[ncc-services-wg] RIPE Database Proxy Service Issues

All,

On Wednesday, 2013-01-02 22:38:27 +0000, 
Nick Hilliard <nick at netability.ie> wrote:
> 
> I have no objection to requesting a contract for access to bulk data
> access provided by the RIPE NCC.  I do, however, have a problem with:
> 
> -  the general concept of requiring RIPE NCC membership for services
> which were previously available on a free-as-in-beer basis.

Especially since apparently this is something that really only affects
a very few WHOIS users, so if this issue is a contract then it should
be straightforward to get a free-but-binding contract for those folks.

I vaguely remember from my days as manager of the RIPE Database group
that we actually had signed contracts with such providers already, but
perhaps the decade or so of time since those days has clouded my memory.

> -  executive decisions being made which have a significant impact on
> the RIPE community, and which are made without consultation with
> either the RIPE NCC membership or the RIPE community.

I recognize that it is hard to know whether any particular issue is one
that warrants community or member input. Nobody is perfect, and there
will be mistakes.

However, the default should be transparency. If in doubt, isn't the
best idea to simply ask? 

You know, rather than make people upset because unpopular decisions
were made without consultation. Again.
 
--
Shane