[ripe-list] RIPE Working Group Chair Financial Support call for consensus by 15 June 2020

> On 4 Jun 2020, at 14:59, Joe Abley <jabley at hopcount.ca> wrote:
> 
> People whose employers won't support them with time and salary (or independent contractors who lose income when they can't work) are similarly disadvantaged. Eliminating those disadvantages might add useful additional perspectives to indviidual working groups and to the wg chair collective.
> 
> I think providing this funding might well reduce those barriers to participation. 

Your point is well made Joe. But I think it’s a bit misguided even if though it is well intentioned. In cases of genuine hardship, it’s reasonable to be able to offer some level of  financial support as and when it’s needed. A mechanism where the RIPE Chairman (say) is able to apply some discretion and common sense seems the right way forward here. While I’m sympathetic to those who may be disadvantaged from volunteering, we need to be careful not to attract charlatans who just want to be a co-chair for the freebies.

IMO it’s unreasonable to make that support the norm or for a co-chair to make a habit of relying on that support. That would be the start of a very slippery slope. For instance, it amplifies the recently expressed concerns about the NCC having undue influence over the RIPE leadership. perceived conflicts of interest, etc. Regularising this arrangement sets a precedent which could mean offers of support get extended further -- freebies for all presenters? -- that ultimately leads to the NCC paying for everyone to go to RIPE meetings. 

One issue here is where and how to draw the line. The current proposal says "in exceptional cases” and I think that’s more than good enough.

Full disclosure: Axel and Rob kindly waived the meeting fee for me when my business was struggling ~10 years ago. My airmiles paid for travel and accommodation.