Re: Comments on Composition and Comportment of the IETF Nominating Committee draft

George Michaelson <[email protected]> Wed, 8 Jul 2026 14:35:40 +1000
Newsgroups gmane.ietf.general
Message-ID <CAKr6gn18X9WCEHv2fZwcHhwq97brhaHQ1eS9QVxi1cmHsdU7Lg@mail.gmail.com>
I have been an active participant in IETF since 2000/2001 with a lot of
time before that in the mailing lists when things were a lot less formal.

I can honestly say that when I give feedback to NOMCOM for IESG/IAB members
these days, I am less likely to say "I have known <x> for over 10 years"
and a lot more likely to have to give selective feedback because I know
little or nothing about the candidates.

Admittedly this probably says as much about me as it does about them but
the point is, I think this runs against the "incumbency" issue. Yes,
because to be a WG chair demands time, and because time as a WG chair
demands prior time as an author, by the time you meet tech goals and
understanding of IETF process to merit IESG you have been around a long
time, but no, I don't think this is an overwhelming tendency to incumbents.

I see new faces, new players.

So tendency? Yes. possible. Actual eventuating circumstance? Less sure.
Perhaps weighted by age/experience but also, a LOT of new faces.

-G (no hats, never been on the IAB or IESG)