We all know now that a small group of auDA members have called for a SGM (Special General Meeting).
I also know from all the calls and emails that I have received over the past few days that a lot of other members support the idea of an SGM. There are many and varied concerns to be aired.
Not many of the people I have spoken with want auDA to “crash and burn”. In my opinion, they just want stability and common sense decision making to return – along with proper process and appropriate consultation. Say what you want about the “old auDA”, but at least you could count on those conventions being observed.
Then there are the two biggest irritants – lack of communication and transparency.
That’s why it is no surprise to me to see that Resolution 1 of the proposed SGM is a vote of no confidence in the CEO Cameron Boardman. In my opinion, that to many people is the “biggie”.
Direct Registrations
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to direct registrations – some are for it, and there are many don’t like the idea. For sake of full disclosure, I fall into the latter group – I simply don’t see the need.
However, given that a previous auDA Board approved in principle direct registrations, most members now want to see proper process and appropriate consultation when it comes to deciding if and how this could be implemented fairly. That is an overriding consideration of the original approval. If it can’t be done on this basis, then decision making should be easy.
When you look at other ccTLD’s like the UK and NZ, their first principles were that no harm should befall existing registrants – particularly those that had been encouraged over the years to purchase the premium extensions (like co.uk and co.nz).
This is the challenge that now confronts the auDA Board. Their Policy Review Panel has, in the opinion of many, been severely compromised by lack of appropriate representation. In addition, the PRP’s Minutes are no longer being published expeditiously, so no one knows what is going on. Last Minutes published were on February 1st.
Then you have the business case study that was promised by the CEO, but which has never materialised.
So auDA, if you truly believe that direct registrations will benefit the .au space (and not harm existing registrants), then I believe you have to start again with a properly representative panel – just like the “old auDA” would have done.
Ned O’Meara – 11th April 2018
Disclaimer
Well said Ned, I believe most members see due process as not having been followed with regard to direct registrations.
Hear hear Ned. I had not really given auDA much attention since it was formed 20 years ago because it was working. It’s clearly not under its current leadership which is why it needs to change.