Hi, I'm standing for the Nominet elected Non Executive Director role this year

[monaghan]

Having been a candidate last year (circumstances didn't allow me to stand this year), I can understand the questions and negativity, however, if we fail to vote for the independent candidates then fewer and fewer will stand and then the entire board will have no opposition at any stage.

Yes it's a lot of money for a few days work, but I'd much rather see some of my registration fees going to an independent than as a bonus for a selected person from a big registrar.

I don't personally know Anne (but the face seems familiar from Nominet events) and have nothing to gain, I would encourage Acorn members who have a Nominet membership to cast their vote to Anne, even if it is just a protest against the system.

 

[Murray]

it seems you've turned into a Nominet monkey and left us behind in your mind.

I don't disagree with your post, but calling them a nominet monkey I think is a bit unsavoury and uncalled for

 

[stitchbob]

It's clear that there are members who just can't see a way back, or want to vote, engage, watch a video - and I'll struggle to say anything to change those peoples minds, but I wanted to have a bash at going for the role.

You're right, I don't want to email somebody, wait for a password, then watch a video on the off chance that any questions I might have are answered there. That's why I came to a discussion forum - it's easier and faster to get answers to specific questions by simply asking the questions of the representative who supposedly wants to represent us. This is your opportunity to put on public record exactly what your aims are and answer any questions from any member who cares to ask them. After all, as your election statement says, "Communication is key to a successful organisation, and all members must receive information and engagement with Nominet in a fair and balanced way."

This is my first experience of the election process, but clearly the position you're aiming for isn't a popular one, and you're going to have a struggle to get people to put faith in you. What's needed to start down that road is a strong character with clear ideas of what they want to achieve, who isn't afraid of upsetting the boardroom to get there. You'll probably still fail, but at least you'll have stood for your principals and have the respect of the people you claim to represent. Political non-answers and referrals to password-protected content just sounds like you've already had the required surgery for Nominet to use you as a puppet.

 

[RobM]

...and then the entire board will have no opposition at any stage.

A NED can't oppose them. They can only 'voice concerns'. This is just the equivalent of deciding whether you prefer to eat soil or sand.

 

[monaghan]

stichbob, that's a bit harsh! As a member you'll have had a voting link sent to you by now and can get the video statement and candidate pack and cast your vote all in 1 place. You also need to remember what the NED position actually is, perhaps you should read the requirement so you understand what it is you are voting for.

 

[stitchbob]

Alex, it may be harsh, but if I joined a forum as a newcomer and started asking members to vote for me, I would expect to have to justify why they should, not simply refer them to pre-prepared statements and videos. I would also consider it a vital part of my campaign to engage with the very people who are going to vote for me, even if that means repeating things I've already covered in my campaign pack.

I do have access to the candidate pack, but since this post is in the Introductions section of a general domain discussion forum, I believe any questions should be answered publicly, not hidden behind a paywall. If those answers aren't intended for public consumption, the tag holders section may be a more appropriate section for this post.

 

[monaghan]

A NED can't oppose them. They can only 'voice concerns'. This is just the equivalent of deciding whether you prefer to eat soil or sand.

Maybe the wrong choice of words, but I suspect voicing a concern would be seen as opposition by the "yes men".

Do you suggest that we no longer attempt to get an independent on the board and just leave Nominet to the big players? If so then perhaps we should all go home now and leave the primary and secondary markets to the likes of 123-reg!

 

[monaghan]

Alex, it may be harsh, but if I joined a forum as a newcomer and started asking members to vote for me, I would expect to have to justify why they should, not simply refer them to pre-prepared statements and videos. I would also consider it a vital part of my campaign to engage with the very people who are going to vote for me, even if that means repeating things I've already covered in my campaign pack.

I do have access to the candidate pack, but since this post is in the Introductions section of a general domain discussion forum, I believe any questions should be answered publicly, not hidden behind a paywall. If those answers aren't intended for public consumption, the tag holders section may be a more appropriate section for this post.

Agreed in part, however, this is a forum of educated and experienced domain traders and professionals who understand the system, I'd not expect to be asked questions that are covered elsewhere by members of this forum, maybe other forums it would be justified.

