<HTML>In a message dated 12/4/02 5:58:30 AM Romance Standard Time, kurtis@kurtis.pp.se writes: Kurtis, <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Ok, so for next year we will see a staff reduction or a "re-prioritistion"? </BLOCKQUOTE> As I wrote earlier we expect the survey to tell us what the membership at large expects the RIPE-NCC to do. If the members indicate that they are only intrested in core activities some restructuring will be required. I personally doubt that this will be the case and I do not think a staff reduction will be needed. <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">So does this mean that we need to plan for an increase for next year as well?</BLOCKQUOTE> The current budget/activity plan, as published, shows that we are forecasting zero growth for 2003. As I already explained the business model is changed and we no longer expect new LIRs to cover most of the charges. The fees set for 2003 allow to cover the current expenditures, and generate some surplus to recover part of the contingency fund. If our forecast (zero growth) is accurate, or conservative, the fees should remain at this level (unless, again, the membership survey gives us totally different signals). <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> >3) The board is now concerned (and focusing) with long term scenarios >that guarantee the stability of the core services and take in account >the industry I would very much appreciate some details on what is mean with "stability".</BLOCKQUOTE> Stability for me means that in n years the RIPE-NCC will still be able to efficiently run core services as a non profit organization, to the satisfaction of its members/customers (at least the majority of them ;-)) <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> I am now playing the devils advocate so don't take this literal - the RIPE NCCs number one focus is to provide adequate registration services. Anything else is pure bonus. </BLOCKQUOTE> The RIPE-NCC was never meant to be "only" about registration services. At any rate I do not believe the RIPE database can be considered "a bonus" anyway. Regards Daniele</HTML>