RFC 1311 (rfc1311) - Page 3 of 5

Introduction to the STD Notes

RFC 1311                    RFC on STD RFCs                   March 1992


2.  Why an RFC Subseries ?

   There are several reasons why the STDs are part of the larger RFC
   series of notes.

   The foremost reason is that the distribution mechanisms for RFCs are
   tried and true.  Anyone who can get an RFC, can automatically get a
   STD.  More important, anyone who knows of the RFC series can easily
   find the STDs.

   Another reason for making STDs part of the RFC series is that the
   maintenance mechanisms for RFCs are already in place.  It makes sense
   to maintain similar documents is a similar way.

3.  Format Rules

   Since the STDs are a part of the RFC series, they must conform to
   "Request for Comments on Request for Comments: Instructions to RFC
   Authors" (RFC-1111) with respect to format.

3.1  Status Statement

   Each STD RFC must include on its first page the "Status of this Memo"
   section which contains a paragraph describing the intention of the
   RFC.  This section is meant to convey the status approved by the
   Internet Activities Board (IAB).

3.2.  Distribution Statement

   Each STD RFC will also include a "distribution statement".  As the
   purpose of the STD series is to disseminate information, there is no
   reason for the distribution to be anything other than "unlimited".

   Typically, the distribution statement will simply be the sentence
   "Distribution of this memo is unlimited." appended to the "Status of
   this Memo" section.

3.3. Security Considerations

   All STD RFCs must contain a section that discusses the security
   considerations of the procedures that are the main topic of the RFC.

3.4.  Author's Address

   Each STD RFC must have at the very end a section giving the author's
   address, including the name and postal address, the telephone number,
   and the Internet email address.




Internet Activities Board