Re: Theology [Was Re: [icann-eu] Re: [ICANN-EU] ccTLDs to ask for BoD seats?]

[t byfield <tbyfield@panix.com>]

marc@schneiders.org (Wed 11/29/00 at 09:29 PM +0100):

> > this conversation about roots is 99.9% theology, 
> 
> May I assume you use the word 'theology' here to ridicule the
> talk?

no, not at all. i don't think of theology as ridiculous; but
nor do i think of it as an accurate description of the pheno-
mena it describes. 

the IAB's RFC 2826 <http://rfc2826.x42.com/> is an excellent
example of why i make the analogy to theology:

     To remain a global network, the Internet requires the 
     existence of a globally unique public name space. The 
     DNS name space is a hierarchical name space derived 
     from a single, globally unique root. This is a technical 
     constraint inherent in the design of the DNS. Therefore 
     it is not technically feasible for there to be more than 
     one root in the public DNS. That one root must be sup-
     ported by a set of coordinated root servers administered 
     by a unique naming authority. 

this is a confession of faith, not an RFC. confessions of faith
are fine; so are RFCs. but they're not the same thing.

anyway, if you or anyone else are interested in pursuing this
analogy, i'd suggest that we do so offlist and maybe send an
edited dialog as a single message back to the list.

cheers,
t