Are you a MAVERICK? [Archive]

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 19:48

Do you take pride in the fact that FIRST has started the most Regional Events in the Mid-Atlantic?

Does the phrase "How you doin’?" show up a little more in your vocabulary than the average FIRST'er?

Do you stress a Brutally Offensive Defense?

Do you mentor a rookie?

Have you ever met a Pre-Rookie?

Are you full of anger when a Midwest or West Coast team wins the Championship?

Do you think regionals were much better at Rutgers?

Do the letters BMS or J+J mean more than just a company to you?

Have you heard the phrase "Wicked!" and thought of New York City instead of Boston?

Do you miss the College Avenue Gym?

Do you even remember the College Avenue Gym?

Is your motto..."Score? Are you kidding me, there is 3 other opponents still out there!"

Do you feel that winning Ramp Riot, Duel on The Delaware, or Brunswick Eruption carries more weight than any regional outside of the Mid-Atlantic?

Have you ever broken your robot at a pre-season scrimmage event, while playing defense?

Were you proud when it happened?

If you answered yes to any of these questions...you might be a MAVERICK...

MAVERICKS '06' (http://conor.ryan.googlepages.com/maverick)...the most excellent team, is one that is made of countless members...

Coming now...

Alex Cormier

16-03-2006, 19:58

oo!

Greg Marra

16-03-2006, 20:00

The ante has been upped.

Mid-Atlantic Visionaries Everyone Really Interesting Can Know?

Conor Ryan

16-03-2006, 20:03

One guy drew the boarders, and left a lot of open space. One Maverick went into that open space and put up his own fence.

Definitions of maverick on the Web:

An unidentified specimen.
www.canadiancoin.com/diction/m.htm (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=0&oi=define&ei=bwoaRO2RGsiGarSUoMsG&sig2=jJ6TBEwDNZP5f11cEcODiw&q=http://www.canadiancoin.com/diction/m.htm)

Google is always right.....

Buckle up because the Mavericks are coming to town.

Tom Bottiglieri

16-03-2006, 20:16

Heh.

N.E.R.D.S. build robots.

Mavericks ride horses and stuff.

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 20:17

Heh.

N.E.R.D.S. build robots.

Mavericks ride horses and stuff.
MAVERICKS, do ride horses...all while building robots.

They also build horses.

Greg Marra

16-03-2006, 20:27

MAVERICKS, do ride horses...all while building robots.

They also build horses.

Genetically modified specimens are not FIRST legal!

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 20:27

Genetically modified specimens are not FIRST legal!
Well then what is Big Mike doing here... :p

Andrew Blair

16-03-2006, 20:28

From the site:

"One Day a Maverick will kick some Nerd's $@#$@#$@#"

I think I like this... Like I like brutally offensive defense!

Cody Carey

16-03-2006, 20:29

But do they build horses...

While riding robots?

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 20:30

But do they build horses...

While riding robots?
Anything is possible for a MAVERICK.

Mike Schroeder

16-03-2006, 20:36

I'm Genwhatnow?

if anything i am MAVERICK

Justin

16-03-2006, 20:39

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 20:41

So could a MAVERICK please explain to me what "Brutally Offensive Defense" is? Because that sounds like an oxymoron to me.

NERDs will always be FIRST. Where was the first ever competition? Regional? Up here in good ol' NERD territory :)

Justin
NERDS will always be FIRST, not gonna deny that, but so will MAVERICKS.
But the real question is where are the best regionals? Down here in good ol' MAVERICK territory. :cool:

Brutally Offensive Defense, is an offense so strong that it is its own defense, all while having the strongest drivetrains around.

Cody Carey

16-03-2006, 20:44

I want to be a MAVERICK... and I answered 80% of those questions proudly... But do the MAVERICKs have a cool-arse T-shirt design?

:) P.S. our defense is so offensive that we got arrested for disturbing the peice when we showed up in pittsburgh. :)

Rick TYler

16-03-2006, 20:51

Too late.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/23545?

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 20:57

Bill Moore

16-03-2006, 21:09

Genetically modified specimens are not FIRST legal!
Rulebook says nothing about GMO's. If it isn't illegal, it must be legal!

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 21:32

If you want the little banner, go to the site and copy the shortcut.

AcesPease

16-03-2006, 21:38

If you answered yes to any of these questions...you might be a MAVERICK...

We had a robot named Maverick. It was tested in Philly and Hartford. It went to Disney World (yes this was a while ago). Maverick won every round. Other robots broke themselves on Maverick's articulated arm and cog wheels (definitely offensively defensive). Maverick stole from the baskets of other robots. Maverick outscored and out muscled the competition. Maverick lost the first round of the finals, but managed to climb on top of one of the robots that dared challenge him and his partner the Juggernaut. That robot did not come out to play again.

Bill Pease
Aces High Team 176
1999 National Champions with team 1 and team 45
2006 UTC New England Regional Winners with 177 and 1124
2006 BAE Granite State Finalists with 319 and 562

Brandon Holley

16-03-2006, 21:38

Corey, you're the man

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 22:19

It starts...tomorrow.

Jon K.

16-03-2006, 22:30

My only question is if MAVERICK is so great, then why do they feel the need to take from NERD country?
see http://conor.ryan.googlepages.com/MavCT.png/MavCT-full.png and http://conor.ryan.googlepages.com/MavRI.png/MavRI-full.png

Corey Balint

16-03-2006, 22:33

Ryan Foley

16-03-2006, 22:45

Eh, Rhode Island is on a parallel to NY.
CT is part of the Tri-State area, therefore since two-thirds of the tristate area is already in, and is also commonly called a Mid-Atlantic state, included they are.

Yes, but CT is home of the UTC NEW ENGLAND Regional. Note the name, NEW ENGLAND. Stick to the true Mid Atlantic states, CT and RI are NERD Territory.

Also see (and note the states included :D ):
http://www.visitnewengland.com/
http://geology.er.usgs.gov/states/new_eng.html
http://gonewengland.about.com/
http://www.epa.gov/region1/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Atlantic_States
http://www.answers.com/topic/mid-atlantic-states

Cody Carey

16-03-2006, 22:48

Does MAVERICK need any graphic design done?