The candidate pack is required to be members only for GDPR compliance, this was discussed last year at this time. All those who need access to make their decision on who to vote for have access, all those who aren't eligible to vote have no need to be involved, Nominet is a member organisation, and there's no public vote on who is on the board.

 

[RobM]

No I would like to see people find out who (outside of nominet) can look into Nominet's activities, work out legalities, and see whether they are answerable somewhere - antitrust, monopolies, etc. Not much can be done from outside UK but plenty of UK members. This is just a complete waste of time. That's what they bank on - you all bicker over a NED who has NO SAY.. Shall we leave them to the big players? They are already there. I know someone (won't say who that is up to them but is aware of the forum) who is desperately compiling evidence of illegalities in their structure and behaviour and his biggest hurdle is not knowing *who* to take it to - I understand the evidence is now at least being presented to a lawyer. A NED doesn't factor one bit into any change and is irrelevant. So you carry on with pointless votes for pointless positions but don't be surprised when some people actually want a real change.

 

[Siusaidh]

"Nominet is a member organisation, and there's no public vote on who is on the board."

Should there be?

Where is the representation of the ordinary internet user in the governance of the UK namespace?

As I asked Anne (and would love a reply): "Do you have any proposals?" as to how voice and presence could be given to ordinary internet users in the administration of the UK namespace.

 

[monaghan]

"Nominet is a member organisation, and there's no public vote on who is on the board."

Should there be?

Where is the representation of the ordinary internet user in the governance of the UK namespace?

Anyone interested can join Nominet. To be honest, based on the dealings I have with my non-acorn customers (mostly small business or private individuals) I very much doubt the ordinary Internet user would have any interest in Nominet or the UK namespace or even know the difference between a website and a domain, let alone know the difference between a .uk and a .com and based on this, I'd not actually want them to be able to have their input to the management of the namespace.

 

[Siusaidh]

I understand that, Ben and Alex, and thank you for engaging.

But should Registry and Registrars be their own gatekeepers? I've seen how that alliance works with ICANN, and it seems like it could be a recipe for favouring the provider rather than the service user.

Agreed, most of the public don't care how the system works, but I feel that's a broad generalisation.

I just don't think the UK namespace should be a club for registrars and the registry. It's a bit like the NHS, where there is patient representation on selection boards (I do that myself).

The system ought to be person-centred on the actual users. What I see is an industry clique.

Let me put it this way: are you satisfied that Nominet works well, and that there's independent voice and critique at work in its operations?

 

[Edwin]

Is this the role Invincible/David had?

Was he able to make any positive change to anything

No. Biggest letdown ever, in my opinion.

 

[Edwin]

Your find him on the nominet forum defending every post...

Which is one of the reasons you won't find me there any more.

 

[monaghan]

I understand that, Ben and Alex, and thank you for engaging.

But should Registry and Registrars be their own gatekeepers? I've seen how that alliance works with ICANN, and it seems like it could be a recipe for favouring the provider rather than the service user.

Agreed, most of the public don't care how the system works, but I feel that's a broad generalisation.

I just don't think the UK namespace should be a club for registrars and the registry. It's a bit like the NHS, where there is patient representation on selection boards (I do that myself).

The system ought to be person-centred on the actual users. What I see is an industry clique.

Let me put it this way: are you satisfied that Nominet works well, and that there's independent voice and critique at work in its operations?

The problem is that the Internet has evolved far beyond the simple communications network I started using in the 1980's (anyone else remember telnet, gopher and no www!), the structures are not owned by anyone and without a complete rip it out and start again, we have no option other than to keep the structures we have. Before Nominet (for those of us that remember that far back), it was a bunch of self appointed people doing their best in their spare time!

The system is not ideal, however, even back in the 1990's nobody predicted how the Internet would take off.

I'm not against making it more open / accountable, however, I don't think it's as simple as you suggest.

 

[Anne Taylor]

I started quite the thread it appears. Sorry for the delay coming back to you on the various points, but I’ll do my best to address them…

I did join the forum to introduce myself and I guess yes, I am asking for votes, but also to encourage people to use their vote. Domains aren't our core business, and I don't look after that side of our business, so I don't particularly think I could add much to the conversations so forgive me for joining to set out my stall.

