Re: IETF funding needs (Was: Re: IETF Endowment update)

[<[e-mail]>]

> And it was just a couple of days ago when


>I had a discussion with several IETFers about the effect of
>our meeting fees on, say, our academic or open source
>participant’s ability to attend. *We* all fund the IETF. If
>that money flow ever changes direction I feel that the
>comparison to some other situations would be more
>appropriate, but now it is not.

>So — I do welcome funding, for it allows us to run our
>normal things like the RFC Editor service — as even the
>normal things require funding every year — or help turn on
>services that make virtual collaboration easier. And so
>on. 
I think that funding, how to get more funding, and what to do with it is one of the most important conversations that we could be having.
In the U.S., we often say that a child's chance of success depends on zip code.  What that implies is that where you live (which is often based on how much money you have) dictates the schools you go to, your safety, access to clean air, clean water, good libraries, art museums and on and on.  The cultural and social capital that comes with money often dictates the eventual success of the child.
This is not so dissimilar to what happens at the IETF.  If you work for an organization which will send you consistently to IETF (or you have access to adequate personal income) and if you can spend the time out of your work week that is required to participate remotely, then you can become involved and active.   IMHO, it is MUCH harder to be involved and to create the networks of contacts that are required to create thoughtful protocol standards without physical attendance.   I know that some have done it.  I am saying that for most it is much harder.  And, yes, some children manage to rise above the impacts of poverty as well.  Most don't.
For example, one thing that happens with face to face attendance is that conversations happen that shape and hone an idea or a perceived problem.  People will tell you, go talk to this group or that person.   They will give you a different perspective.  People will outright disagree with your solution.  This also is good feedback.  This kind of shaping of ideas will eventually lead to something - what that is may be a draft or a one line proposed change to an existing draft, who knows.  But, the very fact that you are here and having such discussions is important.  
My concern is with people who are not here and who maybe SHOULD be here both for their own growth and eventual contributions and for the perspective they can add to the conversations at the IETF which are so important.
Nalini