Hi Rafik,
She is trying to work on how to communicate and message better the several announcements and info we got in regular basis to avoid overload but also to reach better members. Sharing such video can be understood as possible source of information about the IANA stewardship transition same like the update made by ICANN staff I shared yesterday. I don't see any malign intention here.
For the record, malign intent was not alleged. It's the principle of staff members posting substantive content to the members list that I have difficulty with. If yourself or a member wants to share information or a link that's great. Editorial content, in that case, rests with the member. If an NCSG member posted the link, fantastic. Posting substantive editorial content, in this case a link to Fadi's best attempt at a fireside chat (sans fire), should not be a staff function.
This is an important issue. In accountability we often talk of ICANN's mission creep. Well, this issue highlights an important issue that is somewhat similar, that of the NCSG's independence from ICANN. I guess I would call it ICANN reliance creep.
Those who are new to the group might not be aware, but it was a big step for NCSG to accept the ICANN staff assistance that is now being provided. At the time, I was opposed to accepting it as were several members of far longer standing and greater stature than I. It was sold to us then as the support being provided being purely administrative in nature. That, indeed, was understandable and, although opposed in principle, I understood the rationale.
In my view this goes far beyond that. This is a staff member suggesting we take a look at a video made by her employer. This goes beyond administrative support and I submit ventures into areas that should be reserved for members. Is it a major issue in and of itself?: no, but it's another step on the slippery slope away from the independence this group has always prided itself on.