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We need more involvements from the edges and more possibilities to interact effectively at the regional and worldwide levels (RALO AGs, Summit…).
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
I judge the At-large infrastructure as far more “mature” than a year or two ago (it only partially came into existence about 4 years ago). But it is still not great. We now have functioning RALOs in all five regions and all are reasonably active. We have nearly 130 ALSs impressively covering the globe (http://www.atlarge.icann.org/maps/combined).
It is unclear how many of these are active, and how many really involve their members in ICANN matters. There are indications that some do not, and others do so in a very significant way. We still have policy-related input from a relatively small number of edge-level participants, and that somehow needs to be addressed. The problem is that a lot of ICANN work is rather esoteric from the point of view of those on the edge, and even when not, it takes a lot of time and effort to get up to speed on things.
I think that the way to address it is through a number of initiatives:
- Education and publication of “dumbed-down” literature explaining what we do
- Once available, encouraging ALSs to use it
- Mentoring to get people who are interested up to speed
- Consideration of ways in which the At-Large organization can be changed, perhaps minor and perhaps major, to make it more effective.
As I said in an earlier question, ICANN cannot afford to not have At-Large work. We MUST make it effective. Some of this will need to be supported at the Board level, but the majority needs to be done within At-Large.
11. What is your analysis of the recent Board decision regarding vertical integration, specifically from the point of view of Internet registrants and end-users?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
No consensus policy (new tools needed to help that happen). Two completely opposed decision of the Board. I don’t know how to explain. See APRALO question N°5.
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
This was already addressed in APRALO Question 5.
I think that the ICANN At large structure has matured over the last years, and this is quite a progress; indeed, 10 years ago, it was not clear how the At Large system will evolve and some could not believe it.. The Als have now become a respected community through the quality of its contributions to policy making; we are now certain that from now on, ICANN will be expecting more involvement of the At Large Community in its policy development.
Of course, this can still be improved and as a Director, I certainly will persuade other colleagues of the importance of increasing resources allocated to the at large community so that it could contribute with well informed and solid pieces of advise. Facilities should be provided so that the cross-fertilization between the ALAC and other supporting organizations and advisory committees happens.
Alan Greenberg
I judge the At-large infrastructure as far more “mature” than a year or two ago (it only partially came into existence about 4 years ago). But it is still not great. We now have functioning RALOs in all five regions and all are reasonably active. We have nearly 130 ALSs impressively covering the globe (http://www.atlarge.icann.org/maps/combined).
It is unclear how many of these are active, and how many really involve their members in ICANN matters. There are indications that some do not, and others do so in a very significant way. We still have policy-related input from a relatively small number of edge-level participants, and that somehow needs to be addressed. The problem is that a lot of ICANN work is rather esoteric from the point of view of those on the edge, and even when not, it takes a lot of time and effort to get up to speed on things.
I think that the way to address it is through a number of initiatives:
- Education and publication of “dumbed-down” literature explaining what we do
- Once available, encouraging ALSs to use it
- Mentoring to get people who are interested up to speed
- Consideration of ways in which the At-Large organization can be changed, perhaps minor and perhaps major, to make it more effective.
As I said in an earlier question, ICANN cannot afford to not have At-Large work. We MUST make it effective. Some of this will need to be supported at the Board level, but the majority needs to be done within At-Large.
11. What is your analysis of the recent Board decision regarding vertical integration, specifically from the point of view of Internet registrants and end-users12. All three candidates have, at least once, been appointed to their At-Large positions rather than chosen by the community. How does this impact your view of ICANN and its relationship with the public?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
It will be the case for me after Cartagena.
I am sure it will not change my view of ICANNNo consensus policy (new tools needed to help that happen). Two completely opposed decision of the Board. I don’t know how to explain. See APRALO question N°5.
Pierre DandjinouCandidate
has not yet submitted answersThe assumption is that this decision might not serve the interest of registrants and end users as they might not access the strings they would like, and they might have to pay more. I would recommend that the decision be revisited after an evaluation of the process after its first year of operation.
Alan Greenberg
I do not believe that it affects my views at all. In the past, it has definitely impacted how I am perceived by others. There were some rough times where NomCom appointees have been viewed very much as second-class citizens within the ALAC and within the GNSO – that those who represent REAL organizations have far more credibility and import. However, In my case at least, I believe that my actions, words and track record has convinced people that I can contribute and represent the needs of users at least as well as those appointed by RALOs.
13. What is the best possible outcome of this election process? What is the worst possible outcome?
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This was already addressed in APRALO Question 5.
