Shouldn't this group try to set an example of complying with ICANN Bylaws? The Bylaws require that "ICANN and its constituent bodies shall operate to the maximum extent feasible in an open and transparent manner". The *only* criteria is whether transparency is "feasible". Whether you (or anyone else) thinks it would be advantageous or convenient or result in better decisions to hold a closed meeting is irrelevant. The underlying assumption that led to this rule, presumably, was that better decisions would be made in the open. But whatever the reasons, that's currently the rule. If you don't like it, propose a change in the Bylaws. In the meantime, if you want to be a "constituent body" of ICANN, set an example to all the other ICANN bodies that flout the Bylaws by holding secret meetings: Start operating in a fishbowl, as the Bylaws require. Best regards, Edward Hasbrouck http://hasbrouck.org/icann