[ALAC] Summit WG3, and the ALAC position on gTLD guidebook

[Evan Leibovitch]

Hello,

As a result of some very intense and constructive effort, the Summit
Working Group #3 produced a concise yet substantive commentary on the
new-gTLD applicant guidebook.

I note that the agenda for the next ALAC meeting lists deadlines for a
number of issues which have requested community feedback, including the
gTLD guidebook which indicates a deadline of April 13.

It would be appreciated if ALAC could discuss the issues presented as
WG3's declaration at the Summit, with an eye towards adopting it as
official ALAC policy and presenting such policy as timely comment to
those working in the guidebook.

The Summit WG3 considered a number of issues not reflected in current
ALAC policy (such as the role of At-Large in the creation of the
"Independent Objector"), and in one case recommends a reconsideration of
one particular aspect of existing ALAC policy (the idea of a
"phased-in" rollout of gTLDs).

Given the large number of issues on the ALAC agenda for its March 24
meeting, I am concerned that ALAC may accidentally bypass by the
excellent work of this WG in developing policy that I believe should be
advanced, well in advance of the stated comment deadline.

I know that at least I -- and I am certain, other WG3 members -- will be
available and capable of advancing the provisions of the declaration.
But I am not certain that the limited time available at the meeting will
be sufficient, and postponement until a future ALAC meeting may mean
bypassing the April deadline.

What is the best way to proceed, now that I have brought this issue to
ALAC's attention? It's not too soon for ALAC to start putting the Summit
deliverables into use.

Evan Leibovitch
NARALO Chair
WG3 Rapporteur

PS: Is it correct to assume that the five working groups at the Summit
will evolve into standing ALAC committees (or fill ones that had been
dormant)?