Serious Plea for Help from CD Community/Please Read

[JaneYoung]

Hello All:
As many of you know the AVA (Autodesk Visualization Award) will not be judged at the regional level this 2007 season as it stands now. It will be judged at the Championship in Atlanta. This means it will not be judged/voted by peers.

KoKoEd has rallied a small group of us to try to convince Autodesk to return the Award to the regional level and peer voting and winners advance to the Championship as has been done in the past. There is a thread that I'm linking here
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50085
discussing all of this.

We have a very small window, like now, in which we may be able to have an impact. We have written a letter and it is being final proofed as I write. I will post it tomorrow at the earliest time that I possibly can. What we are asking for is virtual signatures from you. We need as many signatures as we can possibly get to add to this letter when we send it to FIRST and to Autodesk. Please post in the this thread or PM me saying that your name can be added.

I don't expect that commitment until you have had a chance to read the letter that will be sent, however, the thread that I've included here will provide the information that has been formatted into letter form. One of our students here in CD crafted this letter.

Ask your mentors and team mates to add their signatures. We have a chance to create change. Help us.

This is not a time for discussion, that time is over. This is now a time for action. Please add your signatures.
I may not have enough room in my PM box for everyone. If it is 'full' go to KoKoEd's, he'll LOVE it. Otherwise sign here.
Rock ON.

Thank you,
Jane Young

EDIT: we are moving fast. Here is the letter. If you find typos, lmk but this is it. Thanks Dan.

To Whom It May Concern:

Thank you for your commitment to providing free software to FIRST teams and sponsoring the FIRST Autodesk awards in CAD and animation. The new FIRSTbase system will provide more opportunities for students, create more possibilities for education, and allow wider use of the products. We were disappointed, however, to learn that the Autodesk Visualization Award will no longer be offered at regional FIRST competitions. We feel that the change will negatively affect education in this field and cause decreased use of the product. Animation is an important part of many teams; the removal of this award is a loss for those students who spend a great deal of time on learning, working on, and teaching animation. It is a loss for the FIRST community as well.

The regional AVA awards are a form of recognition and feedback for teams who create entries. When the award is given to teams at every regional, more models become available to less experienced animation groups. With regional awards, successful animators would also become more accessible to teams seeking advice if winners are recognized in every region. Because there will now only be one winner out of all the FIRST teams, experienced teams and animation models become less accessible, while most teams—especially those with less experience or no adult help in animation—will be discouraged from creating entries.

We ask that you consider reinstating the regional AVA awards for the upcoming 2007 season for a number of additional reasons. As stated, the decreased amount of support for animation teams will have other negative effects on teams and the FIRST community:

-The animators put in as much, and sometimes more, effort into the creation of the animations as the other students put into the creation of the robots.

-This is the only incentive program that acknowledges and recognizes their efforts.

-This is one of the few parts of the FIRST program that demonstrates that FIRST is interested in inspiring students about more than just robots; that animation is also a valid technical field that deserves recognition and respect.

-The regional animation awards program is very important to the animation teams, and a major motivation for their efforts.

-Reducing the animation awards to just a national award will significantly reduce the level of interest in the animation competition—nearly 80% of the teams will not be attending the Championships in Atlanta and will not be in attendance for the presentation of the award, and they will not pursue it for that reason.

-Without the regional animation awards program, we predict a significant reduction in the number of teams participating in the animation competition, impacting the entire season and program.

-Even if Autodesk will not sponsor the award, it should still be given out (either sponsored by someone else, or without specific sponsorship) at the regional level; the winner can be selected by popular vote, judging like the website awards, or animators selection.

-In the entire history of the FIRST program, a competitive technical award has never been removed from the program.

Briefly, in the upcoming season, fewer teams will feel motivated to create animation entries for the competition because they do not have the chance to win a regional award. In the long run, this will lead to less product use, less experience and enthusiasm in the field of animation, and less benefit from Autodesk’s generous software donations.

