RIPE TLD-WG -- Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) -- September 1997 Aim Of The WG The aim of the TLD-WG is to initiate and enhance coordination of nTLDs within the RIPE geographical area. This increased coordination should lead to increased stability, effectiveness and uniformity of procedures within top level domain environs. Coordination will be done by means of discussion, consensus building regarding action points, and the monitoring of any actions carried out. Who Can Participate In The WG? In accordance with RIPE principles the WG is open to all parties administering nTLDs or wide area IP networks within the RIPE area, and those who have an interest in such matters. There is no formal membership of RIPE or of the TLD-WG. Specifically it is desired that all RIPE area nTLD administrators actively participate in the WG. How To Participate In The WG The working group will communicate by means of an open mailing list <tld-wg at ripe.net>. This list is managed by majordomo at ripe.net. In addition the WG will physically meet three times a year at the RIPE meetings. These meetings will be open to all RIPE meeting attendees not just WG members. They will be chaired by the TLD-WG chair and minutes will be published on the RIPE NCC web site <http://www.ripe.net/>. NOTE: A list of RIPE area nTLDs can be found at Appendix A. Relationships With Key Organisations The WG needs to develop and/or maintain relationships with all key TLD related organisations. These include but are not limited to IANA, RIPE NCC, ITU, CORE, POC, PAB, and any pertinent governmental regulatory bodies. The exact form these relationships would take on are a discussion point for the WG. TLD Coordination Project Activity The WG should discuss, form, and direct a TLD coordination project. The location, size, and scope of the project is to be decided. The aims of this project would be to: - carry out the actions decided upon by the WG - act as a focus point for relational contacts - give regular updates of actions undertaken - give regular reports of developments in the TLD arena Policies Of The WG Here follows a framework of policies for the WG. Policy details can be found in the WG workplan. - To promote harmonization of registration policies and practices by publishing recommendations. - To give input to actions carried out by TLD coordination project. - To design a framework for physical representation of the WG to relevant organisations and at important TLD meetings. - To provide a forum for the sharing of experiences. - To promote the independence and stability of relevant organisations necessary to the stability of the root domain and of the DNS as a whole, and to look at ways to improve the present situation. - To clarify and harmonise RIPE area conflict settlement procedures. [End RIPE TLD-WG -- Draft Terms of Reference (TOR)] -------- Logged at Thu Sep 18 23:32:06 MET DST 1997 ---------