[Mmwg] IGF Input

[Avri Doria]

On 24 feb 2006, at 13.13, Milton Mueller wrote:

> The issue is whether the strucure is set up in a way that allows  
> independent groups to propose and form thematic units which are  
> then reacted to by the committee (approval, chairs, etc.) OR,  
> whether the committee itself makes all the decisions about what  
> thematic groups exist. And to what degree do those groups act  
> autonomously of the committee?

is it accepted by this group that the WG, or whatever they may be  
called, even if set up bottom-up need to be approved?

i think this is one of the essential differences between steering/ 
coordinating  and program committees.  program committees, to my  
mind, only define what is on this year's agenda, and don't define  
what is worked on in general. bureau/steering means deciding on the  
general nature and scope of work in general.  and i am not sure i  
understand what a coordinating committee does since most definitions  
i know usually remove any notion of management (deciding and  
discriminating between options) from the act of coordinating  
(facilitating, helping and enabling things to happen).

>
> I don't disagree with your point, but I think it is so subtle that  
> it stretches the capacity of people to understand what you are  
> talking about beyond the breaking point, especially Governmental  
> delegations who are used to the traditional modalities.

i think this is an important point.  i think a lot of the things we  
think are large topics get lost in the noise when talking to those  
who aren't steeped in the discussion and the jargon.

a.