Bob Braden wrote: > Mark Adam wrote: >> Ok... So I'm being a little idealistic, but this is different that just >> saying "Me too" to the "We ain't makin' widgets" responses. Optimally we >> should judge the work of a WG based on how well its output is accepted by >> the world at large, but that's a little late in the process. > I think this leaves out a very, very important issue -- when you make > the judgment. A successful IETF output is one that continues to be > relevant and useful for a long time, and that enables the continued > flexibility and adaptability of the Internet to the requirements 10 > years down the road. We got where we are today by taking a long > view... we need to push back against those who would let short-term > optimizations produce long-term ossification. I agree, however I wonder if that is still possible now, in this time where short-term imperatives dominate decision making (particularly where networking technology is concerned). The IETF was born in a time when not only was it possible, it was encouraged to take the long-term view. --gregbo