Re: [secdir] SECDIR draft-secretaries-good-practices.06.txt

["Carlos Pignataro (cpignata)" <[e-mail]>]

Thank you very much, Chris!

Carlos.

On Jun 22, 2014, at 6:49 PM, Chris Lonvick <[e-mail]> wrote:

> Hi,
> I have reviewed this document as part of the security directorate's 
> ongoing effort to review all IETF documents being processed by the 
> IESG.  These comments were written primarily for the benefit of the 
> security area directors.  Document editors and WG chairs should treat 
> these comments just like any other last call comments.
> 
> Overall the document appears to be well written and thorough.  I 
> have one security related suggestion and some nits.
> 
> It appears that this document suggests that some Secretaries should 
> be given access to tools that are normally reserved for Chairs, such
> as maillist administration.  It would be prudent to note in the
> Security Considerations section that the Chairs know how to revoke 
> those privileges in case of problems.
> 
> The authors may wish to consider the following nits.  
> 
> The third line of the first paragraph of the Introduction is a bit confusing.
> current:
>    of RFC 2418 [1]). Over time, the WG Secretary role's has greatly
> suggested:
>    of RFC 2418 [1]).  Over time, the role of the WG Secretary has greatly
> 
> The last sentence of the second paragraph of the Introduction seems to run on for a bit.
> current:
>    In that regard, part or even all of the guidelines it
>    provides might not be relevant for the smaller WGs, the Chairs of
>    which do not need to delegate operational tasks as they handle them
>    by themselves.
> suggested:
>    In that regard, part or even all of the guidelines provided in this
>    document might not be relevant for the successful operation of
>    smaller WGs.  In those, the Chairs may not need to delegate 
>    operations tasks.
> 
> The last two sentences of second bullet in Section 3.1.1 could use some more explanation.
> current:
>    The call for discussion slots
>    should remind these policies as well as how should the requests be
>    formulated, together with a deadline for sending them.  The call would
>    also typically include information on when will the particular WG
>    session be held during the IETF meeting noting that the IETF agenda
>    is draft until being final.
> proposed:
>    The note sent by the Secretary should remind the WG members of the
>    policies, the formats of requests, and deadlines.  
> Note: I would just strike the last sentence as that seems to be better discussed in the 
> next bullet.
>    
> I'll suggest some rewording of "Proposing a WG session agenda"
> current:
>    Based on the collected discussion's slot requests, and depending on
>    the known preferences of the WG Chairs for the typical structure of
>    their WG sessions, or on the objectives Chairs have for a particular
>    WG session, and/or on his/her personal view, the Secretary could
>    propose to the Chairs a structured agenda for the upcoming WG
>    session. Following that, the WG Secretary could work with the Chairs
>    to finalise the agenda in view of publishing a first draft agenda.
> proposed:
>    While the decisions for the slot are to be made by the WG Chairs,
>    the Secretary can further aid them by proposing a session agenda
>    based upon his/her knowledge of the preference of the Chairs and
>    the topical work of the WG.  Following that, the WG Secretary could 
>    work with the Chairs to finalize the agenda.
>    
> I'll suggest some rewording of the third paragraph in Section 4.
> current:
>    Although typically a WG might only have one Secretary there is no
>    reason why two Secretaries might not be appointed. This might be to
>    help transition a new WG secretary into the role, before the previous
>    Secretary steps down, or simply to load balance the tasks across two
>    Secretaries. Reciprocally, a person may perfectly be Secretary of
>    multiple WGs. This primarily depends on his/her ability to deal with
>    the induced workload, noting nevertheless that synergies may be
>    realised in such a situation. In any case, this document does not
>    give a recommendation on what should be the appropriate value for the
>    "Secretary / WG" ratio.
> proposed:
>    Typically a WG may have a Secretary to cover the expected workload.
>    However, a WG may consider having multiple Secretaries if the 
>    workload is very excessive, or to provide an overlap of Secretaries 
>    to transition the role as one steps down.  There may also be other
>    reasons for multiple Secretaries that have not been recognized yet.
> 
>    Similar to individuals holding Chair roles in multiple WGs, there is
>    no known reason why individuals cannot hold Secretary roles in
>    multiple WGs, or that they may be a Chair of some WGs and Secretary of
>    other WGs.  This will depend on his/her ability to deal with the
>    workload, noting  that synergies may be realized in such situations.
>    
> A couple of minor things in the first paragraph of Section 5
> current:
>    Section 3 has listed the typical functions and responsibilities of WG
>    Secretaries. The role of a WG Secretary can range from a few of these
>    to the full spectrum of them, and even beyond. In that regard, there
>    is a number of additional WG related events to which the support of
>    the WG Secretary would be useful. Those for example include planning
>    and setting for WG interim meetings, design team meetings, etc.
>    Nevertheless, some tasks described herein apply to these contexts.
> proposed:
>    Section 3 has listed the typical functions and responsibilities of WG
>    Secretaries. The role of a WG Secretary can range from a few of these
>    to the full spectrum of them, and even beyond. In that regard, there
>    may be additional WG related events to which the support of
>    the WG Secretary would be useful; for example, planning WG interim 
>    meetings.
> 
> Best regards,
> Chris