Such as flashy GIFs and such...

henryBsick

16-03-2006, 22:51

Do you feel that winning Ramp Riot, Duel on The Delaware, or Brunswick Eruption carries more weight than any regional outside of the Mid-Atlantic?

Corey, son. Can I get a Big Maverick w00t w00t?

Andy Grady

16-03-2006, 22:59

Ya know, when envisioning NERD, I knew and was hoping that similar entities would pop up around the country. There is nothing wrong with taking pride in your part of the region, and to the MAVERICK people, if that is what you are trying to do...more power to you. Keep in mind however that NERD was not meant to make a massive war with these other organizations. We are all in FIRST as one large group...the New England Region (If you look up New England in an encyclopedia I believe that it will state clear as day that it contains Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, RHODE ISLAND, and CONNECTICUT.)

New England has always been a very competitive region in itself. There have been (and still are) many fueds among New England teams. The goal of NERD has always been to try to drive away those feuds and create one strong group of many taking pride in our part of the country. I think after the past few weeks, seeing some of the NERDS in action, we will achieve this goal and I am proud of every single person who has donned the shirt (and even those who haven't recieved shirts yet).

You may ask..."Why have you been touting NERD all over Chief Delphi and making such a big deal out of this over the past few months if you aren't asking for some competition?" The answer is simple, all this exposure, all of this attention we have been trying to get, it is meant to try to get a buzz to make the idea more appealing to the New England Region...and yes, even try to help spring up similar entities like MAVERICK. I will say that this technique has worked. The NERDS we have gathered, and those we have not yet gathered but soon will have been amazing. They all love the concept and are working hard to make it into something that is more than a bunch of pictures up on a message board. To these kids and to these mentors NERD truely does mean something more than just a cool black shirt.

My point is to you Corey...good luck with your MAVERICKS, we wish you the best. I just ask that you don't step on what we are trying to do here. This isn't a war, this is something very legitimate thats going on...most of it which you dont see because its happening away from the Delphi site or from the public eye.

Thank you,
Andy Grady

DanDon

16-03-2006, 23:00

It starts...tomorrow.

Thanks man, this is awesome. MAVERICKS forever!

Bill Moore

16-03-2006, 23:14

(If you look up New England in an encyclopedia I believe that it will state clear as day that it contains Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, RHODE ISLAND, and CONNECTICUT.)
Come on Andy, you can be more precise than "look it up in an encyclopaedia"! If you want to claim them so badly, post something more definitive! :eek:

Here's a hint:
http://geology.er.usgs.gov/states/ :rolleyes:

Sam Lipscomb

17-03-2006, 00:47

FIRST started in New England...fact. Best regionals in Mid-Atlantic states...opinion. :rolleyes:

Connecticut is definitely part of New England more so than any Mid-Atlantic section. And even though I'm from Virginia...I'm a NERD to the max!

Pretty websites don't prove a thing. ;)

Rick TYler

17-03-2006, 00:51

Eh, Rhode Island is on a parallel to NY.
CT is part of the Tri-State area, therefore since two-thirds of the tristate area is already in, and is also commonly called a Mid-Atlantic state, included they are.

I don't know from your elitist group, but Connecticut is definitely part of New England. Connecticut is not, and never has been "mid-Atlantic." You don't get to redefine geographical areas to suit your whim.

Of course, everything east of Denver is all pretty much the same...

Dillon Compton

17-03-2006, 00:59

See, since CT is so close to Mid-Atlantic, it would have been mean to not include them...I mean, NERD is just...not as good.

Proud PA Maverick, signing on.

EDIT: The above comments were entirely jesting, guys. I apologize if I offended anyone, but come on, I was born and raised in CT, if anything I've got more pride for that region than for PA, even if all my FIRST experience has been in the mid-atlantic and nats. I got some negative rep for this post, and I guess I didnt communicate the sarcasm well enough... but seriously! the majority of this thread is good-natured heckling! Learn to enjoy life, and not take every little post so gosh-darned seriously! I'm sure MAVERICK and NERD can work together happily!

Jessica Boucher

17-03-2006, 06:49

Please realize that by banding together in this fashion you have now anointed this...gathering as the voice for the entire mid-atlantic region. Do all the teams in your region feel the same way you do? I hope so, because like it or not your attitude, words, and objectives are painting quite a picture of a region that I cared about. Is this what your teams are teaching you? Is this what your sponsors are paying for?

This sour attitude is disheartening. There is a fine line between self-pride and attempting to feel good about ones self by hurting others. Is that gracious? professional? Isn't that why we moved towards alliances in the first place?

You all have been in the program too long to miss that message.

Jaine Perotti

17-03-2006, 08:42

Eh, Rhode Island is on a parallel to NY.
CT is part of the Tri-State area, therefore since two-thirds of the tristate area is already in, and is also commonly called a Mid-Atlantic state, included they are.Does this mean that I can be both a NERD and a MAVERICK?

I agree with what Andy has already said here. I also believe that both NERD and MAVERICK have a lot of potential to form an alliance that would end up strengthening the whole East Coast. Just like the East Coast Drivers Union exists to unite East Coast drive teams, an East Coast Alliance between organizations such as NERD and MAVERICK could help strengthen the presence of Eastern teams at their respective regionals and the Championship.

I think it would be very beneficial if, at the least, both of these groups agreed to communicate about their goals, and share how they would like to achieve them. All of our ideas can come together in order to form a more united East Coast presence. If more east coast regions decide to form organizations such as NERD and MAVERICK, they should be welcomed into the East Coast Alliance, instead of making them feel as if they have to "beat" the other organizations. If we can share our ideas on how to strengthen our respective regions, the effect we can have as an organization will be greatly amplified.

There are a few posts here that, as Jessica said, sound like there are some bad feelings surrounding NERD vs. MAVERICK.
...I mean, NERD is just...not as good.I don't think statements like this are really helping NERD or MAVERICK do their job. I think that both organizations need to respect and help each other. Think of these organizations as something that will strengthen East Coast FIRST teams, not as seperate entities meant to "outdo" each other. I think we NERDs should work with MAVERICKS so that we can both help east coast teams perform better. Please stay positive... slight competition is ok, but it is important for us to remain unified so that we can help raise the bar for each other, and make everyone benefit.

