[anti-abuse-wg] WHOIS (AS204224)

In message <78C35D6C1A82D243B830523B4193CF5F9F4EF1D606 at SBS1.blinker.local>,
David Hofstee <david at mailplus.nl> wrote:

>Neither do I. But what I do think is that RIPE should do the work that it
>is set out to do, namely registration of data. It should do that very well.
>Make sure that the data is sufficient, valid and remains to be valid. And
>that clear indicators of that not happening should be seen as a problem/abuse.
>That does not make them the internet police, it makes them police their
>own data validity (the only thing of value).

As should be obvious, I am in near total agreement with all of the above,
however I feel absolutely compelled to take issue with that parenthetical
remark at the very end.

Yes, obviously, the WHOIS data base represents the "crown jewels" as it
were.  But as Brian has just reminded me, the value of RIPE is also
enbodied in its human and institutional aspects... the meetings, the
committees, and above all, the democratic process.  (Constructing and
maintaining a functioning democratic process isn't easy.  Just ask
any American.  We don't have one at the moment. :-)

Also, of course, the fine work done by RIPE NCC and RIPE Labs must
be acknowledged.  The Routing History tool, in particular, is one
that I personally find invaluable, and it seems to have no counterpart
or parallel anywhere else.

I feel sure that you, David, fully appreciate these additional aspects
of RIPE too, so this message is not a chastisment, merely a friendly
reminder to all that RIPE is far more than just the data base.


Regards,
rfg