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

[Jonathan Aldrich]

As an internet user, I am concerned that the ALSC's draft report does not 
ensure adequate representation of the user community on the ICANN board.

First, I strongly urge the committee to give a voting voice to ALL
internet users, not just domain-name holders.  The primary rationale for
having at-large board members is to give a voice to the non-commercial
interests of the broadest spectrum of internet users.  Domain name holders
represent a small part of that spectrum, and are disproportionately
commercial in nature.  Internet users should not have to pay a domain name
fee or a membership fee in order to have a vote (which is the only real
kind of voice).  Such fees deter user participation in developing
countries, and are a dis-incentive even in developed countries; ICANN
should find other sources of funding.  I voted in last year's ICANN
at-large elections, and I believe that last year's election process is a
much fairer and more inclusive model than the one proposed in the draft
report.

Second, I believe that in order to balance the interests of users and
businesses, ICANN's board should include 9 At-Large members out of 19.  
The three supporting organizations primarily represent commercial 
interests, and the only way to balance this effectively is to include a 
large voice for internet users.  The current representation structure, 
with 9 At-Large members, should be maintained.

Jonathan Aldrich
Graduate Student
University of Washington