Legend: LJP - Larry Plato MAN - Mike Nasto LJP> NANOG is the perfect place to discuss what we think should be the LJP> minimum acceptable service level, as well as what can be expected LJP> in terms of inter-provider help and cooperation. Sean's comments LJP> are, in my opinion, useful as a basis for discussion, and completely LJP> appropriate. I think we all need to discuss our expectations in LJP> an open forum. We may never agree, but at least we can disagree LJP> politely, MAN> Politely is the operative word here. I thinks Sean's comments are the MAN> only way we will have any significant changes that benefit the customer, MAN> as opposed to benefiting the "network" itself. I'm not sure I want to embrace the Nader approach to networking, but at the same time, let's consider our climate, and the market in which we live. Providers who play fairly, are considerate, and make intelligently designed networks are considered far superior to others who don't. Correspondingly, those in the know (integrators, consultants, other NSPs) spread the word, and they tend to get a high class, and larger quantity of customers. Correspondingly, these folks propogate, and the customer benefits. My point, don't talk about the customer and how they benefit. The best internet provider will, by natural selection, be best for the customer. How does this relate to the discussion at hand? Sean points out some considerable problems at hand on the net, and he continually proposes intelligent ways to resolve the situations. In my opinion, this is a highly acceptable, and terribly desirable thing. As well, those who caution politeness are heard, however, I don't think we can demand this. Quite often people in our positions are rather busy, and don't have time to mince words so as not to offend. I view the internet right now as quite similar to the torrid gene pools of our evolutionary birth. If people sound rather rude, or short of time, it's because they are too busy doing things correctly, and are dissapointed in the poor quality of others. Perhaps I speak too unkind, but I appreciate these frank, blunt corrections, and hope to see more of them. -- Alan Hannan Email: alan@mid.net Network Systems Administrator Voice: (402) 472-0239 MIDnet, Lincoln NOC Office Fax: (402) 472-0240 "The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him" - Henry Stimson