Re: discussion style and respect

["Joel M. Halpern" <[e-mail]>]

If we have descended to the point that combative behavior is necessary 
in order to advance ideas here, then in my opinion we need to figure out 
a way to change that. Being willing to shout loudly and in other ways be 
rude ought not be a requirement for successfully advancing good ideas.

Yours,
Joel

On 6/10/15 4:40 PM, Michael StJohns wrote:
> In answering private mail on my posting on this topic, I came up with a
> half-baked theory that I decided should probably be shared with the list
> for comment.  The following is a quote from a private response I sent on
> this topic.
>
>     Side comment - my thoughts on behavior.  Almost every other
>     technical standards body in the world has voting at either the
>     individual, organization or country level with respect to whether or
>     not a particular element, thought, scheme or device gets
>     standardized. We do not.
>     Through "consensus", we include things that are strongly presented,
>     vigorously defended, said by people with gravitas applicable to the
>     technology[, technically good], and not shouted down.  It may be
>     that the style of interaction that you're complaining about is more
>     related to the "consensus" process than to any other element.   If
>     may be that if you want to change the confrontational style, you're
>     going to have to change the way things become standards.
>
> The above is proposed for discussion, not a strongly held belief on my
> part (as of yet).  But, it may be that "Standardization by combat" is
> what we're all about and that to change that would require changing the
> fundamentals for the IETF.
>
>
>
>
>