[ncsg-policy] Re: [ncsg-ec] RE: my review of the staff's edit to our SG charter.

[tlhackque]

>> I strongly object to Debbie and Amber's request that NCSG open up its 
>>membership to commercial trade associations.
 
+5 !

Also, where collaboration technologies are listed as e-mail, wiki, network 
cloud:

1) There are several lists under various groups' Work Process sections that are 
slightly different.  Suggest that they all reference a single section as the 
differences don't seem to be intentional.

2) I support timely electronic communication & technology.  However, 
technologies come and go, but (hopefully after all this angst/thrash/effort) the 
charter won't.  


I think it would be better to say something like:

M.N Operating norms for NCSG/NCUC and its working groups, committees and 
constituencies

M.N.1. Work shall be transparent and visible to the membership; significant 
intermediate work product as well as final work product shall be archived.  


M.N.2. Communication and collaboration shall be timely and based on technologies 
that are available and accessible to the membership.  A list of suitable 
technologies shall be maintained by the EC and may be amended from time to 
time.  In 2011, suitable technologies include e-mail, wiki's, teleconference 
bridges, VoIP and "network cloud" services such as Google's.  However, 
technologies may be added to or retired from this list by proposing such changes 
(using previously accepted technology) to the membership.  A formal vote of the 
membership is only required if a timely objection is raised.  Changes to the 
list of technologies to improve the flow of information and efficiency of the 
group are encouraged.  All such proposals must consider the world-wide 
availability of the technology and its required infrastructure (including 
network bandwidth, connectivity, client hardware/software requirements), cost, 
accessibility to members with disabilities, and the ability to archive 
communications and the evolution of positions for the historical record.  


M.N.3 When logistics (such as time zones, scheduling, physical presence 
or technological malfunctions) prevent concurrent real-time communication among 
all members of a group, all decisions shall be provisional until full consensus 
is determined.

M.N.4 Mailing lists (or equivalent future technologies) shall:
    o include all full members and observers upon their request
    o maintain an open archive
    o moderate any submissions from non-subscribers

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This is intentionally broad guidance.  Note that I did not include details of 
time-zones, suitability for particular purposes, specific time-frames, 
licensing, or zillions of other details.  Reason will prevail - and fussing with 
the charter is clearly something to be avoided.

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Another area that may need some consideration:  The emphasis on open and 
transparent everywhere is correct.  However, one could imagine circumstances 
that preclude this - at least temporarily.  Consider a legal action requiring 
strategy consultation with an attorney; negotiating a contract or an 
investigation into alleged misconduct.   Do we need some provision for this?  
Perhaps the model used in government of "executive sessions" under limited 
circumstances which require an announcement in general terms of the purpose, 
that minutes be taken, and that the minutes be published as soon as practical?  


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Thoughts?
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