IW3C2 Membership and Governance Structure
The International Working Group on the World Wide Web (IW3C2) maintains a structured membership system designed to ensure the continued growth and stability of the World Wide Web community. By integrating recognized experts, conference organizers, and dedicated officers, the organization ensures a balanced approach to its governance and strategic direction.
Key Facts
- Ordinary members serve three-year terms and represent themselves.
- Ex officio members are tied to their roles as conference co-chairs.
- Officers are elected annually to manage the organization's operations.
- The organization was officially incorporated in May 1996.
Ordinary Membership
Ordinary members are the core of the IW3C2. These individuals are nominated based on their recognized contributions and standing within the WWW community. Unlike representatives of organizations, ordinary members represent themselves. They are elected during a general meeting for a term of three years.
To maintain a rotation of perspectives, members who have completed their term can only be re-elected after a minimum absence of one year.
Founding Members
At the time of official incorporation in May 1996, the founding members included a distinguished group of pioneers: Jean-François Abramatic, Tim Berners-Lee, Robert Cailliau, Dale Dougherty, Ira Goldstein, Joseph Hardin, Tim Krauskopf, Detlef Krömker, Corinne Moore, R. P. Channing Rodgers, Albert Vezza, and Stuart Weibel. Yuri Rubinsky was also recognized, though he passed away prior to the official incorporation.
Current Ordinary Members (as of April 2016)
The membership list as of April 2016 includes Robin Chen, Chin-Wan Chung, Allan Ellis, Wendy Hall (Chair), Ivan Herman, Arun Iyengar (Vice Chair), Irwin King, Yoelle Maarek, Luc Mariaux (Treasurer), and Daniel Schwabe (Vice-Chair).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Ex Officio Membership
Ex officio members—individuals who hold a position by virtue of their office—are selected from the immediate past and future general co-chairs of the WWW conferences. This ensures that the knowledge and logistical experience from conference organization are integrated into the IW3C2.
The term for an ex officio member expires exactly one year after the conclusion of the conference they organized. Notably, these members are eligible to be elected as ordinary members.
Current Ex Officio Affiliations (April 2016)
- WWW2016: Jacqueline Bourdeau and James Hendler
- WWW2017: Rick Barrett and Rick Cummings
- WWW2018: Laurent Flory and Fabien Gandon
Organizational Officers
The operational leadership of the IW3C2 is managed by its officers. This group consists of a chairperson, a vice-chair (who serves as the chairperson-elect), a secretary, a treasurer, and other specific appointees.
Officers are elected during a general meeting, which typically coincides with the annual WWW conference. While their terms last for one year, officers may be re-elected an indefinite number of times to provide leadership continuity.
Membership Summary Table
| Member Type | Selection Basis | Term Length | Re-election Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Member | Community Recognition | 3 Years | Requires 1-year absence |
| Ex Officio Member | Conference Co-Chair Role | 1 Year post-conference | Can become Ordinary Member |
| Officer | General Meeting Election | 1 Year | Indefinite re-election |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the term for an ordinary member of the IW3C2?
Ordinary members are elected for a period of three years during a general meeting.
Can an ordinary member be re-elected immediately after their term ends?
No, ordinary members must have at least one year of absence before they can be re-elected.
Who qualifies as an ex officio member?
Ex officio members are selected from the immediate past and future general co-chairs of the WWW conferences.
When are the IW3C2 officers elected?
Officers are elected during a general meeting, which usually takes place at the annual WWW conference.
Is there a limit to how many times an officer can be re-elected?
No, officers can be re-elected an indefinite number of times.