[ALSC-Forum] Benefits and goals of At-Large involvement

[Bruce Young]

>What would you, personally, like to gain from being involved in ICANN? 
As a computer professional, I appreciate the opportunity to have an input,
however small, in shaping the direction and growth of the Internet.
>In envisioning an At-Large membership, what do you see as its greatest
potential contributions to ICANN?
Most of the people involved in ICANN are primarily technical people focused
on running the network infrastructure.   The At-Large membership, on the
other hand, is made up primarily of users.  And users, after all, are the
reason for the network's existance!  After many years in computer support,
I'm aware that users often have very different views of and uses for the
computer resources we provide them that are unique to them.  And that
user-centric vision is essential if we are to have a network that meets the
needs of *all* users of the Internet.
>What are the negatives of having an At-Large Membership?
Like any responsibility, it takes time for participation (this message, for
instance!).  But the importance of the outcome is worth the effort.


Bruce Young
Portland, Oregon
byoung651@home.com
http://members.home.net/byoung651/index.html