed that will reduce staff burden, communicate effectively with those who contact ICANN, and answer questions that are passed in through the Board or staff. Tailor these efforts so that complaints are passed on to appropriate bodies or organizations (i.e., not ICANN)"
In terms of "Resources Required" the Operational Plan states: Staff:− Oversight:0.02 FTE Consultant: − Creation of FAQs and other tools $95K
As this is already a budgeted item, I see no issue with the proposal.
Developing a complaint response system isn't the same as gathering, analysing and reporting on information received. That's like saying we have bloomberg why do we need financial analysts. Geez half my mates would be out of work! Is there anything in the plan where we bring on people to do analysis and reporting on policy advice and complaint information flows and aggregation? I think it would be a great service to offer people.
Incidentally at WTO there are side groups that spring up to do similar analysis:
An example is: http://www.ictsd.org/about/index.htm
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