In the cases of entities that are essentially community networks, we have a very different breed of entity. For the most part they are volunteer run, or have limited staff and a cadre of volunteers.  I think the risk scenario Bret describes oversimplifies the matter by not taking account of those sort of entities and by the implcation that Commercial entites could not get around the existing rules/criteria.
<br><br>Frankly, if any of those types of groups listed cared to insinuate themselves, they would very easily do so.&nbsp; That they havent is largely a perecption that there isnt any power here.&nbsp; I am offering my comments not out of sheer cynicism, but on the evidence of certain commercial entites assuming the garb of non-profit entities and think tanks - as for example the well known strategy of &quot;astroturfing&quot;.
<br><br>I follow Telecomm/Media policy closely and I have seen such entities as are listed fund such strategies.&nbsp; Establishing an astroturf ALS that meets all the official criteria is a very simle matter if they wanted to do so.&nbsp; Indeed they may even seem &quot;attractive&quot; partners because they would have some resources.
<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Michael<br><br><div><span class="gmail_quote">On 4/19/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">Bret Fausett</b> &lt;<a href="mailto:bfausett@internet.law.pro">bfausett@internet.law.pro</a>&gt; wrote:</span>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">I don&#39;t know that I have any strong opinions on this subject, but as<br>someone who has followed the ICANN process for a long time, let me
<br>throw out one concern for discussion. Entities with commercial<br>interests in the outcomes of ICANN&#39;s decisions are well-funded,<br>powerful and have proven that they can and will insinuate themselves<br>into any and every ICANN process where they are allowed.
<br><br>If we allow organizations that are composed of something other than<br>individuals, are you comfortable sharing the NARALO with political<br>action committees, lobbying organizations, &quot;think tanks,&quot; and other
<br>organizations that are funded and directed by commercial businesses<br>with commercial interests in the outcome of ICANN&#39;s decisions? (think<br>Verisign, AT&amp;T, intellectual property interest groups, registrars,
<br>etc.).<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -- Bret<br><br><br>_______________________________________________<br>NA-Discuss mailing list<br><a href="mailto:NA-Discuss@atlarge-lists.icann.org">NA-Discuss@atlarge-lists.icann.org</a><br>
<a href="http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/na-discuss_atlarge-lists.icann.org">http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/na-discuss_atlarge-lists.icann.org</a><br>---<br>Draft MoU with ICANN:<br><a href="http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_MOU">
http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_MOU</a><br><br>Draft Operating Principles:<br><a href="http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_OP">http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_OP</a><br></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>---------------------------------------------------------------
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