[arin-ppml] A compromise on legacy space?

[Owen DeLong]

On Sep 10, 2008, at 8:10 AM, John Santos wrote:

>
> This argument totally ignores what happens if ARIN allocates a
> "slot in the database" to someone when the number corresponding
> to that slot was allocated by a predecessor to a legacy holder.
>
> You can't make the issue of legacy assignments go away by
> sophistry.  It still has to be dealt with.
>

First, I don't think that Stephen's argument is sophistry under
the definition of sophistry:
	The use of fallacious arguments, esp. with the intention
	of deceiving.

What happens if ARIN allocates a "slot in the database" to
someone else when the number corresponding to that
slot was allocated by a predecessor to a legacy holder
is, indeed, the crux of the matter, but, also, happens to
not truly be under ARIN's control.  The possibilities
as I see them are:

1.	A critical mass of ISPs believe the new ARIN entry
	and the legacy holder is SOL.

2.	A critical mass of ISPs believe the legacy holder
	and the new registrant in the ARIN database is
	basically SOL.  Likely, ARIN is also discredited to
	some extent, and things break.

3.	A nearly equal mix of ISPs choose each side and
	nobody is happy.  All sides lose credibility and
	the government decides they've let the amateurs
	control this internet thingy long enough.

I don't believe anyone will actually support the idea of
simply reusing legacy space which was previously
assigned just because the legacy holder does not have
a contract with ARIN in the immediate future.

I do believe that as ARIN outreach to legacy holders
becomes more successful and more legacy holders
do sign agreements with ARIN, the remaining legacy
holders will face increasing pressure and decreasing
credibility.

I'm not sure that's a good thing, but, I think it is a likely
scenario.  I think it is in both ARIN and the legacy
holders' interests to get as many of those resources
protected in the hands of the legitimate legacy holders
through a contractual relationship with ARIN as soon
as possible.

Owen