[NA-Discuss] Additional MOU considerations

[Jacob Malthouse]

> As you aware, the current budget anticipates
> – net revenue of $46.6MM (37% above 06/07 budget)
> – expenses of $41.6MM (32% above 06/07 budget)
> – capital budget allocation of $1.6MM
> – contribution to reserve of $3.4MM

I think it would be fantastic if more people could come see what we  
do here at the office. In lieu of that check out our annual report  
and latest budget proposal. They are both major improvements and I  
think we're doing a lot of really cool stuff we've never been able to  
do before in support of the DNS and the rest of the unique  
identifiers. I'm proud of what we've achieved in a very short time.

> You will also note that the ICANN Operational Plan
> states:  "Develop methods for handling queries and
> complaints. Collect data from phone calls and emails
> so that tools can be developed that will reduce staff
> burden, communicate effectively with those who contact
> ICANN, and answer questions that are passed in through
> the Board or staff. Tailor these efforts so that
> complaints are passed on to appropriate bodies or
> organizations (i.e., not ICANN)"
>
> In terms of "Resources Required" the Operational Plan
> states:  Staff:− Oversight:0.02 FTE Consultant:
> − Creation of FAQ’s and other tools $95K
>
> As this is already a budgeted item, I see no issue
> with the proposal.

Developing a complaint response system isn't the same as gathering,  
analysing and reporting on information received. That's like saying  
we have bloomberg why do we need financial analysts. Geez half my  
mates would be out of work! Is there anything in the plan where we  
bring on people to do analysis and reporting on policy advice and  
complaint information flows and aggregation? I think it would be a  
great service to offer people.

Incidentally at WTO there are side groups that spring up to do  
similar analysis:

An example is: http://www.ictsd.org/about/index.htm