Re: [wg-review] [Process] Discuss - Current operating assumptions for WG-Review

[Bret Busby <bret@clearsol.iinet.net.au>]

Greg Burton wrote:
> 
> Dear Wg members,
> 
> In order to clarify how we are going to proceed, I'd like to get feedback
> on the following assumptions. If we can formally adopt them - either as is
> or with modifications agreed to by the group - it could help focus on going
> discussions and clarify how we're getting to where ever it is we're going.
> 
> 1. Consensus vs Vote
> Those members of the WG who have participated in the polls have indicated a
> desire to operate on a majority vote basis. Accordingly, nothing will be
> reported out of this group as a consensus opinion unless the specific
> question has been properly formed as a question to be answered on the basis
> of consensus and consensus has been achieved on that question. The votes of
> members for or against any question or statement will be reported out for
> each statement.
> 
> A majority of the group reject the concept of their report being labeled
> "consensus" by any other body, including the NC and Board of Directors. An
> explicit statement to this effect will be included in each report produced
> by the WG. Any attempt to claim consensus in this group that does not meet
> the standards of the previous paragraph will be challenged on behalf of the
> group by the chair and co-chair.
> 
> Formal voting on questions or positions requiring group approval will take
> place in the Voting Booth, under the administration of Joop Teernstra.
> Question, positions, and motions to be submitted will be placed before the
> group for at least 48 hours of discussion of the language before being
> adopted for a vote. Because not all members can participate in short
> timeframe votes, questions for a vote will remain open for 5 days.

I agree with the above, for this item.

> 
> 2. Language
> The problem of translation is both perplexing and vexing. Leaving a longer
> time frame as suggested above may provide more time for translation from
> English, but this is not sufficient to truly ensure understanding. It would
> be helpful for THIS group if those fluent in other languages volunteer
> their services for translation duty.

I make the additional comment, that, also equally applicable to serve
those on the list, whose only language is English, like me, that what is
said, and, questions raised, be worded, in simple, plain, clear, and,
unambigous english, as far as possible. Apart from then icreasing the
ability to understand what is being mentioned, the risk of
misunderstanding what is being said, should be greatly reduced, and,
less time spent on fixing misunderstandings.

> 
> 3. Prioritizing Issues
> My sense is that the following issues should be discussed in order,
> focusing on each one for a period of 4 days, to be followed by the 2 days
> of motion/statement formation. The next issue area can be discussed while
> the vote is proceeding
> 
> 1. Constituencies
> 2. General Assembly
> 3. Names Council
> 4. Work Groups
> 5. Standardized Procedures
> 6. Outreach
> 
> I'm completely open to different priorities, if the groups' desire is to do so.
> 
> Regards,
> Greg
> 
> sidna@feedwriter.com
> 

I also suggest that, where a contention is made, or, something is
proposed, brief justification and background, should be included.

An example, is the idea "lets abolish the constituencies". It appears
that few people understood (I believe that it was not just me, who did
not understand), what existed, the reasons for, and, the effects of,
such a proposal. Then, also, a person of knowledge (eg one of the
chairs), could clarify any misunderstandings about what exists, and, the
effect of such actions, and, whether such proposals are within the scope
of the working group. This could make the work quicker and cleaner, and,
reduce some of the time-wasting and animosity, that have arisen, from
the distortions that appear to have occurred.

I hope that this is useful.

-- 

Bret Busby

Armadale, West Australia

......................................
"So once you do know what the question actually is, you'll know what the
answer means."
 - Deep Thought, Chapter 28 of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
 - Douglas Adams, 1988 
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