IETF Discussion List Charter

The IETF discussion list, ietf@ietf.org, serves two purposes. It furthers the development and specification of Internet technology through discussion of technical issues. It also hosts discussions of IETF direction, policy, meetings, and procedures. As this is the most general IETF mailing list, considerable latitude is allowed. Advertising, whether to solicit business or promote employment opportunities, falls well outside the range of acceptable topics, as do discussions of a personal nature. This list is meant for initial discussion only. Discussions that fall within the area of any working group or well established list should be moved to such more specific forum as soon as this is pointed out, unless the issue is one for which the working group needs wider input or direction. In addition to the topoics noted above, appropriate postings include: Last Call discussions of proposed protocol actions. Discussion of technical issues that are candidates for IETF work, but do not yet have an appropriate e-mail venue. Discussion of IETF administrative policies. Questions and clarifications concerning IETF meetings. Announcements of conferences, events, or activities that are sponsored or endorsed by the Internet Society or IETF. Inappropriate postings include: Unsolicited bulk e-mail. Discussion of subjects unrelated to IETF policy, meetings, activities, or technical concerns. Unprofessional commentary, regardless of the general subject. Announcements of conferences, events, or activities that are not sponsored or endorsed by the Internet Society or IETF. The IETF Chair, or a sergeant-at-arms appointed by the Chair, is empowered to restrict posting by a person, or of a thread, when the content is inappropriate and represents a pattern of abuse. They are encouraged to take into account the overall nature of the postings by an individual and whether particular postings are an aberration or typical. Complaints regarding their decisions should be referred to the IAB.