June 10, 2000

Clearly this needs to go to the full EC immediately, marked confidential,

for discussion next Thursday. I vote to do this. I see no need to respond to

UF at this time.

This is certain to be a major item of discussion at the July General Council

meeting. It seems reasonable to provide the GC with the items David

suggests, with a clear indication that the materials and the ongoing

discussion must be kept strictly confidential, restricted to the GC only.

However, a decision to do this should come by valid vote of the full EC, and

not otherwise. Given the experience we have had with email discussions, I'm

not sure we can achieve a valid EC decision on this matter before our

conference call next Thursday.

Involving the GC in the discussion at this time will increase its complexity

considerably. This means considerably more attention and effort will be

required from EC members over the next few weeks; there will be more to

read, write, and probably the need for additional conference calls. I am not

in favor of involving the GC at this time unless every member of the EC is

able and willing to deal with the consequences in a timely manner.

In addition, we will need to be particularly sensitive to the deficiencies

of conducting discussions via email. In my opinion, this method is not a

substitute for formal in-person discussion, particularly when complex and

difficult matters are under consideration. Some are more experienced and

skilled at email communication than others. Charles Olivea does not have

email. Email debate sometimes leads to the illusion that a consensus has

been reached as a result of a full and fair discussion, when neither has

taken place.

In summary, involving the GC in this discussion is complex, presenting

matters of confidentiality, equity, energy, assessment, process etc. Much

more is involved than a few mouse clicks. Assuming we are all willing to pay

the price of this added complexity, I favor it, but not otherwise. In some

circumstances email increases efficiency, saving time and effort; in others

it does the reverse. The integrity of our process is primary, not the use of

particular communication tools.

Steve