At 19:29 08/31/2000 -0400, dan@netrail.net wrote:

On Thu, 31 Aug 2000, Daniel Senie wrote:

...

dan@netrail.net wrote:

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In a democratic process, which ARIN is, refusal to participate in the voting process, when eligible, usually removes one's standing to

complain.

Cough up your $500 as an individual and you can buy a vote. Sounds democratic...

The vast majority of the participants here work for ARIN member companies. They get a vote. It's democratic...

Yup. :-) Furthermore, this measure was discussed (and other issues of interest to folks on the NANOG list are routinely discussed) at ARIN Public Policy meetings, which are _not_ restricted to ARIN members. The next one is in Washington, DC, which is convenient to many of you. (See http://www.arin.net/announcements/memmeet.html) Show up! Be heard! Furthermore, ARIN pays a great deal of attention to its public policy e-mail list, as was previously noted. That list is also open to the general public. Sign up at http://www.arin.net/members/mailing.htm ! There are a number of opportunities and mechanisms to democratically influence ARIN policies. It exists to serve its members and the Internet community. I for one would welcome seeing the broader community take more advantage of those mechanisms. Cheers, - Scott (speaking only for himself)