On (20 Nov 02) Alex Shakhaylo wrote to Dale Shipp...

Hello Alex,

 AS> Policy may be changed at any moment by sysops' referenda. We need to
 AS> run just one time networkwide referenda which approves proportional
 AS> mechanism and then we may change policy annually if you like.

This has been tried before.

The ability of such a referenda is only as effective as the number of
people that agree to be bound by it.

There are other problems to overcome as well. The Sysops have the
power in numbers, but the *Cs control the Nodelist. Until this changes
and each Sysop can control the Nodelist, that is the way it is.

To do what it appears you desire would require at least 50% of the
9000+ Nodes in Fidonet to vote in favor. That would be somewhere
between 4500 and 5000 Nodes.

You make this sound so simple. Let me ask the following:

1. How do you propose to inform all of the Sysops (Nodes) of this
   referenda?
 A. How will you be sure that all Nodes have been informed of the
    referenda?

2. How will the vote be taken?
 A. In an echo?
  1. How will you be sure that all Nodes have access to the echo?
 B. By Netmail?
 C. All of the above?
 D. Some other means?
   1. If so, explain how.

3. Who will count the votes?

You see, it is not so simple. :-)

Regards,

Frank

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/flv
http://biseonline.com/r19

--- PPoint 3.01