RFC 1871 (rfc1871) - Page 1 of 4
Addendum to RFC 1602 -- Variance Procedure
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group J. Postel
Request for Comments: 1871 ISI
Updates: 1602, 1603 November 1995
BCP: 2
Category: Best Current Practice
Addendum to RFC 1602 -- Variance Procedure
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet Best Current Practices for the
Internet Community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Abstract
This document describes a modification to the IETF procedures to
allow an escape from a situation where the existing procedures are
not working or do not seem to apply. This is a modification to the
procedures of RFC 1602 and 1603.
Introduction
The current IETF procedures are documented in "The Internet Standards
Process -- Revision 2" [1], and "IETF Working Group Guidelines and
Procedures" [2].
There may be situations where following the procedures leads to a
deadlock, or there may be situations where the procedures provide no
guidance. In these cases it may be appropriate to invoke the
variance procedure described below.
A revision of the rules specified in RFC 1602 is underway, but may
take some time. This document describes an interim amendment to RFC
1602, to avoid having to wait for this major revision in a state of
paralysis.
Guiding Principles
Any variance from following the written rules must be a public
process with opportunity for all concerned parties to comment.
The variance procedure should be similar to existing mechanisms and
involve existing bodies.
Postel Best Current Practice