I'd like to make sure that all of you are aware that
draft-kowack-rfc-editor-model-v2 was posted. Discussion
of it will take place on the rfc-interest(_at_)rfc-editor(_dot_)org
mail list. If you have an interest in the RFC Editor
model, please review the document and participate in the
discussion on that list.
Enjoy,
Russ
From: Glenn Kowack <glenn(_at_)riveronce(_dot_)com>
Date: October 26, 2010 12:31:26 PM PDT
To: RFC Interest <rfc-interest(_at_)rfc-editor(_dot_)org>
Subject: [rfc-i] Transitional RFC Editor recommendations published in
draft-kowack-rfc-editor-model-v2
The Transitional RFC Series Editor (TRSE) role was created to maintain series
continuity during 2010, and for the TRSE to learn the job through direct
experience. Based on that experience (I have been doing that role since
last March) I was to make recommendations on the role of the RFC Series
Editor (RSE), a job description, and a search and selection process. The
first draft of those TRSE recommendations are now available as an internet
draft at
https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/draft-kowack-rfc-editor-model-v2. This is a
revision to RFC 5620, which defined RFC Editor Model Version 1. I will give
a presentation on this, with Q&A, at the Monday plenary in Beijing.
The challenge in defining the RSE role - filled by a paid professional - is
ensuring it is structured to advance the Series consistent with the
requirements of the community, where nearly all positions are done by
volunteers. Equally important is defining a job that will be attractive to
qualified candidates.
Like any specification, this document is detailed. Furthermore, because it's
important that readers see "the entire package" in one place, this draft
includes sections that could have been placed in separate documents. This
makes it longer than 5620. To aid in understanding the draft, I have
included below the executive summary of the recommendations. I urge you to
read the summary before reviewing the draft. This is also suitable for those
of you who will not be able to read the entire document.
The IAB, at their request, has not yet seen the document. Furthermore,
although the RSAG (RFC Series Advisory Group) has seen and commented on the
draft, because of time constraints I have not been able to include a large
number of their very useful comments and corrections. I had hoped to
integrate RSAG comments before publicizing the draft, but the time required
would have impacted presentations and discussions in Beijing. So,
integrating those suggestions will have to wait for the next draft. This has
one clear advantage: the community gets to participate in this process. Net,
this proposal has not been filtered in any way before the community gets to
see it.
Finally, please join me in discussions on this list. If there is interest, I
will host one or more WebEx introductory and Q&A sessions later this week or
early next. You may also contact me on skype ('gkowack') or by phone (+1 650
279 0990). Please send email to glenn(_at_)riveronce(_dot_)com in advance to
schedule a call.
This document was prepared with the assistance of many members of the
community, including of course the RFC Series Advisory Group (RSAG). Many
put in a great deal of time and effort. Thank you.
I look forward to your comments on the list, and discussions in Beijing.
best regards,
Glenn
Transitional RFC Series Editor
___
Executive Summary: Refinements to the RFC Editor Model
The RFC Series is the Internet technical community's official medium,
through which it communicates with itself and the rest of the world.
The RFC Editor is the community-defined and -supported function that
accepts documents from different streams, makes textual edits for
clarity and formal correctness as prescribed in the RFC Series Style
Manual, and publishes and archives those documents as RFCs for free
access by everyone.
RFC 5620 first defined the components and processes of the present-
day RFC Editor (Model Version 1), including the RFC Series Editor
(RSE) as its leading component. However, the attempt to hire a new
RSE proved difficult and resulted in retention of a Transitional RSE,
or TRSE. The TRSE was asked to perform the RSE functions described
in RFC 5620, to determine if those descriptions matched what was
needed and, if necessary, recommend changes to the role of the RSE
and refinements to the RFC Editor model based on his experience. The
central observation of the TRSE is that:
the RSE role demands the expertise and experience of a senior
manager and subject matter expert in technical writing, technical
publishing, and technical series development.
This observation drives the clarifications and changes recommended
here to RFC Editor Model Version 1. Although modest, these changes
are fundamental to the future success of the RFC Editor's service to
the Internet community. The first clarification is:
the overall leadership and management of RFC Editor functions
must be by the RFC Series Editor - the editorial and publications
subject matter and management expert.
However, this general leadership must be tempered by two
considerations.
o The Internet technical community has requirements, processes, and
traditions that must be followed by the RSE and across the entire
RFC Editor function
o The line between the responsibilities of the RSE and of the IETF
Administration and Oversight Committee (IAOC) must be clarified.
The new model combines RFC Editor leadership as it would be practiced
in a typical not-for-profit organization with the following Internet
community-driven practices:
o seek community input appropriately and widely,
o encourage volunteer initiative and contribution, and
o practice supervision according to specified procedures.
This model recommends collaboration between the RSE and the IAOC
analogous to the partnership between line management and finance as
practiced in most modern corporations:.
o The RSE is responsible for regular editorial activities
management, including long-term editorial planning.
o The IAOC retains its leadership of legal and financial matters.
The RSE reports to the IAB for general matters. The IAB retains its
responsibility for ensuring proper RSE policy formation and
adherence.
Additional recommendations for changes to model provided in RFC 5620
include:
o The independence of the Independent Submission Stream and
Independent Submission Editor (ISE) is reiterated.
o The role of the RSE Advisory Group (RSAG) is marginally expanded
to ensure the RSE follows community will and to provide counsel to
the IAB when the RSE is either unavailable or the subject of a
discussion.
This memo also clarifies the RSE's responsibility for maintaining
Series quality. The updated model divides Series continuity, a key
element of the RSE role, into editorial and operational continuity.
To accomplish the former, the RSE is to maintain and develop the RFC
Series Style Manual. To ensure the latter, the RSE is to develop and
maintain the RFC Series Procedures Manual. To return the RFC Editor
to its historical level of independence, this memo recommends
creation of an RFC Editor stream.
Finally, an updated RSE search and selection process is proposed.
This process is rooted in community participation, qualified
participants and expert advisors, and follows carefully described
procedures and elements to ensure a successful hire.
An unexpected consequence of the TRSE effort is that most of the
changes proposed for the updated model return the RFC Editor to the
style and perspective used during the first 40 years of its life,
although adapted to today's structure and operation of the technical
community. This memo concludes that this time-proven arrangement is
the best way, to serve the requirements of the Internet technical
community.
__end summary
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