NERD already is planning on having AIM chats to communicate our ideas about how to run the group. Perhaps we can schedule some online chats for both NERD and MAVERICK to talk, so that we can discuss our goals, and how we can help each other achieve them.

-- Jaine

Bill Moore

17-03-2006, 15:12

From the site:

"One Day a Maverick will kick some Nerd's $@#$@#$@#"

I think I like this... Like I like brutally offensive defense!
I think I don't like this. It makes this group sound like a bunch of drunk sailors, just out looking for a fight. It is disrespectful to fellow FIRSTers, and it should not be on a site that is promoting regional pride. Building up your group by disrespecting another probably isn't one of FIRST's ideals.

Tom Bottiglieri

17-03-2006, 15:21

NERDS will always be FIRST, not gonna deny that, but so will MAVERICKS.
But the real question is where are the best regionals? Down here in good ol' MAVERICK territory. :cool:

NE teams have been going down to the NJ regional for years. So, the way I see it, you guys have always had the homefield advantage! Why don't you come up to the UTC NE Regional next year for a real game. :)

Dillon Compton

17-03-2006, 19:54

Andy Grady

17-03-2006, 21:55

In response: I would have thought y'all would know better! I was actually entirely joking- I'm glad that MAVERICK exists because I'm mad jealous of NERD. If NERD opened it's arms to me, i'd be in 100%

I think alot of this "sourness", as it has been called, is good natured heckling- Honestly, if we were seriously going to egotistically, rudely, and generally sillily tout our region as the best one around, I'd hope we'd do it a little more effectively, and with a little more class.

Organizations such as these do inspire regional pride, and they are fun, methinks, and I agree that together they hold the chance to strengthen the east coast, and FIRST, as a cohesive unit, but I do think y'all are taking these comments a bit too seriously.

As I've said before, many a time; It is not the time, the place, the robot, or the sponsors that matter. It is not what fancy equipment you have access to, nor the size of your budget; FIRST is about people - students and mentors - working together to change themselves, and through that, the world.

I hope that MAVERICK and NERD are both entities that will help enact a positive change in the community, the members of the relevant organizations, and the world at large. I also hope that everyone on this thread learns to take a good-natured joke.

And, I know I will get castrated for this, but Chief Delphi is not life; just because we tease on here does not mean that we are individuals or teams lacking in GP in a more...tangible sense.

Good luck to all this season, and remember, laughing (and jokes!!!) are a good thing!

-Dillon Compton
Team 1394

Dillon,

I agree with you that sometimes people take things too seriously on these boards and that there are many times when people do have to learn to take a joke. However, you also must understand that everything that you type out on here, or put on a website isn't always understood as a joke...there is no sarcasm/joke button on the Chief Delphi Forums. When someone creates a website with the phrase "One day a MAVERICK is going to kick a NERD's @#$%" that can raise a few eyebrows the wrong way...especially when what we are trying to do is create some enthusiasm in an area that frankly could use some. Believe me...I love the idea that the mid-atlantic region would want to make a similar faction to NERD...I really do hope that it works out for you guys, because up in New England, we have been having a blast with this. All I am saying is that what you guys right now are seeing as a joke, we are taking pretty seriously up here because those who are involved at the moment, really do care about what is going on with New England and NERD.

I hope that we can all just calm down and relax and just have fun with this. That was the initial intent of NERD, and I hope MAVERICK as well...and like Jaine said in a previous post...maybe we can all join up some day, share ideas, and focus our energy on the true enemy....the midwest! ;)

disclaimer: the last statement was a joke

-Andy Grady

looneylin

17-03-2006, 22:03

Yay Maverick! I'm in.

Ooooo! Can I design buttons for it!?! :D

The Lucas

17-03-2006, 22:07

and focus our energy on the true enemy....the midwest! ;)

disclaimer: the last statement was a joke

-Andy Grady

You just know there are some Midwest CDers trying to think of a good acronym that starts with M.W. :D
If they ever think of one we will have a real regional battle at hand.

Corey Balint

17-03-2006, 22:16

I can only make a quick post right now, but for all of you thinking this was a post to mock or make a mean rivalry with anyone is not the true point, as Andy said, we made this to have fun, and to teach. Alot of the work that we will do, like NERD is behind the scenes, not on Delphi.

I dont see why i should be apologizing, but for anyone that took offense, Sorry then...right now, if you are looking at this negatively, calm down...jeez. It is only for fun.

Elgin Clock

17-03-2006, 22:19

I am from CT, so I live in N.E.R.D. territory.

I compete with my team in both CT, NJ, and new for this year; MD, so I compete in both N.E.R.D. and M.A.V.E.R.I.C.K. territory.

Although the N.E.R.Ds are not M.A.V.E.R.I.C.Ks by name, there is no such reason we can't come together as one and share ideas.

-Elgin
(NERD #? & MAVERICK #7).

Corey Balint

17-03-2006, 22:31

Exactly Elgin.

Nerds and Mavericks should and definitely will join together in the future.
Nothing I have posted was meant to start a mean rivalry, if anything just a fun little joking thing.

Andrew Blair

17-03-2006, 22:38

Eh-hem..Just me back on my soapbox...

This is quite obviously simply a play on N.E.R.D., prolly a little left-outedness, and most importantly, a fun little, probably short lived group in our ever evolving community. Most of the maverick stuff is simply a play on the acronym! You can't tell me that mid-Atlantic FIRSTer's are going to beat the crap out of a Nerd because he's got a black t-shirt. There's been nerds in FIRST for a long, long time (me included), and they've stayed safe.

The East Coast Drivers Union exists, but it really didn't do anything(EDIT-outwardly, but it did connect many team members, and create friendships. Again, all good!) . If rivalry could make it in FIRST, then there would be teams showing lots of animosity towards better and bigger teams already. It just can't go anywhere.

(Besides, there's probably more N.E.R.D.s who can ride horses in New England than the Mid Atlantic. Equestrians you know.;) )

Corey Balint

17-03-2006, 22:49

Eh-hem..Just me back on my soapbox...

This is quite obviously simply a play on N.E.R.D., prolly a little left-outedness, and most importantly, a fun little, probably short lived group in our ever evolving community. Most of the maverick stuff is simply a play on the acronym! You can't tell me that mid-Atlantic FIRSTer's are going to beat the crap out of a Nerd because he's got a black t-shirt. There's been nerds in FIRST for a long, long time (me included), and they've stayed safe.

