[NCUC-EC] Report from NCUC issue forum

Wed Dec 20 11:36:10 CET 2023

Dear Ken,
Thank you I believe we may still have more to discuss about this before
finalizing on consensus as we are bringing up more questions.

Kindly check on* Section VI* of the Operating procedures for a start :

VI. Outreach Events and Other Sessions: Proposal, Development, Communication

"All requests should be forwarded to the EC forty-five (45) days prior to
the first
day of the event. The request should include at least all mandatory fields
in the
above-cited form, a brief summary of the proposed content, and the estimated
and requested budget (if applicable). Requests for US$500 or less are more
likely to be accepted. The EC should approve or reject the request within 15
days of its submission. The EC will appoint a contact person on the EC for
outreach requests, and the contact person should bring requests to the
attention and approval of the EC."

There is also additional guidance in the bylaws and other NCSG documents.

It may be appropriate to do an EC call to get clarity and proper
transparency on this issue, as it seems we keep raising questions for every
response.

Kind regards,
Benjamin

On Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 10:41 AM Ken Herman <ken at kherman.com> wrote:

> Thanks Benjamin. Happy to see that there is consensus both on honoring the
> commitment and also regarding a process.
>
>
>
> I could not quite see in the operating procedures what there was you are
> referring to, so I would be grateful if you can please indicate the
> specific section.
>
>
>
> Ken
>
>
>
> *From:* NCUC-EC <ncuc-ec-bounces at lists.ncuc.org> *On Behalf Of *Benjamin
> Akinmoyeje
> *Sent:* Wednesday, December 20, 2023 1:31 AM
> *To:* Hfaiedh Ines <hfaiedh.ines2 at gmail.com>
> *Cc:* Exec. Comm <ncuc-ec at lists.ncuc.org>
> *Subject:* Re: [NCUC-EC] Report from NCUC issue forum
>
>
>
> Dear All,
>
> Thank you all for the vote, just for clarity,  there is clear guidance in
> the NCUC operating procedures
> https://www.ncuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NCUC-Operating-Procedures-Sept-2017.pdf
> .
>
>
>
>  The situation here is an EC handled the transaction with the vendor and
> informed the team of the invoice commitment on  NCUC's behalf.
>
>
>
> The normal route is to put out an open call for such a service and allow
> vendors to quote for it.
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Benjamin
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 4:43 AM Hfaiedh Ines <hfaiedh.ines2 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> I agree as well. Clear procedure needed for next time.
>
> On Wed, Dec 20, 2023, 00:50 Amin Hacha <aminhacha at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Benjamin, I support the commitment by honoring the invoice and
> establishing a clear procedure for future payment processes.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 19, 2023 at 5:44 PM Benjamin Akinmoyeje <benakin at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Dear Mili,
>
> Apologies for the late response. I have been traveling and with limited
> time to review this issue.
>
>
>
> My take on this was to get the invoice at least reviewed downward a bit
> and I did not see any movement in that direction.
>
>
>
> There is no transaction beyond negotiation, this is service, we did not
> sign any agreement, and since a member has raised concerns I expected some
> consideration of good faith from you.
>
>
>
> However, we have missed two EC meetings to discuss and iron out this
> issue. This is a learning moment and I hope in the future we can handle
> issues like this better.
>
>
>
> Moving forward,  I would call for ECs to indicate their approval for the
> invoice and we can finalize the issue so that the treasury can honor the
> invoice.
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Benjamin
>
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 19, 2023 at 3:41 PM Mili <milisemlani at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hello Milton,
>
>    I would like to bring to your notice the pending invoice payment for
> the report of the issue forum held at Hamburg.
>
>
>
> The report has been received and the invoice was sent more than a month
> ago. The writer has been following up with me to know when it will be paid.
>
>
>
> I have checked in with Benjamin a couple of times already but I have not
> received an answer.  As per our last EC monthly meeting, all the EC members
> on the call agreed to honoring the invoice at the earliest.
>
>
>
> May I know what is the mechanism to ensure it is paid before the end of
