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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=FR link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-31aug11-en.htm">http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-31aug11-en.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td colspan=5 style='background:#003366;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:18.0pt;color:white'>Phase II of Public Comments Process Enhancements<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=4 rowspan=2 style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'>Comment Period Deadlines </span></b><b><sup><span style='font-size:14.5pt'>(*)</span></sup></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:#CC0000'>Important Information Links<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-enhancements-ii-31aug11-en.htm">Public Comment Box</a><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Open Date:</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td colspan=3 style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>31 August 2011<span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:public-comment-enhancements-ii@icann.org"><span lang=EN-US>To Submit Your Comments (Forum)</span></a><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Close Date:</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="14%" style='width:14.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><u><span lang=EN-US>Comments</span></u><span lang=EN-US>: 30 Sep 2011<br><u>Replies</u>: 15 Oct 2011<br>(see note in Section I)</span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="12%" style='width:12.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Time (UTC):</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="8%" style='width:8.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>23:59<span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="40%" style='width:40.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://forum.icann.org/lists/public-comment-enhancements-ii/">View Comments Submitted</a><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose</span></strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p><span lang=EN-US>ICANN Staff requests community feedback concerning </span><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/accountability/atrt-report-25jun11-en.pdf"><span lang=EN-US>implementation plans</span></a><span lang=EN-US> [PDF, 876 KB] for three specific Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT) recommendations (#15, 16, and 17) that affect the way ICANN publishes and manages Public Comments. These ATRT recommendations, which comprise Phase II of the Public Comments Improvement program, address:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><u><span lang=EN-US>Stratification</span></u><span lang=EN-US>: Categorize topics to assist the community understand the subject matter and inform a participation decision.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><u><span lang=EN-US>Prioritization</span></u><span lang=EN-US>: Assist community members in determining the importance or urgency of a solicitation by providing key information.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><u><span lang=EN-US>Comment/Reply Cycles</span></u><span lang=EN-US>: Structure the community's input process into an initial period for submitting new comments followed by a separate reply period during which community respondents would be able to address and rebut arguments raised in opposing parties' previous comments.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p><span lang=EN-US>A fourth area involving <u>Technical Forum Improvements</u> is also incorporated into this solicitation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN-US>A Focus Group was organized in July 2011 to provide input concerning various implementation scenarios related to the topics mentioned above. The Focus Group held its deliberations in ICANN's Wiki environment from 20 July 2011 through 19 August 2011. A summary </span><a href="https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/17466351/Report+of+Public+Comment+Focus+Group+Feedback+%28FINAL%29.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1314282891698"><span lang=EN-US>report</span></a><span lang=EN-US> [PDF, 162 KB] of the group's activities has been prepared and the Wiki space in which the Focus Group worked is accessible for viewing at: </span><a href="https://community.icann.org/x/74MKAQ"><span lang=EN-US>https://community.icann.org/x/74MKAQ</span></a><span lang=EN-US>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN-US>The attached </span><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comments-process-enhancements-phase-ii-31aug11-en.pdf"><span lang=EN-US>report</span></a><span lang=EN-US> [PDF, 148 KB] addresses the four enhancement areas each in a separate section that incorporates Staff implementation recommendations, Focus Group input where applicable, and additional questions to stimulate community feedback concerning these processes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><em><u><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Note</span></u></em><em><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>: As an initial test of this concept, the comment forum on this paper will introduce a Reply Cycle. At the conclusion of the initial comment period (30 September) and assuming that on-topic submissions have been received, the comment period will be extended for an additional 15 days (15 October). During this extension, contributors are asked to address any additional submissions to previously posted comments. For each such reply, it will be helpful to everyone for the contributor to cite the original poster's name, comment date, and any particular text that is pertinent. At the conclusion of the full comment period, ICANN plans to seek feedback concerning the process and what changes or enhancements might make it more useful and productive. A consolidated report of the forum submissions will incorporate both the initial comment and subsequent reply periods.</span></em><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Section II: Background</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p><span lang=EN-US>The Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT) submitted a report to the ICANN Board on 31 December 2010 containing 27 recommendations, three of which (#15, 16, and 17) address improvements concerning how Public Comments are announced, published, and managed. At its 24 June 2011 meeting, ICANN Board accepted the implementation plans developed by ICANN Staff regarding these recommendations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN-US>These plans were organized into two major phases based upon complexity and the ability to effectuate short-term improvements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN-US>A set of Phase I activities was implemented effective 30 June 2011. In that first phase, Staff completely redesigned web pages, added new navigation menus, streamlined Announcement and Public Comment Box formats, and introduced an "Upcoming Topics" feature. Staff also created internal document templates to facilitate publication and ensure presentation consistency. We also added new standardized data fields across all solicitations (e.g., Originating Organization, Purpose, Current Status, Next Steps) and clarified opening and closing dates and times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span lang=EN-US>Phase II of this initiative addresses enhancements involving: Stratification, Prioritization, Comment/Reply Cycles, and Technical Forum Improvements. Please see the attached </span><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comments-process-enhancements-phase-ii-31aug11-en.pdf"><span lang=EN-US>report</span></a><span lang=EN-US> [PDF, 148 KB] for further information on each of these improvement areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Section III: Document and Resource Links</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p><span lang=EN-US>The following documents and reference links are provided to assist community members in contributing to this solicitation:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comments-process-enhancements-phase-ii-31aug11-en.pdf">Main Report: Public Comments Proposed Process Enhancements-Phase II</a> [PDF, 148 KB]<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><a href="http://www.icann.org/en/accountability/atrt-report-25jun11-en.pdf"><span lang=EN-US>Board Action on, and Implementation of, the Accountability & Transparency Review Team Final Report June 2011</span></a> <span lang=EN-US>[PDF, 876 KB]<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><a href="https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/17466351/Report+of+Public+Comment+Focus+Group+Feedback+%28FINAL%29.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1314282891698"><span lang=EN-US>Public Comment Focus Group Report</span></a><span lang=EN-US> [PDF, 162 KB]<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><a href="https://community.icann.org/x/74MKAQ"><span lang=EN-US>Public Comment Focus Group Wiki Forum</span></a><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Section IV: Additional Information</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan=5 valign=top style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>None<span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width="15%" valign=top style='width:15.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Staff Contact:</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="45%" colspan=2 valign=top style='width:45.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Filiz Yilmaz<span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="5%" valign=top style='width:5.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Email:</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="35%" valign=top style='width:35.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:participate@icann.org?subject=More%20information%20on%20Phase%20II%20of%20Public%20Comments%20Process%20Enhancements%20public%20comment%20period">participate@icann.org</a><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Glen de Saint Géry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>GNSO Secretariat<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>gnso.secretariat@gnso.icann.org<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>http://gnso.icann.org<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>