Re: [Diversity] Participation in active IETF work

[Dave Crocker <[e-mail]>]

On 4/26/2016 3:50 AM, Pranesh Prakash wrote:
> Dave Crocker <[e-mail]> [2016-04-19 06:40:27 -0700]:
>> If the IETF did most or all of its work at face to face meetings, your
>> assessment would be correct.  But it doesn't.  Or at least, it is not
>> supposed to.
>
> It would be great if the theory could be put to the test by cancelling
> all IETF meetings for two years and seeing if that impacts IETF work.
>
> If IETF work would hardly be affected, then yes, the theory holds.  If
> that is not true, perhaps it is time we revised the theory?


That does not test the theory, since the theory is about 'most', not 
'all'.  The real test is to peruse existing working group mailing lists 
and compare the extent of substantive work done there, compared against 
the ground covered during the working group's face to face meetings.

There has always been need of face to face meetings, to augment the work 
on the mailing list.  It permits far more efficient exchanges for 
exploring and resolving barriers to progress.  It also facilitates 
cross-communication among different efforts, albeit informally.

The question is about balance, not about eliminating any one form of 
meeting.

d/

d/

-- 

   Dave Crocker
   Brandenburg InternetWorking
   bbiw.net