LegalXML MS Steering Committee

Good Day All, My apologies for no response on the last message. I suppose I've become a little frustrated as LegalXML has communicated via email a number of times on topics related to our status. It really feels as though we are not being heard, or perhaps simply ignored. There were significant issues related to the merger of the two sections, as I recall, which made the decision fairly easy for the LegalXML section at that time. We realized we had a strong desire to continue on our own path. I do not recall all the details that allowed us to arrive at that decision. Perhaps things would be different if another discussion occurred today. That said, the LegalXML SC has laid out a path to try and generate more activity within the member section, to generate more TC's, etc... and we've reiterated those plans as recently as April 27, 2011 via email to many of those included on this email. The LegalXML SC has not met recently due to scheduling conflicts, many of which are directly related to my inability to participate. I've expressed to the other SC members via email that I have been giving strong consideration to stepping down as the SC chair. In recent months, the time and travel I must commit to my companies far exceed a 40 hour work week and I simply don't have additional time to give to OASIS right now. I don't anticipate this will change anytime soon. I do enjoy working with the LegalXML SC so I've been trying to figure out a way to make this work, but at this time I just don't see that occurring. As I write this, and having given this some thought over the past couple of weeks, I suppose I'll go ahead and take this opportunity to inform those included on this email, as well as the members of the LegalXML SC (which I've added as a CC) that I am no longer able to commit the time necessary to effectively serve as the LegalXML Steering Committee Chair, and would like to step down from that position. That said, I would like to continue to be an OASIS member and participate on the ECF TC and will do so as much as I can in the coming weeks and months. I have no idea where this leaves OASIS and the LegalXML member section in terms of it's status, as I do fear others in the member section may not have the time to fill the SC chair post either. I hope, however, that LegalXML can continue as its own member section. As for the eNotary TC, they had informed the SC over a year ago that they had planned to end their work, and have effectively done so. This is not news to the SC, and has been reflected in past minutes. We do not expect any further activity from the eNotary TC. In terms of how the LegalXML SC plans to continue forward, I think the other steering committee members would agree with me in asking for patience from OASIS leadership and the Board, and that you again refer to our previous communications regarding plans to pursue and form new TCs. I think you'll see that there is significant work to be done on worthwhile efforts in the LegalXML arena. Hopefully this email answers most of your questions, even though it has regrettably prompted me to make my decision to step down as the LegalXML chair a formal one. If there is anything else I need to do in this regard, please let me know. Thanks so much, --  George W. Knecht PC Intellect LLC 602.380.8049 On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM, Laurent M Liscia < laurent.liscia@oasis-open.org > wrote: Hello again dear George (and John), This is my third communication on the topic below, and I'm curious as to why we have had no response from LegalXML. My assumption is that there is no interest on the LegalXML Steering Committee's part to merge with eGov. Can you please let us know either way by return email? We are pleased to see that ECF TC met on June 14 and produced useful meeting notes. I'm seeing the following paragraph: " Budget Requests The Steering Committee has not met for the last 2 months.   If we need to request funds for CTC and/or training outreach, we may need to request a special meeting of the SC." There is still a concern on the Board of Directors that no spending plan has been put forward by the Steering Committee yet. I'm also noting that the e-notarization TC has not met in a year. I'd be delighted if you could share your thoughts with us on the way forward. Thanks in advance for any insights you might provide. -- Laurent Liscia, Executive Director OASIS: Advancing open standards for the information society +1.781.425.5073, extension 201 Take a tour of OASIS at: http://www.oasis-open.org/home/tour.php On 5/19/2011 7:09 AM, Laurent M Liscia wrote: Dear George and John, I was revisiting my LegalXML/eGov merger notes, and I saw that there were several obstacles that brought the conversation to a halt: - one thought was that it was unclear how the two entities would be stronger together; especially when it came down to the programmatic aspects: who would get to decide - another issue was the structure of the newly-formed Steering Committee - what would it look like? Who would be on it? - a final issue had to do with re-allocation of funds after the merger Do we still feel that these issues are in the way? Turning specifically to George: is this worth another conversation? John has indicated that he is open to having it. Of course, if the aforementioned obstacles loom too large, I have no desire to waste anyone's time. I am motivated by the desire to see LegalXML continue its work with renewed energy, perhaps in a larger context, and dispel the serious doubts expressed by the Board over the past few weeks. Please let me know how to proceed.