> the year? And if there is anything you need us to do to speed this up?
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Dec 18, 2023, at 11:45, Mili <milisemlani at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Benjamin
>
>    What is the update on the invoice status? It is getting very difficult
> for me to hold the writer any further.
>
>
>
> I appreciate a quick response and hope we have already taken the necessary
> action.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Dec 11, 2023, at 21:05, Mili <milisemlani at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi
>
>    As need to settle this asap and unfortunately, we could not fully
> discuss it over the EC call today as Benjamin was unable to connect.
>
>
>
> As discussed on the call, most EC members acknowledge that we need better
> guidelines to manage such tasks in the future but that is a separate matter
> and an internal one.
>
>
>
> It does not require holding up the invoice. As we should honor what we
> need to. In keeping with that conversation, if any EC member has any
> objection to settling this invoice they need to respond to this email by
> tomorrow Tues Dec 11. If not, it will be considered as approved and the
> Chair should facilitate the payment at the earliest.
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Nov 28, 2023, at 22:19, Mili Semlani <milisemlani at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi Benjamin
>
>   As mentioned in my earlier email, there is no way to negotiate the
> amount after we have commissioned the article. As far as I remember, the
> in-person meeting in Hamburg where we finalised the rapporteur task did not
> have any discussion about the costs involved. Ken and Oksana who were also
> in this respective meeting held on Day 0 of ICANN78 can confirm what they
> recall from this discussion.
>
>
>
> At my workplace, on average, we pay US$100-150 for content marketing
> articles that are often based on rehashing online content and US$250-300
> for well-researched articles, event coverage and reports. Now that the
> report has already been drafted, there is no way for us to negotiate or
> change the payment terms. We assigned the report a day before the actual
> event and we had very little time to advertise for a rapporteur; I had to
> reach out to the writers I have a working relationship with and given the
> short notice, the price quoted by them is something I had to agree with to
> get the job done.
>
>
>
> I don't think we are in a position to decide whether we should process
> this invoice or not. It is too late for that. The one thing we should learn
> from this is that we need to plan such tasks and the budgets around them a
> lot better. I urge you to do the needful here as soon as possible, and
> kindly understand that my work ethic and relationship with the external
> vendor are at stake here.
>
>
>
> As mentioned earlier, I would like to excuse myself from any tasks or
> responsibilities that include financial transactions on behalf of NCUC; in
> the future. Rest assured, as an active member and EC member; I will be
> happy to help with any other tasks that suit my skills and time
> commitments.
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> *Mili Semlani*
>
> Community specialist
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, 28 Nov 2023 at 20:34, Benjamin Akinmoyeje <benakin at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Dear Mili,
>
> Good day and I hope your week started well. Here is an email I sent to you
> previously on the invoice.
>
>
>
> The verbal conversation we had estimated a lower cost than what is
> presented and that is what I am comfortable proceeding with.
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Benjamin
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: *Benjamin Akinmoyeje* <benakin at gmail.com>
> Date: Thu, Nov 16, 2023 at 11:54 AM
> Subject: Re: [NCUC-EC] Report from NCUC issue forum
> To: Mili Semlani <milisemlani at gmail.com>
> Cc: Kathy Kleiman <kathy at dnrc.tech>, Exec. Comm <ncuc-ec at lists.ncuc.org>
>
>
>
> Dear Mili,
>
> Thank you very much for the invoice; however, I have a little challenge
> with the invoice. If my memory serves me correctly, our discussion about
> the service cost was supposed to be a token, probably within the range of
> 100 - 150 USD.
>
>
>
> Paying up to 300 USD for a service that already raised some concerns would
> require more protocols or due process.
>
>
>
> I recommend that the writer review the invoice to make it easier for us to
> approve.
>
> Thank you for the facilitation and support on this work.
