On Feb 6, 2008 1:29 PM, Edward Lewis <Ed.Lewis@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> At 8:37 -0800 2/6/08, $someone wrote:
>
> >The descriptions of the venue make clear that, once again, the IETF is meeting
> >in a ghetto. Periodic bus service doesn't counteract that.
>
> I really have a hard time being sympathetic to this complaint. If
> the purpose of the IETF is open discussion and cross-pollination,
> what does it matter where we are so long as there's comfortable
> access to the expertise needed? Is there an unwritten requirement
> that IETFs are placed to afford us sightseeing? To afford us access
> to restaurants?
I'd like to chime in and remind everyone of one of the basic
principles of the IETF in this regard, as well. Just yesterday I was
evangelizing the group to an individual from whom I think the
organization can benefit greatly, but who had little knowledge of the
group as a whole. Thus, I pointed him to the "Tao of the IETF"[1].
As directly-relevant to this issue, I think it's important to remember
that we *should not* limit conventions to "nice" areas. Safe, of
course, but we don't need to always spoil ourselves with full
amenities, golfing, water parks, casinos, and the like.
The points I refer to within the "Tao" are twofold. My apologies
for sounding preachy, as I know it will look to some like I'm quoting
scripture.
First, from Section 3:
"In many ways, the IETF runs on the beliefs of its
participants. One of the 'founding beliefs' is embodied in an early
quote about the IETF from David Clark: 'We reject kings, presidents
and voting. We believe in rough consensus and running code'.
"The IETF is really about its participants. Because of the
unrestrictive membership policies, IETF particpants come from all over
the world and from many different parts of the Internet industry."
To me, that says that we need the input of EVERYONE, not just
the select few who can afford to attend conferences in ritzy areas.
It also means that the conferences should (as they do) be held at
various locations around the world - including "ghetto"-like places.
Secondly, from 4.11:
"There are many people who have been very active in the IETF
who have never attended an IETF meeting."
The issue may not be money for a majority of the participants,
but why preclude those for whom it actually is? If we choose to hold
meetings only in places that offer entertainment and vacation-like
distractions, not only will the price likely be higher and more
out-of-reach for lower-income participants, but then it seems to me as
though we're getting out of the scope and goal of the gathering
itself: to teach, learn, and share ideas.... not to go on vacation
with geek buddies. ;-P
Bottom line: I think if we limit venues to places where generally
only the privileged congregate to spend money on food and wine, while
the largest complaint is having to walk a block to the hall, we're
outwardly stating that we don't value the talents of those who were
born into poverty - or who are even considered lower-middle-class.
If what goes on outside of the convention we're there to attend is
more important than what's inside those walls, I'd rather stay home.
"And that's all I have to say about that." - Forest Gump
--
</Dan>
Daniel P. Brown
Senior Unix Geek
<? while(1) { $me = $mind--; sleep(86400); } ?>
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