ietf-822
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Re: The KTH-proposal of a solution to the header-problem

1991-10-01 08:38:01
(This isn't just for Patrik; it's just his message that is finally causing
the submission.)

I can't think of any way to say this so that it doesn't sound like
pontification, or worse.  But please believe that it's purpose is working
group progress, rather than attacking anyone's desires to accomplish
good and useful things:

Please stop trying to include the upgrade to headers, within the current
spec effort that is upgrading the Body.  The need to upgrade headers is
very clearly established.  The difficulty of reaching consensus is
equally well established.  Even the most basic lesson in project management
teaches that you should/must factor out the intractable problems, in order
to make progress with the tractable ones.  

There always is a possibility of a 'magic bullet' solution; that is why
people tend to develop the 'if only we do this one thing' approach
to solving intractable problems.  But statistics demonstrate that magic
bullets are exceedingly rare; hence, relying on their success is very,
very bad project management.

RFC-XXXX is in a very advanced state.  Discussion, at this point, should
focus ONLY upon the tuning that is needed to get it out the door.

As Nathaniel (or was it Ned?) has indicated, the need for the header-related
work is clear and is by no means being dropped from the working group's
agenda, merely deferred until the current round of progress is finished.

Dave