>> We discussed this before and came to the conclusion that the only
>> fair method was for participants in the conference calls to pick up
>> their share of the cost. Participants in the development of IETF
>> standards are expected to pay their own way to attend WG meetings,
>> the IETF Plenary, etc. and conference calls are just one of those
>> expenses.
Yes, and my presence in Memphis attests to our willingness to
support the effort to that extent. However, most work of most
working groups has been by email - a fixed cost we all pay anyway,
so it is effectivly free.
>> At least one person has expressed an inability to participate in
>> these calls because of the costs.
I just checked some prices, and participating in even the main
weekly call and one sub-group call per week will run my company over
$500/month. I understand that doesn't seem like much to all you
corporate giants, but it is a high hurdle for us (too high).
I've already sent a note to the working group co-chairs expressing
the willingness of myself and my company to participate and provide
our HTTP experience and expertise as long as that is valuable to the
group. I'll watch agendas for the calls, and if it looks as though
I can contribute something valuable I may join you, but most of our
participation will be by mail or at meetings we would be attending
anyway.
--
Scott Lawrence EmWeb Embedded Server <lawrence at agranat.com>
Agranat Systems, Inc. Engineering http://www.agranat.com/