Hi Dean and All,
 

Here are two case studies to illustrate how this works for both groups.

1)   From Randy Whitney:
 "There are also policy wonks out that are fully
capable of defining both broad problems and reasonable solutions not
requiring further, time-wasting debate."

Step 1 - Policy wonk has an idea
Step 2 - Policy wonk has a problem statement
Step 3 - Policy wonk places this in the policy proposal
Step 4 - Policy wonk has a solution
Step 5 - Policy wonk places this in the policy proposal
Step 6 - Policy wonk assesses impact
Step 7 - Policy wonk places this in the policy proposal
Step 8 - Policy wonk submits to the Policy-SIG for assessment.


Who is going to define the "Policy Wonker"? Who ever faces a problem always consider it as global problem and always try to propose something to help the community with the best possible solution according to him/her.

Its a clear escape clause and my reservation is that the moment you leave a clause which gives you option to take a short cut well people will always take a short cut. Escape clause should only remain for the Global Policies and let Policy Sig Chairs decide that not the wonker.

 
2)  Alternate:
Step 1 - Author has an idea
Step 2 - Author does not have a well defined problem statement, but
through posts to the mailing list one is developed which the Author is
happy with.
Step 3 - Author places this in the policy proposal
Step 4 - Author works with the community on the mailing list to
develop possible solutions.  One is developed that they are happy
with.
Step 5 - Author places this in the policy proposal
Step 6 - Author works with APNIC secretariat and the community to
assess policy impact
Step 7 - Author places this in the policy proposal
Step 8 - Author submits to the Policy-SIG for assessment.

So as you can see, both solutions are catered for.
You can take the fast track, you can take the track with more
community consultation.

Step 1 and Step 2 can be merged, because anyone can come up with a problem statement rather just an idea but shouldn't directly propose a policy.

PDP is a community engagement process, this option gives more engagement among the members. We all know that only handful of people participate in PDP so keep it more open so more and more can participate.

Regards,

Aftab A. Siddiqui