George,   I am sorry to see you step down but I understand how other commitments can conspire to make it difficult to find time for your volunteer activities such as OASIS.   I am hopeful that either Robert O’Brien or Monica Palmirani will step up to lead the LegalXML Steering Committee at least until the next face-to-face meeting of the ECF TC in October when we will be discussing the future of the TC and by which time we are hoping to have an approved OASIS standard. I’m not sure what my role is or should be in supporting the Steering Committee in the interim, but I’m willing to help.   Jim Cabral MTG Management Consultants, L.L.C. www.mtgmc.com (206) 442-5010 Phone (502) 509-4532 Mobile   Helping our clients make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.   The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material.  If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.   From: George W. Knecht [mailto:george@pcintellect.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 5:40 PM To: laurent.liscia@oasis-open.org Cc: peter@peterfbrown.com; John Borras; Jim Hughes (LCA); Scott McGrath; Dee Schur; legalxml-sc@lists.oasis-open.org; James E Cabral Subject: Re: Revisiting my merger notes   Good Day All,   My apologies for no response on the last message. I suppose I've become a little frustrated as LegalXML has communicated via email a number of times on topics related to our status. It really feels as though we are not being heard, or perhaps simply ignored. There were significant issues related to the merger of the two sections, as I recall, which made the decision fairly easy for the LegalXML section at that time. We realized we had a strong desire to continue on our own path. I do not recall all the details that allowed us to arrive at that decision. Perhaps things would be different if another discussion occurred today. That said, the LegalXML SC has laid out a path to try and generate more activity within the member section, to generate more TC's, etc... and we've reiterated those plans as recently as April 27, 2011 via email to many of those included on this email.   The LegalXML SC has not met recently due to scheduling conflicts, many of which are directly related to my inability to participate. I've expressed to the other SC members via email that I have been giving strong consideration to stepping down as the SC chair. In recent months, the time and travel I must commit to my companies far exceed a 40 hour work week and I simply don't have additional time to give to OASIS right now. I don't anticipate this will change anytime soon. I do enjoy working with the LegalXML SC so I've been trying to figure out a way to make this work, but at this time I just don't see that occurring.   As I write this, and having given this some thought over the past couple of weeks, I suppose I'll go ahead and take this opportunity to inform those included on this email, as well as the members of the LegalXML SC (which I've added as a CC) that I am no longer able to commit the time necessary to effectively serve as the LegalXML Steering Committee Chair, and would like to step down from that position. That said, I would like to continue to be an OASIS member and participate on the ECF TC and will do so as much as I can in the coming weeks and months.   I have no idea where this leaves OASIS and the LegalXML member section in terms of it's status, as I do fear others in the member section may not have the time to fill the SC chair post either. I hope, however, that LegalXML can continue as its own member section.   As for the eNotary TC, they had informed the SC over a year ago that they had planned to end their work, and have effectively done so. This is not news to the SC, and has been reflected in past minutes. We do not expect any further activity from the eNotary TC.   In terms of how the LegalXML SC plans to continue forward, I think the other steering committee members would agree with me in asking for patience from OASIS leadership and the Board, and that you again refer to our previous communications regarding plans to pursue and form new TCs. I think you'll see that there is significant work to be done on worthwhile efforts in the LegalXML arena.   Hopefully this email answers most of your questions, even though it has regrettably prompted me to make my decision to step down as the LegalXML chair a formal one. If there is anything else I need to do in this regard, please let me know.   Thanks so much,   --  George W. Knecht PC Intellect LLC 602.380.8049             On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM, Laurent M Liscia < laurent.liscia@oasis-open.org > wrote: Hello again dear George (and John), This is my third communication on the topic below, and I'm curious as to why we have had no response from LegalXML. My assumption is that there is no interest on the LegalXML Steering Committee's part to merge with eGov. Can you please let us know either way by return email? We are pleased to see that ECF TC met on June 14 and produced useful meeting notes. I'm seeing the following paragraph: " Budget Requests The Steering Committee has not met for the last 2 months.  If we need to request funds for CTC and/or training outreach, we may need to request a special meeting of the SC." There is still a concern on the Board of Directors that no spending plan has been put forward by the Steering Committee yet. I'm also noting that the e-notarization TC has not met in a year. I'd be delighted if you could share your thoughts with us on the way forward. Thanks in advance for any insights you might provide.     -- Laurent Liscia, Executive Director OASIS: Advancing open standards for the information society +1.781.425.5073, extension 201   Take a tour of OASIS at: http://www.oasis-open.org/home/tour.php           On 5/19/2011 7:09 AM, Laurent M Liscia wrote: Dear George and John, I was revisiting my LegalXML/eGov merger notes, and I saw that there were several obstacles that brought the conversation to a halt: - one thought was that it was unclear how the two entities would be stronger together; especially when it came down to the programmatic aspects: who would get to decide - another issue was the structure of the newly-formed Steering Committee - what would it look like? Who would be on it? - a final issue had to do with re-allocation of funds after the merger Do we still feel that these issues are in the way? Turning specifically to George: is this worth another conversation? John has indicated that he is open to having it. Of course, if the aforementioned obstacles loom too large, I have no desire to waste anyone's time. I am motivated by the desire to see LegalXML continue its work with renewed energy, perhaps in a larger context, and dispel the serious doubts expressed by the Board over the past few weeks. Please let me know how to proceed.

