[members-discuss] Proposed 2012 Charging scheme, Board comments

Hi all,

> In general, given that probably every member is feeling the current 
> economic crisis and the NCC budget is rising steadily as if nothing
> had happened, something will have to give eventually...

Is it really that big a deal? We are a fairly small LIR, but even in our
yearly spendings, RIPE membership fees are one of the smaller factors.
Even in the current climate, I'd probably look at other possibilities to
save money before thinking about where I can squeeze 500 bucks a year
from my RIPE membership.

I think the meeting and trainings offered by RIPE shouldn't be seen with
the attitude of "I never used it, so you should pay for it". IMHO, the
trainings (of which I never could attend one due to lack of a travel
budget) and the meetings (ditto) serve a very important purpose for the
community: They make it easier for new LIRs to receive the know-how
necessary to run their services smoothly. By learning the ropes, they
save all the other LIRs time and subsequently, money.

Why?

Because, for instance, in a largely saturated market like
colo/hosting/isp stuff, you are constantly interacting with "the old
provider" and "the new provider". And it's a real PITA if you have to
tell those guys what an inetnum object is and how to send a PGP signed
message to auto-dbm while you are actually *losing a customer* to them.
I bet everyone of you can find a dozen similar examples.

That's why I'll agree to pay for trainings I never use - because I can
be fairly certain I'll benefit indirectly.

And to the people who want RIPE to cut costs by not offering free Wi-fi
at their events (etc.): Please tell me that was a joke. In my book
that's like not offering complimentary seats during a train ride.

Just my two cents,

--ck

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