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Benjamin
>
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 16, 2023 at 9:41 AM Mili Semlani <milisemlani at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
>
>
> Attached is the invoice for the issue report. As per the usual terms
> (given my experience working with them for my day job), we need to pay them
> within 30 days of commissioning the assignment. After which we have full
> right to use the report and publish it anywhere. We are not required to
> give them any byline or credit.
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> *Mili Semlani*
>
> Community specialist
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 15 Nov 2023 at 20:46, Benjamin Akinmoyeje <benakin at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>   Dear Kathy,
>
> Thank you for your response. In requesting support from PIR, this was the
> list.
>
>
>
>
>
> PIR Support Request:
>
> ●     Provide financial support to get a photographer, refreshments, and
> rapporteurs for the event.
>
> ●     PIR’s financial support will help support logistical issues for
> after-event gatherings.
>
>
>
> You can see the extract from the attached document. I did not say Mili
> would know how much was promised, the invoice that would be submitted will
> indicate. It should be a token because that was what was agreed upon by the
> EC. The process of searching for a rapporteur appeared to be time-limited;
> hence we got the option of outsourcing to an online service. And Mili
> committed to helping out with that.
>
>
>
>
>
> The last NCUC issue forum did not have a report; we were fortunate to use
> Prof Milton's blog as evidence of the event.  This time, my solution to
> that was to ensure there was provision.
>
>
>
> No one has been paid, and I do not have any invoice to know how much that
> would be paid.
>
>
>
> The bylaws do not permit me to handle NCUC finance individually or any
> funding approval, or disbursement, and the NCUC EC would have discussed
> this at our monthly meeting. Still, Mili could not make it because of
> the official religious holiday of Diwali. The NCUC EC would have to discuss
> and approve the invoice and the payment whenever the invoice is submitted.
>
>
>
> I will wait for Mili to facilitate the process of getting the report
> writer to submit the invoice and the ECs accept and approve the cost as
> directed by NCUC operating procedures.
>
>
>
> Also, find attached the full proposal submitted to PIR.
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Benjamin
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 4:30 AM Mili <milisemlani at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dear Kathy
>
>
>
>   Thanks for your questions.
>
>
>
> I would direct these questions to @benjamin and @ Milton who will be
> better suited to answer anything related to the finances.
>
>
>
> As of now the payment has not been made. Once the final draft is shared,
> we will receive the invoice.
>
>
>
> Once the invoice is honored, NCUC/SG will own all rights to the report. As
> a standard in the publishing world. We (by we I mean NCUC/SG here) are free
> to share, publish and circulate it as we please.
>
>
>
> I am merely carrying this facilitation as an NCUC volunteer in my capacity
> as the EC member.
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Nov 3, 2023, at 01:49, Kathy Kleiman <kathy at dnrc.tech> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Tx Mili, thanks for your response and agreed that it takes a lot of work
> to make a forum happen.
>
> Let me follow-up with two quick questions. Could you share the source of
> the funds (was this PIR money?) and how much you paid?  Also who owns the
> report this group produced?  These seem like fair questions, but if there
> is a concern about transparency, please let me know.
>
> Best regards, Kathy
>
> On 11/2/2023 10:40 AM, Mili wrote:
>
> Hi Kathy
>
>   As mentioned in my earlier emails too, we hired a rapporteur (a writing
> agency that has writers) to prepare this report for us.
>
>
>
> For everyone’s clarity, I did not write the report. I am merely
> facilitating it as we divided the various tasks for the issue forum and I
> took over the task of looking for a rapporteur and co ordinating this.
>
>
>
> And yes everyone put in a lot of work to make the issue forum happen and
> it’s great to see the collective result of all our efforts.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Nov 2, 2023, at 19:56, Kathy Kleiman <kathy at dnrc.tech>
> <kathy at dnrc.tech> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi Mili,
>