12. All three candidates have, at least once, been appointed to their At-Large positions rather than chosen by the community. How does this impact your view of ICANN and its relationship with the public?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
A better recognition of At-Large / ALAC inputs and works.
It will be the case for me after Cartagena.
I am sure it will not change my view of ICANNThat the Director is an alibi.
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
The best possible outcome would be that At-Large put onto the Board someone who:
- quickly earns the respect of the other Board members and of the rest of ICANN;
- is recognized as someone who should be listened to within Board discussions, not because the others will all agree with what is said, but because the person is judged as being thoughtful and having insight;
- builds rapport and alliances with other Board members, since it is through such groupings that it is possible to move the Board in directions it might not otherwise go;
- within some reasonable time, starts to get increasing responsibility within the Board and Board committees;
- develops good ongoing relationships with At-Large leaders;
- in summary convinces the community and particularly the rest of the Board that it was a good idea to create this new voting Board position and that it adds value to the Board in particular and to ICANN as a whole.
The worst possible outcome is pretty much the opposite:
- the rest of the Board is not particularly impressed with the new Director, or worse finds things they do not like
- as a result, the new Director tends to be ignored
- there is a view within the Board that the new Director does not really add a lot to Board, which translates to a feeling that the change was not warranted.
- the person proves ineffective in impacting Board directions.
14. Do you consider yourself a "people person"? In other words, do you like people and do you make yourself available because you enjoy spending time listening to people's ideas and concerns?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
Yes and it is one of the reason for me to travel.
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
I tend to have a hard time in situations where I am not known or at all integrated. Just approaching someone and striking up a conversation is not my strength. I tend to have no such problems if I am the one approached. Once I am involved in a conversation or in environments where I feel more comfortable, I change into very much of a people-person.
15. How many hours of a time commitment per week do you expect will be needed of you as an ICANN Board of Director? Can you dedicate more than that?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
It seems to be half time. It is OK and if more needed I will do my best.
I hope that At-Large / ALAC will be able to help in that perspective.
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
The estimates seem to be about 20-24 hours per week. That is less than I typically put into ICANN now. As I am semi-retired and have full control over my other commitments, I will structure them to make sure that ICANN is not neglected.
16. Are you a founder, officer, leader or executive management of an organization planning to submit a new TLD application to ICANN? And if so, how does that affect your ability to represent end-users at the Board?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
See my answer to “Questions to specific candidates prepared by Adam Peake on behalf of EURALO”
Pierre Dandjinou
Candidate has not yet submitted answers.
Alan Greenberg
As answered to the EURALO question from Adam Peake, I have no such connections and I am not connected with any new gTLD initiative in a paid or unpaid capacity.
Questions to specific candidates:
Question for Pierre:
17. Some longtime participants in At-Large have expressed concern about your level of participation and achievement during your tenure on the Interim ALAC. Can you please describe some specific initiatives in which you had leadership or significant participation while on ALAC?
Answers from Candidate
Pierre Dandjinou
At some point, ICANN tried a sort of democratic election for the at large position, but this could not continue due to technical issues as the online voting was not easy from many countries, mainly from developing economies. I think ICANN has come a long way in building a closer relationship to the public. The RALOs (regional At large Organizations) which have been established in the 5 ICANN regions are good example of a kind of interaction with the public at large. Of course more outreach is still needed and ICANN should commit more resources to that effect.
Alan Greenberg
I do not believe that it affects my views at all. In the past, it has definitely impacted how I am perceived by others. There were some rough times where NomCom appointees have been viewed very much as second-class citizens within the ALAC and within the GNSO – that those who represent REAL organizations have far more credibility and import. However, In my case at least, I believe that my actions, words and track record has convinced people that I can contribute and represent the needs of users at least as well as those appointed by RALOs.
13. What is the best possible outcome of this election process? What is the worst possible outcome?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
A better recognition of At-Large / ALAC inputs and works.
That the Director is an alibi.
Pierre Dandjinou
Well, I would say that the best possible outcome should be that whoever gets seat 15 be able to bring the skills needed for a more effective and efficient Board.
Alan Greenberg
The best possible outcome would be that At-Large put onto the Board someone who:
- quickly earns the respect of the other Board members and of the rest of ICANN;
- is recognized as someone who should be listened to within Board discussions, not because the others will all agree with what is said, but because the person is judged as being thoughtful and having insight;
- builds rapport and alliances with other Board members, since it is through such groupings that it is possible to move the Board in directions it might not otherwise go;
- within some reasonable time, starts to get increasing responsibility within the Board and Board committees;
- develops good ongoing relationships with At-Large leaders;
- in summary convinces the community and particularly the rest of the Board that it was a good idea to create this new voting Board position and that it adds value to the Board in particular and to ICANN as a whole.