The East Coast Drivers Union exists, but it really didn't do anything. If rivalry could make it in FIRST, then there would be teams showing lots of animosity towards better and bigger teams already. It just can't go anywhere.

(Besides, there's probably more N.E.R.D.s who can ride horses in New England than the Mid Atlantic. Equestrians you know.;) )
Well, ECDU might not have seemed like it did alot, but it really did. It connected hundreds of kids around the coast to each other and now many of us are going to be life-long friends. Again, while this is all for fun, it is also to pick up pride in the region, make stronger bonds among teams, which will ultimately make teams start to help out each other, and make FIRST expand greatly, and positively.

Bemis

17-03-2006, 22:53

I might as well join in, since i'm from PA. And I do enjoy a brutally offensive defence. Its the only real kind.

Cody Carey

17-03-2006, 22:55

Plus you can't just say
"We have a group, you can't be in it, and you can't make your own"
You have to expect a little competition...
Just like FIRST teams, but on a much-much-much larger scale. You don't need to openly FIGHT with each other, in fact you HELP each other quite a bit, but there always have to be points of rivalry... just to keep it interesting :)
If everybody agreed with everybody else, nobody would make any progress.
If you want all of the groups to live in a perfect harmony as one, then expand n.e.r.d territory to the entire U.S.A.

/stepsoffofsoapbox

P.S. I wish I was cool enough to be a nerd AND a maverick :p

Andy Grady

17-03-2006, 23:15

There's been nerds in FIRST for a long, long time (me included), and they've stayed safe.

Yes there have...NERD was created about 3 or 4 years ago in the mid-west...I believe it is called IndianaFIRST. Kinda funny, the region I poke fun at the most is the region which holds the example of a portion of what I'd like to see out of NERD.

jessjank.

17-03-2006, 23:31

For all the positive things it does and may come to represent, I'll be a MAVERICK. Smile and laugh about the humour/sarcasm in these posts; don't let it get in the way of forming these unified networks, whether you live in the region of MAVERICKs, NERDs, or the soon to be formed M.W.... Go teams in all Regions!

Conor Ryan

18-03-2006, 15:57

Well I hope we all agree that the regions that MAVERICK and NERD have are overlapping slightly, but hey let's not make world war 3 over it. MAVERICK wasn't created to steal NERD territory, and I'm guessing we won't see Revenge of the NERDs 4. Both groups are here to unite teams together so let's call it a truce.

Anyway, now that thats settled. Can we get some guesses to what MAVERICK stands for?

*hint* Mid Atlantic.... */hint*

Freddy Schurr

18-03-2006, 16:47

From Greg Marra,

Mid-Atlantic Visionaries Everyone Really Interesting Can Know?

I agree, I AM A MAVERICK FOR NJ!

Question, how do you make those cool banners for MAVERICK AND NERD? I would like to make some for Mentors Unite!

Michael Leicht

19-03-2006, 13:28

so corcor what is the list of people in this group so far?

Aaron D.

19-03-2006, 13:52

I couldn't agree more ..
Do you feel that winning Ramp Riot, Duel on The Delaware, or Brunswick Eruption carries more weight than any regional outside of the Mid-Atlantic?
winning any of those is one of the most amazing things ever
I am a MAVERICK and darn proud

emnasson303

19-03-2006, 14:28

It's a good thing I'm a MAVERICK.. because a lot of those apply. lol.
... I definitely do miss college ave. gym for the "J&J Regional" hah.

Rick TYler

19-03-2006, 14:35

Nope, not a Maverick, but I guess the Washington teams were behind the Nerds and ahead of the Mavericks. We've had an email list server running since before I started FIRST last year, where we trade information, help each other, plan some community activites and generally try to insure that we are all successful in keeping the program running. We don't even have a name for ourselves (although I'm going to backronym SLUGS if we ever need a name -- and if you don't know why Washington robotics would be called "Slugs" you need to visit).

Whatever keeps the program moving forward sounds great to me. I just hope that organizations like the Nerds and Mavericks are more about supporting each other than geographical loyalty.

BandChick

19-03-2006, 20:52

I'm definitely a MAVERICK. And I'd love to know who else is. Could we maybe get a list up on the Maverick page of who is / wants to be?

Andy Baker

19-03-2006, 22:20

Yes there have...NERD was created about 3 or 4 years ago in the mid-west...I believe it is called IndianaFIRST. Kinda funny, the region I poke fun at the most is the region which holds the example of a portion of what I'd like to see out of NERD.

... which stole the idea from an organization that started up in New England, then called "Boston FIRST". I believe Colleen Shaver tried to start that group up during her first year in college at Boston U. She posted the idea on this site. I thought it was an excellent idea to have in Indiana and asked some friends to put in some work to get it started.

Now, just a few years later, we have these benefits:

a board of directors
an annual team leaders meeting
an annual workshop involving all state FIRST teams
an annual local FIRST kickoff
an awesome off-season event supported by multiple teams (this was started before IndianaFIRST and is not organized by IndianaFIRST)
a strong relationship with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, who has given sponsorship to FIRST teams
a strong relationship with the Indiana Department of Education, who highlights FIRST teams and encourages other schools to start FIRST programs
has a working organization that can attract grant money for Vex Robotics training through RoboEducators
can get people working closely together in order to strongly support a VERY well-organized regional at Purdue University (not organized by Indiana FIRST, but involving many of the same people)

Rock on, NERDS and MAVERICKS. It's all good. We didn't organize IndianaFIRST with the intent for Indiana teams to be more competitive, but it is a nice side-effect.

Andy B.

Corey Balint

20-03-2006, 18:37

Here is the current roster of Mavericks w/ Shirts...upon receiving your shirt, you get your number.. :cool:
1. Corey Balint
2. Bharat Nain
3. Greg Needel
4. Pete Kieselbach
5. Dez
6. Scott Shaw
7. Elgin Clock
8. Anthony Ramnauth
9. Jess Jank
10. Mike Leicht
11. Em Nasson
12. David Beck
13. Cathy Beck
14. Dori Plaitt
15. Nate Thomas
16. Ted Boucher
17. Kevin Shaw

Expect to see me at Boston, Thursday-Saturday. I'll be carrying about 10 shirts on me of various sizes...no smalls though, dont wanna take any chances.