> A lot of people spent a lot of time preparing for this issues forum (as
> well as the first).  Can I ask how much you got paid to write this report
> (and how  long it took)?
>
> Best and thanks,
>
> Kathy
>
> On 11/2/2023 2:13 AM, Mili Semlani wrote:
>
> Hi
>
>   As a part of the 20th anniversary celebration, we organised an issue
> forum at ICANN78. It was decided that we hire a rapporteur to prepare a
> brief report of the discussion.
>
>
>
> I have attached the first draft of the report they have sent me. Kindly
> take a look and let me know if it's okay (check for factual errors, if its
> readable well and detailed enough for us).
>
>
>
> Can we add a link to the comparison between At large and NCSG applicant
> support proposals (the printed version that you prepared and circulated at
> the session) to this report? If yes, please share the link or send the
> document as an attachment.
>
>
>
> Also let me know if there is any other feedback on the attached report,
> changes, amendments etc. We ideally should share and publish it for our
> members before the readout scheduled for Nov 6.
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> *Mili Semlani*
>
> Community specialist
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, 2 Nov 2023 at 01:59, Kathy Kleiman <kathy at dnrc.tech>
> <kathy at dnrc.tech> wrote:
>
> Hi Mili,
>
> Good to see you and Hamburg, and nice to have a chance to talk. Still in
> catch-up mode here; I'll have things over to you  tomorrow (11/2).
>
> Also, what is a soft copy for and who is the writer?  Not sure I
> understand the request...
>
> Best, Kathy
>
> On 11/1/2023 11:14 AM, Mili wrote:
>
> Noted. @milton do you have any additional resources, links that point to
> this?
>
>
>
> @kathy maybe we can also attach the comparison between At large and NCSG
> applicant support proposals (the printed version that you prepared and
> circulated at the session). Can you also send me a soft copy for the same
> so I can share it with the writer to incorporate.
>
>
>
> @all of no further comments, I will send this with the below feedback for
> final drafting. Kindly let me know by EOD (Nov 1).
>
>
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> Mili Semlani
>
> Journalist & Engagement Manager
>
> Founder @ Youth4IG <http://youth4ig.asia/>
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
> On Nov 1, 2023, at 00:37, Mueller, Milton L <milton at gatech.edu>
> <milton at gatech.edu> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hello, Mili
>
> I think the report on RVCs would be improved if we could attach the
> framework Kathy and I developed for allowable RVCs. It could also discuss
> some of the “stress test” studies we discussed.
>
>
>
> *From:* NCUC-EC <ncuc-ec-bounces at lists.ncuc.org>
> <ncuc-ec-bounces at lists.ncuc.org> *On Behalf Of *Mili Semlani
> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 31, 2023 6:31 AM
> *To:* Exec. Comm <ncuc-ec at lists.ncuc.org> <ncuc-ec at lists.ncuc.org>
> *Subject:* [NCUC-EC] Report from NCUC issue forum
>
>
>
> Hello all
>
>   As a part of the 20th anniversary celebration, we organised an issue
> forum at ICANN78. It was decided that we hire a rapporteur to prepare a
> brief report of the discussion.
>
>
>
> I have attached the first draft of the report they have sent me. Kindly
> take a look and let me know if it's okay (check for factual errors, if its
> readable well and detailed enough for us). If it's good to go and
> doesn't require any changes, we can furnish their invoice and they will
> pass the rights for us to publish this report.
>
> --
>
> With gratitude
>
> *Mili Semlani*
>
> Community specialist
>
> Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/theuntraveller/> | LinkedIn
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/milisemlani/>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Kathy Kleiman
>
> President, Domain Name Rights Coalition
>
> --
>
> Kathy Kleiman
>
> President, Domain Name Rights Coalition
>
> --
>
> Kathy Kleiman
>
> President, Domain Name Rights Coalition
>
> _______________________________________________
> NCUC-EC mailing list
> NCUC-EC at lists.ncuc.org
> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-ec
>
> _______________________________________________
> NCUC-EC mailing list
> NCUC-EC at lists.ncuc.org
> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-ec
>
> _______________________________________________
> NCUC-EC mailing list
> NCUC-EC at lists.ncuc.org
> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-ec
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.ncuc.org/pipermail/ncuc-ec/attachments/20231220/ecccd90f/attachment-0001.htm>