Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!apple!rutgers!elbereth.rutgers.edu!hardees.rutgers.edu!patterso From: patterso@hardees.rutgers.edu (Ross Patterson) Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip Subject: Re: Announcing a little board-room shakeup Message-ID: Date: 26 Jul 89 21:49:00 GMT References: <8907212151.AA00570@poneria.isi.edu> Organization: Rutgers Univ., CCIS Lines: 16 Bob, The IAB's position in the pre-NSF Internet was pretty clear, given DARPA's and DCA's position on policy matters, and the fact that they funded the whole kit and caboodle. With the advent of the NSFNet Backbone, and soon the Federal Research Internet, things seem a little cloudy. From where does the IAB draw its authority in this modern world? Is it still formally authorized by the funing agencies, or has it evolved into an independent group of network gurus, leading rather than commanding? In short, is there anything special about the IAB, or could someone form a competeing group and offer their own view of the world now? Ross Patterson Rutgers University P.S. No, I haven't got any plans. Just curious, thanks. RAP