The worst possible outcome is pretty much the opposite:
- the rest of the Board is not particularly impressed with the new Director, or worse finds things they do not like
- as a result, the new Director tends to be ignored
- there is a view within the Board that the new Director does not really add a lot to Board, which translates to a feeling that the change was not warranted.
- the person proves ineffective in impacting Board directions.
14. Do you consider yourself a "people person"? In other words, do you like people and do you make yourself available because you enjoy spending time listening to people's ideas and concerns?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
Yes and it is one of the reason for me to travel.
Pierre Dandjinou
Yes..I live in a developing countries and solidarity is one of the keyword there. I have also traveled extensively around the world and understand that people matter! Thus, I am always keen on listening to people and interacting with them!
Alan Greenberg
I tend to have a hard time in situations where I am not known or at all integrated. Just approaching someone and striking up a conversation is not my strength. I tend to have no such problems if I am the one approached. Once I am involved in a conversation or in environments where I feel more comfortable, I change into very much of a people-person.
15. How many hours of a time commitment per week do you expect will be needed of you as an ICANN Board of Director? Can you dedicate more than that?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
It seems to be half time. It is OK and if more needed I will do my best.
I hope that At-Large / ALAC will be able to help in that perspective.
Pierre Dandjinou
Well, I have now resigned from the UN as I took an early retirement, and can now devote more time to community work! Thus, I think I could devote between 7 and 10 hours per week to ICANN as a Board member. Should the need be expressed, I could devote more time.
Alan Greenberg
The estimates seem to be about 20-24 hours per week. That is less than I typically put into ICANN now. As I am semi-retired and have full control over my other commitments, I will structure them to make sure that ICANN is not neglected.
16. Are you a founder, officer, leader or executive management of an organization planning to submit a new TLD application to ICANN? And if so, how does that affect your ability to represent end-users at the Board?
Answers from Candidates (in order of the candidates' surname)
Sebastien Bachollet
See my answer to “Questions to specific candidates prepared by Adam Peake on behalf of EURALO”
Pierre Dandjinou
I am not a founder, nor an officer or leader or executive management of any organization planning to submit to a new TLD application to ICANN. However, as one of the pioneers of internet connectivity in Africa, I was recently appointed as one of the Advisors to the African Union Commission (AUC) on the dot Africa domain; my role is specifically on advising the continental organization on how best to organize the management of the dot Africa registry. Indeed while the AUC intends to be a warrant of the operation of the registry on behalf of the African community, it is not supposed to run the registry; it therefore is planning to select a partner after an application process open to all Africa based companies.
That said, I have no personal interest in the dot Africa process and have always been involved as a volunteer and providing my knowledge and skills to the community. Of course, should this become an impediment to my seating on the Board, I will resign from the Advisory position offered by the AUC.
Alan Greenberg
As answered to the EURALO question from Adam Peake, I have no such connections and I am not connected with any new gTLD initiative in a paid or unpaid capacity.
Questions to specific candidates:
Question for Pierre:
17. Some longtime participants in At-Large have expressed concern about your level of participation and achievement during your tenure on the Interim ALAC. Can you please describe some specific initiatives in which you had leadership or significant participation while on ALAC?
Answers from Candidate
Pierre Dandjinou
I am really sorry if certain of my former colleagues could not perceive my level of participation and achievement. But I think others were able to do so, as some of them actually encouraged me to stand for the Board. I believe we should put things into their real perspective. The Interim ALAC was an experiment and the end result was not certain as we had to demonstrate that having the end user represented within ICANN gives the latter some legitimacy. Thus, we had to work inside the ICANN to persuade that the experiment is worthwhile, and also do the necessary outreach outside ICANN so that the existence of the At large Structures (ALS) of the ALAC becomes a reality.
I think I provided my worth of advice on many issues including budgeting for the ALAC participation to ICANN’s activities, creating scholarships to facilitate participation and contribution of at large members to ICANN meetings..Due to my commitments with the UN and on the Africa front, I did not opt for serving as chairperson or rapporteur to the ALAC, but make sure I was present at our monthy teleconferences. I also did substantive outreach across Africa and managed to have many countries establish their local ALS. I believe this was why my colleagues deemed necessary to appoint me as the first ever Chairperson of AFRALO, the African at large organizationsCandidate has not yet submitted answers.
Question for Sébastien:
18. If selected as Director, will you resign your NomComm seat on ALAC or retain it?
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