And Rick, the geographic loyalty is just a fun little side thing, and also an easier way to organize all these groups. It would be near impossible to organize everyone from everywhere in such a group.

emnasson303

20-03-2006, 20:22

shweeeeeet #11. :cool:

Dillon Compton

20-03-2006, 20:24

Ahh! I'll be at nats- I wants me a shirt!

Aaron D.

20-03-2006, 20:55

are you gonna be at philly by any chance corey?

Freddy Schurr

20-03-2006, 23:29

Me too, I will be at Philly and the Nats also, if anyway I could recieve a shirt and also a number, that would be great.

MAVERICKs FOREVER

Corey Balint

21-03-2006, 15:53

are you gonna be at philly by any chance corey?
Nope im not going to be at philly, I'll be in Vegas...heh.
But i will be at nats with a bunch of shirts.

Lil' Lavery

21-03-2006, 16:00

atm, It doesn't look like I will be at championship, so I'll have to wait for the off-season to aquire my shirt. Will 25 be at Capital Clash again?

Mike Schroeder

21-03-2006, 16:03

maybe 116 should come to brunswick Eruption this year,I know the field manager personally (its me) ill put in a good word for Dave as an MC :p

The Lucas

21-03-2006, 18:30

Alright, you need a token Delawarean (or Delawarian). I'm in!

My first regional was at College Ave Gym. Great Memories! See ya at nats!

Conor Ryan

21-03-2006, 18:55

maybe 116 should come to brunswick Eruption this year,I know the field manager personally (its me) ill put in a good word for Dave as an MC :pWhy wait that long? Monty Madness is May 20th!

Corey Balint

21-03-2006, 21:40

Correction, since I am now flying to boston...no shirts. However, that gives me 10 more to bring to nationals, so if you want one then, shout me a holler.

Freddy Schurr

21-03-2006, 21:48

If you have an XL or XXL, I would like to have one! I will be at Nats, I think I PM Corey yesterday!

BandChick

23-03-2006, 17:06

Since you owe me a 25 shirt still *cough*, expect to give that to me along with a MAVERICK shirt on the plane ride to nationals ~_^ or in the airport. Either one is cool :D
L or XL, please :D

Freddy Schurr

23-03-2006, 23:56

An idea just came to my head!

What if we had a game of "Aim Low" (dodgeball ) at the National Competition where it will be the N.E.R.D.S vs MAVERICKS? Now that would be awesome DUDES AND LADIES!

Chuck Glick

02-04-2006, 21:10

i can't believe this took me so long to find...but, can a rookie be a maverick...because, i mean i totally hate it when those west coast kids with the championship because as we all know here in the east...they get those darn 3 extra hours to build. stupid time differance. oh ya and Freddy, that dodgeball idea is like the bomb. :cool:

*wisper* i'm a large *wisper*

coastertux

02-04-2006, 21:15

How does one gain entrance to the Mavericks?

Cody Carey

02-04-2006, 21:17

I'll be at nats, How do we go about aquiring shirts?

Crebb

02-04-2006, 21:37

sign me up for a shirt in Atl, but if you run out is there any way we can make our own shirts? Is there a design we can copy?

Ashley Weed

03-04-2006, 11:18

Not only do I take pride in Mid Atlantic Regionals, I also believe they are some of the most grueling and on the edge of your seat events I have seen. I have been graced by the "Brutally Offensive Defense", and enjoyed the tactics as a driver years back. There is nothing more depressing when someone outside of the Nor'East doesn't win the Championship. The greatest Regional days of mine were at the College Ave. gymnasium. Early morning arrivals, wristbands, fire codes, packed to capacity, remote site viewing, the Giant Campbell's Soup Can, TJ^2 and the water jugs, the list just continues. The combination of PARC, Ramp Riot, Duel, and Eruption may not be held high amongst the International FIRST community; however, when one competes such a feat as winning the entire MidAtlantic circuit, in my eyes they are "unstoppable".

.... MAVERICK

Joe Matt

03-04-2006, 11:35

I'll join Crebb with being a VA MAVERICK.

Waynep

07-04-2006, 01:17

Bharat and Corey,
Guys, I'm a friend of your mom (Jess Jank). Can I be an official MAVERICK too? She says you should give me an XL shirt or you're not getting ice cream.
Thanks,
Wayne (MAVERICK hopeful)

PS I'm giving your mom a place to stay in ATL, so you should definitely save me a shirt

Chris Marra

07-04-2006, 06:38

Who are the actual current Mavericks aside from Cory? And what do the shirts look like?

vadyr

07-04-2006, 12:38

i answered most of those questions "affirmitive"...sign me up.

Greg Needel

07-04-2006, 13:07

Who are the actual current Mavericks aside from Cory? And what do the shirts look like?

Here is the current roster of Mavericks w/ Shirts
1. Corey Balint
2. Bharat Nain
3. Greg Needel
4. Pete Kieselbach
5. Dez
6. Scott Shaw
7. Elgin Clock
8. Anthony Ramnauth
9. Jess Jank
10. Mike Leicht
11. Em Nasson
12. David Beck
13. Cathy Beck
14. Dori Plaitt
15. Nate Thomas
16. Ted Boucher
17. Kevin Shaw

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/2a8/2a8807173ce674a98afe0859c88611c1_m.jpg

FourPenguins

07-04-2006, 15:02

From the site:

"One Day a Maverick will kick some Nerd's $@#$@#$@#"

I can just feel the gracious professionalism oozing out of this thread...

Speaking as a member of MORT, who is known for a brutally offensive defense (though not so much this year), I'd say yes to a few of these, but not all.
(J+J and BMS? Sorry guys. We were BASF, but now we're DPC all the way!)

However, my bottom line is that a regional rivalry like this (if you can call it as such) is against the core values of FIRST. MORT loves going down to Palmetto every year to meet new people down in the more Southerly parts and we REALLY love our Palmetto allies, 247(Michigan) and 1251(Florida). FIRST is all about national and worldwide cooperation, so let's just cut the regional stuff.
(That said, NJ all the way!)