I added some information to our website for ease, as it’s not behind passwords or ERS logins, I really don’t expect people to then have a look at our site, it was just a handy place to put the info.

I am Director of a small registrar, and as I say domains aren't our core business, but we still remain a business in the sector and so I hope I can bring a different perspective to the Board. I want to engage with members and understand the frustrations and issues, but I do also understand how a board works and some of the limitations.

I can’t walk into a board meeting and demand changes, and nor would I want to - being a part of a board is about getting things done at a strategic high level, and I appreciate this method doesn’t sit well with everyone, and some people feel the role is pointless. I get that; I don't agree.

I hope I do bring something different to the board and I’ve tried to outline it, but I’m surprised with how many personal comments I've read, rather than comments around the role, saying I’m a puppet, a Nominet monkey, passive aggressive, and paying lip service. But that's opinions, they're like... everyone's got one. You get the gist.

There’s mention of money - I think the role demands more than 30 days and I’d want to give it more time than that anyway, learning, prepping and engaging are more than the travelling to and attending board meetings. Like being a business owner, I don’t think you fully switch off as a board member. Sure I might pay a few bills if I got elected, but that’s really not a factor for standing, and it shouldn’t be a driver for anyone wanting to stand.

The ‘ordinary user’ concept is an interesting one, the normal internet consumers. I’m not sure there’s an awareness of the backbone of .uk and how it works, and I think interest would be limited, so long as people can get on the sites they want, safely and without spam, they're quite happy that the internet is doing what it needs to for them.

People not voting isn’t going to solve anything, more likely let Nominet evolve in the way you’re determined you don’t want it to go (or believe it’s gone already).

Nominet is a membership organisation and engagement is at its heart. I know some members are disgruntled but I really hope voting for a small member NED candidate like me might go some way to making a change.

I know there’s plenty of people hoping I’ll make rallying statements about sweeping changes, but just rest assured I’m not a yes man, I’m more than happy to speak my mind, and engage both as a member, and with members, as much as I can.

Apologies if I’ve posted inappropriately, I’ll happily move the thread. Thanks for the supportive words, of course, nice to read and I hope to do you proud should I get the votes. Have a great weekend.

 

[martin-s]

I can’t walk into a board meeting and demand changes, and nor would I want to - being a part of a board is about getting things done at a strategic high level, and I appreciate this method doesn’t sit well with everyone, and some people feel the role is pointless. I get that; I don't agree.

Please ensure you understand the legal obligations of an NED @Anne Taylor - the role is very specifically to provide "independent oversight and constructive challenge" to the executive directors.

https://www.iod.com/services/inform...What-is-the-role-of-the-NonExecutive-Director

 

[Anne Taylor]

Well I would expect there to be an internal process for reporting such events (this may differ depending on the seniority of the staff member involved), so I would follow this process but keep a close eye on it's progress and outcome. If I felt that the outcome had not fully taken the facts into account and I didn't feel there was any way to progress this further using the internal systems and various boards then yes I would report these to the relevant external oversights. Bypassing the various procedures and reporting to the authorities before going through the due process can be time wasting for the already stretched resources of the respective bodies, but rest assured I would expect such an issue to be dealt with correctly and be transparent and would do my best to ensure it is.

 

[domainscot]

Good luck with it Anne wishing you all best.

One of the questions I would like to see asked if Nominet runs the UK name space and represents the UK as in United Kingdom then why does it have a office in the USA. When it fails to have a office in Scotland. How many people does it employ in England compared to the rest of the UK. Nominet does not represent the UK name space as it shows a complete lack care and attention to the other parts of the United Kingdom by not investing in running office in those areas but can run a office in USA. would you like to tell me how Nominet should be allowed to continue with its anti Scottish Stand. dont tell me that one board members was Scottish. I would like Nominet to stop being South of England quango and represent the .UK name space as it should do.

 

[lazarus]

And spending millions abroad on vanity/charity projects. Have you seen the obscene salaries some of the board are on? not mid.. but high £xxx,xxx. why should these people get paid 4 - 5 times more than a Prime Minister?