Re: [ifwp] "snipers", "creamers" and "marginal players"

[Jim Dixon <jdd@matthew.uk1.vbc.net>]

On Wed, 26 Aug 1998, Jay Fenello wrote:

> FYI, for tomorrow's CC:
> 
> >Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 22:28:10 -0400
> >To: domain-policy@open-rsc.org
> >From: Gordon Cook <cook@cookreport.com>
> >Subject: Choices Faced by ISOC, IFWP and the Internet- What is likely to
> > Happen and a reply to Don Health
> >
> >The Choices We Face
> >
> >We are now in the end game, things are becoming nasty.

For the record, I have asked Jay not to make any further postings
of this type to the IFWP steering committee's closed list.  While
the actions of those attempting to block the work of the committee
are outrageous, replying in kind to the steering committee's list
actually serves their purposes.  We have only two weeks to conclude 
the work of the steering committee.  Those two weeks should be spent on

1.	arranging a venue for the Boston wrap-up conference
2.	arranging funding for that conference
3.	publicizing that conference
4.	co-ordinating with those organizing the "editorial" meeting
5.	completing the funding of the previous IFWP conferences

These are the only legitimate activities of the steering committee at
this time.  There are no more regional conferences to organize, just the
final wrap-up meeting, which we have just approved for the fourth time.
(Some will not be surprised that certain people on the steering committee
are insisting that this issue be discussed and agreed yet again, in 
today's conference call.)

This is by no means an expression of disagreement with Jay's sentiments.
I heartily agree with many of them.  But such discussions of policy 
belong out here in the open lists, in the light of day.  

The great strength of the IFWP is its openness.  This is of course also
a weakness: those who oppose the IFWP, who dislike and fear open
processes, can join the IFWP and attack it from within.  

They can also, of course, join the steering committee, where, because 
its conference calls and email list are closed, they feel at home.
There in the dark, out of the light of the open lists, they have been
able to do their damage.

--
Jim Dixon                                                 Managing Director
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