[lir-wg] RIPE costs and staffing again

After replying to a thread on NANOG about ARIN costs, and my perceived
relationship to those discussed here about RIPE earlier, I received an
interesting mail from someone who said: <quote>[X] and I did a bunch of
surprise visits to the RIPE hostmasters, to see how many were on duty each
time.  Out of 28, and average of two were on duty during business hours,
with all the others on self-assigned "special projects" which nobody could
define. They're up to 118 employees, at last count.</quote>

If this is true - and I have no reason to believe otherwise - I am, if it at
all possible, even more concerned at the waste of our money by RIPE and the
ridiculous increases in members fees. Also, why are there 118 employees
anyway ?

Does anyone from RIPE want to comment, honestly and without the usual
diplomatic rhetoric and self-protectionism so familiar to those like me who
like to compare RIPE to an EU gravy train, on these allegations ? I would be
interested in seeing information about work rotas and staffing well in time
before the next AGM so that possible motions can be proposed and voted on,
as is proper.

rgds,
--
Peter Galbavy
Knowtion Ltd.