Hi Jared,
Maybe comedy isn't my strongest skill.
But to answer your question about the newcomer guide the answer would be no. I say no because in my particular case I just wanted to get a protocol assignment from IANA. I thought I had met all the requirements and would be on my merry way. Then suddenly I have to write a specification. What the heck do I know about writing specifications? Nothing, haha. Then I find out that not only do I have to write it, it has to be high quality too! haha. Then I have to know out the IPR policy, the appeals process, the mailing lists, updates vs obsoletes vs historicals, original intents, current best practices, datatracker navigation, rules for working groups vs rules for individuals, standards track or informational....all for what? a single approval.
An expert review or having to write a specification for me felt like sending a copy of your business plan to your competitors and asking for feedback.
As for the voting thing, everywhere I looked (including the newcomer stuff) I saw no voting at the IETF. I assumed that the IAB was a part of the IETF. To add to that confusion I had Murry telling me that the IESG does not vote either. Maybe new participants should get an organizational chart with MOU's attached.
Tim
