For people with unique skills or knowledge, $800/hr is not unusual.
So long as the rate is published ahead of time, you're not going to
get much argument. ("Yes, we know it's high. But we've already told
you how to download stuff yourself for free.")
Please note : out of pocket expenses (if someone has to travel to a
hearing, say) would be reimbursed, but
IETF volunteers will not be paid from these fees.
If you know, how often have people been deposed on behalf of the
IETF, and how long does it typically take?
My thought is that in a depo or trial, the other side pays both for the
expenses and the time of the person being deposed, so it would be good
idea to say up front here's what it'll cost if you want a live witness.
Regards,
John Levine, johnl@xxxxxxxxx, Taughannock Networks, Trumansburg NY
"I dropped the toothpaste", said Tom, crestfallenly.