Folks,
the debate that was triggered by the site-local debate has touched on a lot
of topics that are at the very heart of the design of the Internet, and for
which we have to make important decisions in the near future.
This is a good and proper discussion to have on this mailing list.
The debate has also touched on the site-local decision of the IPv6 working
group, a subject to which there are strong emotions attached.
The technical debates on that specific topic belong in the IPv6 WG's
mailing list; the larger architectural issues belong (IMHO) here.
However, I must ask participants to try to remember the guidelines for
conduct for the IETF, RFC 3184. In particular:
1. IETF participants extend respect and courtesy to their colleagues
at all times.
IETF participants come from diverse origins and backgrounds and
are equipped with multiple capabilities and ideals. Regardless of
these individual differences, participants treat their colleagues
with respect as persons--especially when it is difficult to agree
with them.
2. IETF participants develop and test ideas impartially, without
finding fault with the colleague proposing the idea.
We dispute ideas by using reasoned argument, rather than through
intimidation or ad hominem attack. Or, said in a somewhat more
IETF-like way:
"Reduce the heat and increase the light"
I'm sure we all want to. And I'm also sure we all find it hard to adhere to
at times. But we need it in order to get work done.
One more point: An argument does not become stronger by being repeated more
often.
Of the 175 senders to this list last month, 20 of us contributed more than
half the list traffic. If we have made our position clear, the argument is,
I think, stronger if it is not repeated - and silence allows other voices
to be heard.
Yours for a thoughtful debate,
Harald Alvestrand