Conor Ryan

07-04-2006, 16:01

"One Day a Maverick will kick some Nerd's $@#$@#$@#"

I can just feel the gracious professionalism oozing out of this thread...

Speaking as a member of MORT, who is known for a brutally offensive defense (though not so much this year), I'd say yes to a few of these, but not all.
(J+J and BMS? Sorry guys. We were BASF, but now we're DPC all the way!)

However, my bottom line is that a regional rivalry like this (if you can call it as such) is against the core values of FIRST. MORT loves going down to Palmetto every year to meet new people down in the more Southerly parts and we REALLY love our Palmetto allies, 247(Michigan) and 1251(Florida). FIRST is all about national and worldwide cooperation, so let's just cut the regional stuff.
(That said, NJ all the way!)

I guess I should clean up what that quote on the site actually means since I'm partially responsible, we put the quote on the site not to put down Andy Grady's awesome organization of awesome people. The reason for that quote was to encourage the sibling rivalry between the two organizations, we share a boarder together, we go to competitions together, we all work together at one point or another. However, Nerd is pretty much restricted to New England, Maverick is pretty much the same for the Mid Atlantic, why not be rivals?

If any Nerd's are offended, on extend my personal apology on behalf of the Maverick organization, we can be friends and competitors.

amos229

16-04-2006, 14:51

I would be honored to wear the shirt of the maverick. can i join as a Maverick NY? See you guys in atlanta.

aallen88

16-04-2006, 16:38

I'm pretty sure MORT LOVES defensive robots (and yes to Ed, maybe not so much this year). But I definitely recall robot breakage from defense in several pre-season comps such as PARC and Brunswick Eruption. At most of them we just took the end effector off to better wreck havic.

Or maybe that's because Brandon was our driver last year... :p

How do I sign up to be a Maverick NJ :ahh: !

Dillon Compton

16-04-2006, 19:42

How should we go about getting MAVERICK shirts in Atlanta? Do we come to you, you come to us, all meet on the green?

Give us some info!

Alex Burman

16-04-2006, 19:47

How should we go about getting MAVERICK shirts in Atlanta? Do we come to you, you come to us, all meet on the green?

Give us some info!

YES! I am eager to joing the ranks of the Elite Mavericks.

Rohith Surampudi

16-04-2006, 21:29

YES! I am eager to joing the ranks of the Elite Mavericks.

yep I'm with you on this... a shirt at nats would be cool but it looks like there are alot of people waiting to get one.

TheDrWho22

16-04-2006, 21:37

I so want a be a MAVERICK and would definately wear a shirt. Woot! See you all in Atlanta!

Steve S.

16-04-2006, 22:37

hmm...after answering the questions and reading everything on this thread.............count me in! yay MAVERICKs

(i want a shirt....but i wont be at nats:(.......)

Steve S.

18-04-2006, 17:43

Hey NY MAVERICKS....take a look at the NY FIRST Thread

Freddy Schurr

18-04-2006, 19:25

I hear through the robot line that you had to pay $5 for a shirt!

Anyway, I decided to make a list of people who want to get shirts in Atlanta, so if you want a shirt,sign below

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2.
3.

Dillon Compton

18-04-2006, 19:46

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3.

Joe Matt

18-04-2006, 20:35

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L

aallen88

18-04-2006, 20:44

Aaron D.

18-04-2006, 20:46

talltree357

18-04-2006, 21:59

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5.) Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL

George A.

18-04-2006, 23:34

The Lucas

18-04-2006, 23:51

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL

vadyr

19-04-2006, 07:31

2006 Mavericks Shirt Order
1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL
9. Bobby Trotta, Team 103, Archimedes, L

Freddy Schurr

19-04-2006, 14:13

1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL
9. Bobby Trotta, Team 103, Archimedes, L

Can someone get in touch with Corey or Bharat about the t-shirts.

Crebb

19-04-2006, 14:22

Alex Burman

19-04-2006, 15:04

1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL
9. Bobby Trotta, Team 103, Archimedes, L
10. James McCarson, Team 384, Galileo, M
11. Alex Burman, Team 75, Archimedes, XL

Rohith Surampudi

19-04-2006, 15:08

1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL
9. Bobby Trotta, Team 103, Archimedes, L
10. James McCarson, Team 384, Galileo, M
11. Alex Burman, Team 75, Archimedes, XL
12. Rohith Surampudi, Team 75, Archimedes, XL

KINGOFCLUBS454

19-04-2006, 22:56

1. Freddy Schurr, Team 204, Curie XXL
2. Dillon Compton, Team 1394, Archimedes XL or XXL, whichever is more available.
3. Joseph Matt, Team 384, Galileo L
4. Ashley Allen, Team 11, Newton Small (but I assume there won't be any so)...Medium
5. Aaron Deininger, team 341, Gali-LEO XL
6. Joe Gro, team 357, Archimedes XL
7: George Ackley, Team 11 Alum, Newton, XXL
8: Brian Lucas, Team 365 & 1495, Galileo, XXL
9. Bobby Trotta, Team 103, Archimedes, L
10. James McCarson, Team 384, Galileo, M
11. Alex Burman, Team 75, Archimedes, XL
12. Rohith Surampudi, Team 75, Archimedes, XL
13. Andrew Adaman, Team 357, Archimedes, L

Freddy Schurr

19-04-2006, 23:09

Attention all MAVERICKS,

The MAVERICK image has been posted on CD. If you want a shirt, you would have to make it yourself.

-Freddy

firstrocks06

20-04-2006, 00:43

am i a maverick?...yes and no....what!?!?!?! we have to make our own shirts, oh well

The Lucas

20-04-2006, 00:50

Corey are you still going to assign numbers in Atlanta? or on CD?

firstrocks06

20-04-2006, 00:53

Corey are you still going to assign numbers in Atlanta? or on CD?

according to the Tshirt thread, it sound like he's just going to assign numbers as people post pics...i could be wrong

Freddy Schurr

20-04-2006, 09:49

Once you do your shirt and send Corey a picture, you will recieve a number.

Branden Ghena

20-04-2006, 21:02

GO MIDWEST!!!

vadyr

24-04-2006, 20:20

ive got a shirt! woo! it took me 4 tries tho......i can build a robot and make an animation, but i cant use an iron....sad.

