Hi I don't agree with discouraging people from expressing +1s to nominations. It doesn't even seem feasible, really. However, as someone who decided not to run, it is very intimidating the immense outpur of support for continuity, in opposition to the timid and localized expressions around new names. It wasn't my decisive factor but it is a factor now and I can't seem to think of it not being so in a foreseeable future. But, this intimidation to me has more to do with the roster of "usual suspects" always climbing up the ladders of ICANN leadership than an actual aversion to newcomers. Being new, not from an english speaking country, will always be harder. That is why diversity criteria addresses this and perhaps thinking about a leadership programme to NCs could make things better. Best, Renata