> This is something I have discussed with several people > and every one seems to agree. > > The current registration fee of $575 is outrageously > high. Even though IETF claims to be an open forum with > no membership fee - you need $575*3=$1725 per year for > registration fee alone for attending IETF sessions. > This is effectively the membership fee for IETF. Sorry > - not everyone can plan ten days in advance to get > $125 reduction in fee. Just try to run a small > consulting business or work for a 20 person start up - > you would know what I mean. > ... bonney - setting aside, for now, the unstated assumption of your message that meetings are where the real work gets done, perhaps a starting point would be to start by asking what the money gets spent on. maybe 575 is high, maybe it is low, maybe it is just right. looking at a balance sheet would provide a basis for a reasoned discussion as to whether the fees are reasonable, outrageous, or a bargain... /mtr