Freddy Schurr

09-08-2006, 13:37

I was wondering if we still exist?

Freddy Schurr

19-08-2006, 23:41

I was going to make shirts but I don't know if I should? Conor, what should I do?

D.Fahringer

20-08-2006, 12:27

A Maverick? Of course I am, or was at least! The original members of the 1997 Team 122 were officially known as the "Langley Mavericks" From the 1998 season to the present we are as you know the "NASA Knights".

Here is our original team shirt!

Dave Fahringer

Michael Leicht

04-09-2006, 19:47

so i am stating this now that MAVERICK is dead. Corey went to college.

Joe Matt

04-09-2006, 20:14

Why do I have an odd feeling MAVERICK was a suttle jab?

BTW, Cedar Point's next coaster is going to be Maverick, NERD went to Cedar Point. Weird.

Mike

04-09-2006, 22:15

Why do I have an odd feeling MAVERICK was a suttle jab?

BTW, Cedar Point's next coaster is going to be Maverick, NERD went to Cedar Point. Weird.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I think all this regional seperation stuff is dumb.

Whether or not you want to admit it, there seems to be an underlying clique-style... world, if you will, in FIRST. You can see this for yourself with NERD, MAVERICK, ECDU, etc. I'm sure there are more but these are the ones I'm aware of. All of these share a common goal of uniting people who do X or live on coast Y. But what has really come out of them?

NERDs fizzled like pop rocks in pepsi and MAVERICK/ECDU just shared the all to common "This is old and nobody wants to maintain it" death. It just reeks of elitism.

I'm sorry if I sound politically correct, because that is certainly not my goal.

From what I understand ECDU's goal was networking, so it doesn't apply here.

Michael Leicht

04-09-2006, 22:34

Whether or not you want to admit it, there seems to be an underlying clique-style... world, if you will, in FIRST. You can see this for yourself with NERD, MAVERICK, ECDU, etc. I'm sure there are more but these are the ones I'm aware of. All of these share a common goal of uniting people who do X or live on coast Y. But what has really come out of them?

for me and the ECDU it was more of hanging out with my friends and having a good time along with meeting some new kids that i talk to about robotics. i found these groups of more of networking with kids to learn more about robotics or life in general.

Mike

05-09-2006, 00:15

for me and the ECDU it was more of hanging out with my friends and having a good time along with meeting some new kids that i talk to about robotics. i found these groups of more of networking with kids to learn more about robotics or life in general.
I don't know much about the ECDU, but if thats what it is truly for then I recant what I said earlier.

I'm just tired of every X and Y group saying how they're going to unite everyone and change the face of FIRST as we know it and all this. Its redundant.

Elgin Clock

05-09-2006, 00:49

NERDs fizzled like pop rocks in pepsi...

I wouldn't bet even a dime on that remark.

NERD is still alive and well, and the core of NERDs who are able to make meetings regularly have things planned and surprises in the works for the future.

It's always tough to fight the distance issue when uniting a group, but we are working around that internally before we start to expand and help other aspects and teams/groups/people of FIRST. Right now we are focusing on long term goals, and organizations issues and enjoying the time off before the season approaches us again.

2007 will be interesting. Just you wait.

As far as MAVERICK goes, I'm a member of that as well, and even though it may have fizzled out, it's spirit remains and we talk to each other. It's more of a networking group as ECDU is currently.

But who's to say what direction all three of these will go in the future.
It shall be an interesting year none-the-less.

Think of these groups as fan clubs of artists.
FIRST being the artist.
If the fan club goes away, or isn't always right in your face doing things the public sees, does that mean the reason for the fan club is gone?

Nope.

Lil' Lavery

05-09-2006, 17:47

I fail to see the problem with regional rivalries in FIRST. It adds a little fun, some new friends, and a little bit more excitement to the season. Midwest, vs. East Coast, North-east vs. South-east, etc. are all going to exist anyway, why not give them names? If you've ever been to an event like IRI, you'd know it's true. During the 2005 IRI finals, the audience (mainly midwestern) rallied behind the 33, 233, 868 alliance, which included 2 midwestern teams, while the other alliance had none 2 Californians (330, 980) and a Mid-Atlantic team (56). Paul Copioli (the MC) was even saying comments along the lines of "are we gonna let the coastal teams win in the midwest?" etc. Also note the East v. [mid]West dodgeball game at IRI 2006.
There are plenty of "who is the best state in FIRST" discussion on Chief Delphi, in FIRST chat rooms, etc. The rivalry definately exists. By forming regional groupings, it's not going to be a harmful thing in any way, but rather help continue the fun trend. These rivalries arn't harming anyone. You don't see teams declining picks because they are being picked by a team from another region. Plenty of teams want to prove they can beat Beatty, but they arn't gonna decline Beatty picking them.
These groups also serve as another way for teams and individuals to unify and work with eachother. Once again, I will demonstrate with IRI, and the "NERD invasion" of IRI in 2006. While 126 and 40 were the only North-Eastern teams competing at IRI, plenty of members from other NE teams came and helped out with them.

Mike

05-09-2006, 21:18

Like I said, I didn't intend for my ideas to be well received. It seems to be taboo to speak out against these types of things here.

About this time last year everybody was talking about NERDs. We were trying to guess what it stood for, when the website would be released, what was a NERD? Am I a NERD? Why is he a NERD and shes not a NERD?

Then we found out what it was, a group trying to promote pride in the Northeast. Cool. Everytime you saw a new picture on the front page, you'd go over and see whos the newest NERD.

The latest NERDs were initiated over half a year ago. They were what... around #20ish? I'm not about to go look up statistics on what teams are represented by these people, or the average member count per team, or any of that so bear with me here. There are about 1100 active teams globally. Lets say a lowballing count of 110 (10%) of all teams are located in the Northeast (the area represented by NERD). Average another lowball count of 25 people per team. Thats 2,750 people! How can 20 people represent 2,750?

I'm not trying to single out NERD here, its just the latest in a long list of groups like this. Maybe i'm doing it subconsciously because of the way I also disagree with the pride shown in exactly what we are trying to get the FIRST stereotype away from (that it is for geeks, NERDs and other such social outcasts)... but thats another completely different post.

