Re: transfers doco

[George Michaelson <ggm@apnic.net>]

I think we need to try and avoid over-obsessing about policy issues in
the transfer process, and focus on the mechanics.

I believe things like contract law is where people are going to manage
(what little) expectations that remain after we have an effective
transfer framework. In that way, we can avoid having to worry, we just
have to implement technology which makes transfer effective.

If somebody has reasons to retain residual control over
sub-allocations, that's a very strong signal they aren't willing to be
passed over in a transfer. Of course, if their parent *is* willing to
have the transfer effected "over their head" then their consent becomes
moot. And again, that's something which is going to have to be managed
in the business relationships between the three (or more) parties.

So what is an effective transfer?

1) its deterministic. people can see predictable behaviour during its
   steps

2) up to understood points, its either reversible, or stoppable

3) beyond certain points, its irrevocable and complete (you can always
   do a reverse-transfer, but that's another transaction)

I think what we have on the table is heading in the right direction.
-the elemental operations are looking simple enough we can understand
them, the sequence of application also looks to be understandable, and
the back out and commit points can be seen.

-George