Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 02:12:13 -0400 To: list@ifwp.org From: Jay Fenello Subject: A Representational Framework for Internet Governance Cc: domain-policy@open-rsc.org Now that most people agree that the New Corp should be a membership organization, we must collectively decide how to define that membership, and how to allocation representation to that membership. While there are many approaches to this problem, I prefer one that is consistent, scaleable, and one that automatically reflects changes in the stakeholder community. I also prefer one where the stakeholders who have the greatest stake in a decision are the ones who have the greatest say in those decisions. But most importantly, it is one of balance. Balance between Domain Name Holders and TLD registries, balance between IP Address Holders and IP Registries, etc. It must also balance the interests of the entire Internet community, the Trademark interests, the Trade associations, and the assorted businesses offering products and services over the Internet. Finally, it must balance all of these concerns with technical realities and feasibilities. So, how do we accomplish all of this? Here is one possible "Representational Framework for Internet Governance." Please see the graphic at: http://www.iperdome.com/gig.gif Conceptually, the New Corp would be an organization that is composed of four different councils. The New Corp, as well as each of the councils, would have half of their boards selected by the general membership, half selected by a representative membership, and a single additional member independently selected. The general membership is the broadest classification under each council. For example, it would be any Netizen in the Member's Council, it would be any Domain Name Holder in the Names Council, etc. The representative membership would be selected by the general membership, with each general member giving a vote to an organization of their choice. In turn, these organizations would represent the number of members who have selected them as their representative organization. For example, if CIX had 1,000,000 members select them, they would have 1,000,000 votes to use when making decisions within the parameters of the Member's Council and the New Corp. The independently selected board members are appointed by the Technical Council (formerly the Protocols Council). This role is to act as a tie breaker on each board, and to keep each board informed on technical considerations. The Technical Council has its own independently selected board member who is selected by the general membership. Here is a summary: The New Corp 9 Board Members 1 by Netizens 1 by Trade Associations 2 by the Member's Council 2 by the Name's Council 2 by the Address Council 1 by the Technical Council The Member's Council 5 Board Members 2 by Netizens 2 by Trade Associations 1 by the Technical Council The Name's Council 5 Board Members 2 by Domain Name Holders 2 by TLD Registries 1 by the Technical Council The Address Council 5 Board Members 2 by IP Address Holders 2 by IP Registries 1 by the Technical Council The Technical Council 5 Board Members 2 by the Technical Membership 2 by Technical Associations 1 by Netizens When a new Council becomes necessary, it would follow the same conventions: 5 Board Members 2 by the general membership 2 by the representative membership 1 by the Technical Council 2 seats on the New Corp Board In addition, the Member's Council would also get another 2 seats on the New Corp Board. To jump start this process, the Interim Board could be selected by the representative organizations already in existence as outlined in this framework. So, with this thumbnail, let the flames begin. (Actually, constructive suggestions preferred :-) Regards, Jay Fenello President, Iperdome, Inc. 404-250-3242 http://www.iperdome.com