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.