Markdown Version | Session Recording

Session Date/Time: 09 Nov 2023 12:00

gendispatch

Summary

The gendispatch session in Prague covered three main topics: removing the expiration date from Internet Drafts, re-licensing RFCs to allow derivative works, and modifying the nomcom appointment structure for greater continuity. There was support for exploring the removal of expiration dates from Internet Drafts, likely through a mini-working group. The proposal to re-license RFCs to allow derivative works raised significant concerns, especially regarding potential misuse and the IETF's brand. Changes to nomcom appointments did not get consensus.

Key Discussion Points

• Internet Draft Expiration:
  • The current expiration date doesn't accurately reflect the relevance of drafts and creates unnecessary busywork.
  • Expiration dates might steer newcomers away from useful but expired drafts.
  • There's a need for better signals about whether a draft is still active.
  • The discussion should consider stream specific requirements for individual and independent submission streams.
  • Existing data tracker functionality for marking drafts as "dead" could be used more effectively.
• RFC Re-licensing (Flatware):
  • The goal is to allow derivative works based on RFCs, enabling continued maintenance by other entities.
  • Current licenses are more restrictive than open-source licenses.
  • Potential for market confusion with forked standards and concern for misuse.
  • Concerns about IETF branding and the ability to protect its intellectual property.
  • Existing licenses may not permit derivative works.
  • The IETF does not currently trademark any protocol names.
  • Concern raised that changes may facilitate regulators to demand changes based upon illegitimate forks.
  • The value of the IETF is in its consensus process, not just the documents.
• Nomcom Structure:
  • The proposal is to create 2-year staggered terms for nomcom members and a 3-year staggered term for the chair.
  • The current nomcom process can be rushed, leading to less considered appointments.
  • Concerns regarding reduced randomness and potential for stagnation and reduced diversity.
  • Potential reduction in volunteer pool.
  • Greater risk of "stuffing the ballot box."
  • The complicated system already in use may not be improved through further complexity.

Decisions and Action Items

• Internet Draft Expiration: A mini-working group will likely be formed to further investigate and discuss the removal of Internet Draft expiration dates. The AD will be notified of the decision.
• RFC Re-licensing: Further discussion will be added to the mailing list. Additional work is needed. A non-working group forming BoF was also suggested.
• Nomcom Structure: More clarity is needed, and the proposal is not ready for consideration by the broader IETF. The likely outcome is no action.

Next Steps

• Internet Draft Expiration: Follow-up on the list to organize a mini-working group.
• RFC Re-licensing: Continue discussion on the mailing list and evaluate if a non working group forming BoF will be scheduled.
• Nomcom Structure: Rick to collect feedback from those interested and possibly organize discussion in future.