1. Resolving Deadlocks in Comment Resolution
May 2016
doc.: IEEE /0712r0
May 2016
Resolving Deadlocks in Comment Resolution
Date:
Authors:
Marc Emmelmann, SELF
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

2. May 2016
doc.: IEEE /0712r0
May 2016
Abstract
The submission presents procedural means on how to procedurally address the potential deadlocks in the TGai CRC comment resolution process.
This submission as been reviewed by the Chair.
Marc Emmelmann, SELF
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

3. Comment resolution in Sponsor Ballot
May 2016
Comment resolution in Sponsor Ballot
TGai is in Sponsor Ballot
Responding to comments (comment resolution) is conducted by the Comment Resolution Committee (CRC)
The CRC
Should consider to reduce the number of no-voters in the voter pool
Has to respond (i.e., address) all comments
Should aim at completing a ballot with a draft of high quality that meets the approval of most (>75%, typically 95%) of its voters in a timely fashion (1)
Note the tension – frequently cannot satisfy all the commenters and complete in a timely fashion (1)
The CRC is formed by the sponsor
Paul Nikolich as 802 Chair delegates this responsibility to the Chair, i.e. Adrian Stephens.
In general, the Chair appoints all voting member to be in the CRC and assigns the task group chairs to lead the CRC
(1) Adrian Stephens: Comment Resolution Tutorial, 11-13/230r2.
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

4. Controversial topics in TGai sponsor ballot comment resolution
May 2016
Controversial topics in TGai sponsor ballot comment resolution
Topics that did not find a majority for providing a technical comment resolution:
Security (use of AES-GCM vs. AES-SIV)
State machine (adding additional “state 5”)
Motions to approve comment resolutions for above topics failed, see (1) and (2)
See motion #331 in 11-13/1186r40
See motion #332 in 11-13/1186r40
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

5. Way forward – Find consensus
May 2016
Way forward – Find consensus
Find consensus during the session
Cannot consider the same motion in the same session (which is the week of a face-to-face meeting or one “meeting” of the CRC either in person or as a telco)
new motion has to be substantially different;
Procedural decision by the Chair
A motion on a new proposal that reflects consensus could be such a substantially different motion; e.g., one possible consensus solution is to have multiple mechanisms.
A motion to approve a response stating that the CRC could not agree on any (other) resolution could also such a substantially different motion.
Finding consensus, i.e., >75% support, is the preferred way forward
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

6. Way forward – Increase probability that all CRC members attend
May 2016
Way forward – Increase probability that all CRC members attend
Assure that more members of the CRC get involved in the discussion
Continue at each upcoming CRC session (i.e., at each telephone conference) to obtain a majority for a comment resolution
If deadlock remains, schedule a presentation slot for a plenary at the upcoming face-to-face meeting
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

7. Way forward – Agree to disagree
May 2016
Way forward – Agree to disagree
Rejected. The CRC could not reach consensus on the changes necessary to address the comment this comment.
Formally a procedural rejection (1)
Context: The TG cannot reach a consensus on any other resolution.
The CRC has considered one or more other resolutions that attempt to satisfy the comment, but no such resolution has received 75% approval.
It should be recorded in the minutes what other resolution(s) have been considered, together with the results of any straw polls or motions on those alternative solutions so that the commenter can understand that this solution was used after due diligence to satisfy the comment.
Such a statement of fact about the process could be viewed as procedural because it has no element of technical judgment in it.
(1) Adrian Stephens: Comment Resolution Tutorial, 11-13/230r2.
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

8. Next Steps of TGai CRC during this face-to-face meeting
May 2016
Next Steps of TGai CRC during this face-to-face meeting
Ask if there are any potential comment resolutions for the two controversial topics
Has progress on a joint / harmonized resolution been achieved
If consensus could not be achieved, discuss if procedural rejection of comments should be considered.
Related to TGai timeline in general
Impact on ordering of amendments (order of 11ah and 11ai)
Check at each of the following TGai slots this week if there are new comment resolutions to review
Announce on the reflector that the topics including any potential motions – if applicable – will be revisited on Thursday AM2.
Marc Emmelmann, SELF

9. May 2016
References
Marc Emmelmann, SELF