[lir-wg] RIPE costs and staffing again

> Currently the RIPE anwering times are fine and I see no reason
> that they should be increased for us all because additional finance
> paperwork is demanded by those who twist the cent ...

Why do you make a direct, unbreakable link between 'answering times' and
the budget ? There is *a* link, but it is not linear and certainly not
transparent. I believe it is right to question how *my* money is spent
and whether or not RIPE is providing an over-protected environment to
its own staff and management while the rest of us are expected to pay up
without question.

Whether you like is or not, RIPE is a 'natural monopoly' and so should
be very carefully watched to make sure it, as an organisation, is not
abusing it's very priviledged position. Does anyone disagree that RIPE
is a monopoly in it's territory ?

Peter