Re: What I was trying to say in the plenary last week

[Geoff Huston <gih@telstra.net>]

Brian Carpenter suggests:

> publish the
>list of nominees that the NomCom is considering seriously, so that
>the entire community has the chance to comment (confidentially).
>This will have some unpleasant side-effects (more mail for NomCom to
>read, and no doubt some ad hominem attacks) but I think it will
>increase transparency to the point where lack of confidence in
>NomCom's judgement is much less likely.

There are some very serious risks in this approach. How can you
prevent the process becoming one of a pseudo popularity contest?
Would this be wise? The current process is structured to assist the
Nomcom to decide upon the best qualified individuals for each role,
not necessarily the mostpopular, but the best available. And such
an objective is entirely fit and proper within a culture that seeks
technical excellence in its outcomes.

Your message appears to follow the line of reasoning that, on the
assumption that the Nomcom is somehow untrustworthy, forcing the
process into a public parading of candidates will, somehow, correct 
this. I find the assumption somewhat difficult to understand
and the proposed solution one that will inevitably amplify divisions
within the IETF, rather than assist in supporting a common
endeavour.