EDIT: I have no problem with rivalries and such, but why do we need to identify ourselves as group Z. Why can't I just say northeast defense is better than midwest offense? ;)

Lil' Lavery

05-09-2006, 21:43

First off, it is definately NOT taboo, just look at most of this thread.
Nobody forced anyone to join any of these groups, they are merely a group of people and a name associated with regions in FIRST. They don't necissarily have to be "representative" of the region, but as of now, NERDs definately have representated the North East. The shirt is seen in dozens of photos, they have a video podcast, a website, etc etc etc. Thus is the power of publicity. You don't have to cheer for NERDs, you can certainly cheer for your Northeast defense (although the bit about it being better than Midwest offense is quite wrong, imho ;) ), nobody would be mad at you.
Regional pride and regional rivalries are a healthy growth in FIRST, and are common in almost any competition. These groups act as another form of networking and can only help. I realise you may not like them, and that you're entitled to your opinion, but I ask you, who and how do they hurt?

And finally, you may be trying to say that robotics isn't just for nerds, but maybe they're trying to say "It's cool to be a nerd!"

Andy Grady

05-09-2006, 22:16

Average another lowball count of 25 people per team. Thats 2,750 people! How can 20 people represent 2,750?

Mike,

You are right, how can 25 people claim to respresent everyone in a nation? We never claimed to represent, but instead we try to lead efforts and projects which would benefit the whole region. Since we have "stopped talking" here on these boards, NERD has actually grown quite a bit. We have done many things and are proud of our efforts...and we will continue to do so. We have stopped doing things, which many of your counterparts who have called NERD "eliteist" in the past said were aggitating the situation and making others feel like we were being as such. Instead of posting pictures and names of NERDS, we just focus on the task at hand and try to make progress quietly.

Have you ever attended an offseason competition? Chances are, NERD members are volunteering...most of which contacted through the NERD board.

Were you one of the teams who attended IRI from New England? If you are, chances are a NERD was there to help out in some way shape or form.

Did your team recieve a beautiful peice of crafted metal giving them credit for a job well done this year? Its a possibility that the piece of crafted metal was a beautiful NERD Award, crafted by a group of our wonderful students (Most of which were on your team Mike).

Results are there, the NERDS are still there, we just dont go around vocally about it (unless called out, as in this thread), because people just dont want to hear it.

As for Maverick, I hope that the spirit of it never dies. There is nothing wrong with showing some spirit or some motivation to make things more fun, or to make the program better.

And all you midwesterners out there...you aren't bad eggs at all. You just need to work on the defense a little. :p

Mike

05-09-2006, 23:52

Mike,

You are right, how can 25 people claim to respresent everyone in a nation? We never claimed to represent, but instead we try to lead efforts and projects which would benefit the whole region. Since we have "stopped talking" here on these boards, NERD has actually grown quite a bit. We have done many things and are proud of our efforts...and we will continue to do so. We have stopped doing things, which many of your counterparts who have called NERD "eliteist" in the past said were aggitating the situation and making others feel like we were being as such. Instead of posting pictures and names of NERDS, we just focus on the task at hand and try to make progress quietly.
...<snip>...

The question is:

Are these people volunteers because they are NERDs, or are they NERDs because they volunteer?

What I'm trying to say... is that NERDs seem to be those that are active in everything in FIRST. Is this a bad thing? Yes and no. Yes, it is collecting the "best and the brightest" so to speak, however is it excluding those who do not have those hours to put in?

e‧lit‧ism /ɪˈlihttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtɪzhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngəm, eɪˈli-/ lee[/b]-tiz-[i]uhhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngm, ey-lee-]–noun

1.practice of or belief in rule by an elite.
2.consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.

Jaine Perotti

06-09-2006, 01:33

The question is:

Are these people volunteers because they are NERDs, or are they NERDs because they volunteer?

What I'm trying to say... is that NERDs seem to be those that are active in everything in FIRST. Is this a bad thing? Yes and no. Yes, it is collecting the "best and the brightest" so to speak, however is it excluding those who do not have those hours to put in?

e‧lit‧ism /ɪˈlihttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtɪzhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngəm, eɪˈli-/ lee[/b]-tiz-[i]uhhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngm, ey-lee-]–noun

1.practice of or belief in rule by an elite.
2.consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.Being a NERD, I can say that I feel glad to be part of the organization, but not because I feel that means I did anything better than anyone else. The happiness I feel is a result of the fact that I am part of an organization which is doing good things for a community I care about.

NERD is no more "elitist" than FIRST itself - FIRSTers don't think they are holier than anyone in the non-FIRST world; FIRSTers are just happy to be making positive changes to society. Same goes for NERD - NERDS don't feel that they are "better" than any non-NERD; they are just glad to have the opportunity to help their fellow teams.

It's not the individual people who make NERD what it is, it's the things those people do together as a team which makes the organization respectable. NERD isn't good because the individuals are "better" than everyone else in any way (I can also tell you with great assurance that the members aren't NERDS just because of some affiliation with Andy - I didn't even know Andy when he asked me to join, nor did he know my friend Dillon Greenberg when he joined).

I am happy to be a NERD only because it is an organization which does good work for the benefit of the the New England FIRST community - a community which I feel tied to because that is the community which nurtured me. The function of NERD isn't to recognize or "select" outstanding volunteers for recognition. Being inducted into NERD shouldn't be viewed as winning some sort of award, or as being a sign of showing more "dedication" than everyone else. All NERDS have an appreciable dedication to FIRST, but that doesn't mean they are the only ones dedicated to FIRST.

There are all sorts of people who are a part of NERD. The amount of time allotted by each member to NERD varies greatly from person to person. Personally, I have been unable to contribute much of my time as of late because of the fact that I have had to go to college, get adjusted, do schoolwork, work my job, etc. Others, as I have seen when reading NERD group emails or reading the transcripts of the chats, have been considerably active this year. I still support them, and I will still lend a hand when possible, but I am not Wonder Woman. Does that mean that I can't be a part of it? Of course not!

Lets focus on the good work that is being done. Andy has made many articulate posts which clearly indicate to me that no one is being put down, turned away, or considered "not good enough" to share in what the organization has to offer. Until I can find a clear example of NERD hurting someone or doing bad, I will stand behind it with all of my heart, because I believe in what it is doing.

-- Jaine