Dear George, I'm sorry to hear you are stepping down from this position. Please know that we fully understand what a commitment the chairmanship represents, and that we are quite grateful for the great work you've put in over the years. In fact, that is the sub-text of this discussion: a Member Section adds much work to the TC structure. TCs do not require a Member Section to continue their existence - that's the good news. The less exciting news is that there will need to be a special election in LegalXML, and the new Steering Committee, if one emerges, will have to decide how the MS proceeds. Scott and Dee will facilitate this process, as always. I'm truly sorry you did not feel heard in the past few weeks. We faithfully relayed your plans to the Board, but the Directors continue to require reassurance as to the viability of the MS and the logic underpinning its  budget (not the TCs, to be clear) , and that will be the challenge of the new leadership. I'm delighted to hear that you will remain active in the affiliated TCs. We treasure your participation. Thanks again for your thoughtful note. -- Laurent Liscia, Executive Director OASIS: Advancing open standards for the information society +1.781.425.5073, extension 201 Take a tour of OASIS at: http://www.oasis-open.org/home/tour.php On 6/21/2011 2:40 PM, George W. Knecht wrote: BANLkTin19wezgdir66Dq2PNbhPfE2nWiVA@mail.gmail.com type= cite >Good Day All, My apologies for no response on the last message. I suppose I've become a little frustrated as LegalXML has communicated via email a number of times on topics related to our status. It really feels as though we are not being heard, or perhaps simply ignored. There were significant issues related to the merger of the two sections, as I recall, which made the decision fairly easy for the LegalXML section at that time. We realized we had a strong desire to continue on our own path. I do not recall all the details that allowed us to arrive at that decision. Perhaps things would be different if another discussion occurred today. That said, the LegalXML SC has laid out a path to try and generate more activity within the member section, to generate more TC's, etc... and we've reiterated those plans as recently as April 27, 2011 via email to many of those included on this email. The LegalXML SC has not met recently due to scheduling conflicts, many of which are directly related to my inability to participate. I've expressed to the other SC members via email that I have been giving strong consideration to stepping down as the SC chair. In recent months, the time and travel I must commit to my companies far exceed a 40 hour work week and I simply don't have additional time to give to OASIS right now. I don't anticipate this will change anytime soon. I do enjoy working with the LegalXML SC so I've been trying to figure out a way to make this work, but at this time I just don't see that occurring. As I write this, and having given this some thought over the past couple of weeks, I suppose I'll go ahead and take this opportunity to inform those included on this email, as well as the members of the LegalXML SC (which I've added as a CC) that I am no longer able to commit the time necessary to effectively serve as the LegalXML Steering Committee Chair, and would like to step down from that position. That said, I would like to continue to be an OASIS member and participate on the ECF TC and will do so as much as I can in the coming weeks and months. I have no idea where this leaves OASIS and the LegalXML member section in terms of it's status, as I do fear others in the member section may not have the time to fill the SC chair post either. I hope, however, that LegalXML can continue as its own member section. As for the eNotary TC, they had informed the SC over a year ago that they had planned to end their work, and have effectively done so. This is not news to the SC, and has been reflected in past minutes. We do not expect any further activity from the eNotary TC. In terms of how the LegalXML SC plans to continue forward, I think the other steering committee members would agree with me in asking for patience from OASIS leadership and the Board, and that you again refer to our previous communications regarding plans to pursue and form new TCs. I think you'll see that there is significant work to be done on worthwhile efforts in the LegalXML arena. Hopefully this email answers most of your questions, even though it has regrettably prompted me to make my decision to step down as the LegalXML chair a formal one. If there is anything else I need to do in this regard, please let me know. Thanks so much, --  George W. Knecht PC Intellect LLC 602.380.8049 On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM, Laurent M Liscia < laurent.liscia@oasis-open.org > wrote: Hello again dear George (and John), This is my third communication on the topic below, and I'm curious as to why we have had no response from LegalXML. My assumption is that there is no interest on the LegalXML Steering Committee's part to merge with eGov. Can you please let us know either way by return email? We are pleased to see that ECF TC met on June 14 and produced useful meeting notes. I'm seeing the following paragraph: Budget Requests The Steering Committee has not met for the last 2 months.   If we need to request funds for CTC and/or training outreach, we may need to request a special meeting of the SC. There is still a concern on the Board of Directors that no spending plan has been put forward by the Steering Committee yet. I'm also noting that the e-notarization TC has not met in a year. I'd be delighted if you could share your thoughts with us on the way forward. Thanks in advance for any insights you might provide. -- Laurent Liscia, Executive Director OASIS: Advancing open standards for the information society +1.781.425.5073, extension 201 Take a tour of OASIS at: http://www.oasis-open.org/home/tour.php On 5/19/2011 7:09 AM, Laurent M Liscia wrote: Dear George and John, I was revisiting my LegalXML/eGov merger notes, and I saw that there were several obstacles that brought the conversation to a halt: - one thought was that it was unclear how the two entities would be stronger together; especially when it came down to the programmatic aspects: who would get to decide - another issue was the structure of the newly-formed Steering Committee - what would it look like? Who would be on it? - a final issue had to do with re-allocation of funds after the merger Do we still feel that these issues are in the way? Turning specifically to George: is this worth another conversation? John has indicated that he is open to having it. Of course, if the aforementioned obstacles loom too large, I have no desire to waste anyone's time. I am motivated by the desire to see LegalXML continue its work with renewed energy, perhaps in a larger context, and dispel the serious doubts expressed by the Board over the past few weeks. Please let me know how to proceed.