Again, thank you for your continued effort to add so much value to the FIRST Robotics Competition. We hope that this part of FIRST, the Autodesk Visualization Award, can return to the regional program soon.

Sincerely,

All of us :)

[CraigHickman]

After reading the thread, I, Craig Hickman, in representation of Team 114, Herebye virtually sign my name on this letter.


(anyone else notice that when you say "virtually sign", it just makes you feel cool?)

[Jaine Perotti]

You got my signature. Good luck, Jane! :)

[Michelle Celio]

Great letter, you did a very good job on it.


You've got my signature too. Good luck with the endeavor.

[Adam Richards]

Signed,

Adam Richards

[JaneYoung]

The final letter is a contribution of:
Daniel Zollman
Team 1712
Dawgma
Username: worldbringer

Dan did this yesterday during a study period in school with finishing touches a little while ago.
It is a group effort that he cobbled together and polished.

Totally rocks, he does.
Jane

[Nuttyman54]

Thanks so much for putting this together

You have the signature of Evan Morrison

[AznPrincess3089]

Regine Labog
I represent Team 1070 as I virtually sign this letter. I hope FIRST looks at this.

[Jonathan Norris]

You got my signature Jane.

Jonathan Norris representing Team 610

[Eldarion]

I am representing Team 81 as I virtually sign this letter.

I hope this pans out...

[artdutra04]

I, Arthur Dutra IV, whole-heartedly support this measure.


One of the seniors who graduated from Team 228 last year is now pursuing a college degree in Computer Animation; the main reason why she chose this path in life is because she was inspired by competing in the Autodesk Visualization Award competition. ;)

[JaneYoung]

fyi - in some of my PMs, whole animation teams/teams are adding their sigs. If you are speaking on behalf of your team and can add their names, that would be very helpful.
Basically, the more, the merrier. Please do not add names without permission. Please. But do speak to your team members. This is one time when the robot crew can get behind your animation and CAD teams, how cool is that!

....If the bold is obnoxious, I'll tone it down later today but I want it to stand out a bit now....
I will find a way to thank all of you for your support -

[DCA Fan]

I'll sign on.

George Chen
Team 812 mentor, SCRRF Staff, SD Regional Committee member

[=Martin=Taylor=]

I will forward this to the rest of my team.

You have my signature, Martin Taylor

[Ryan Dognaux]

Add my name to the list. If it wasn't for the AVA award, I wouldn't have had a spot on a FIRST team during build season. Feel free to PM me or e-mail me if you need me to write something in support.

[AustinSchuh]

Add my name also: Austin Schuh

[Arkorobotics]

You got my signature, Ara Kourchians!

Good luck!

[Richard McClellan]

You've got my support!

Signed,
Richard McClellan, Mentor representing FIRST Team 2158

[Daisy]

Daisy Kay

[JohnBoucher]

Thanks for doing this.

Team 237 is 100% behind this.

John Boucher

[Koko Ed]

Obviously I'm signing my name to it.

[Travis Hoffman]

Team 48 wholeheartedly supports this measure, as this year's Animation Team has been reinvigorated with more enthusiasm and participation than I've ever seen in all my years on the team. Our kids poured a lot of energy and spirit into their Safety Animation entry, and they all would like the opportunity to have their upcoming AVA entry judged on a regional level.

Virtually signed,

Travis Hoffman, on behalf of Team 48 Delphi E.L.I.T.E.

[Chuck Glick]

Virtually Signed,
Chuck Glick

[Lkr220]

Signed,
Elizabeth Rosalia
Team 1676

[Ghostatlo]

Virtually Signed, Justin Rubin (1712)

[Joohoo]

signed virtually John Lawniczak

[KathieK]

Virtually Signed. Kathie Kentfield, former mentor FRC 173, FVC Affiliate Partner, Director of NEMO.

[team_mom]

virtually signed, Carole Burns, Team 1732

[Bill Moore]

Virtually Signed,
Bill Moore
Team 365, MOE

[George1902]

/signed

Good Luck, Jane!

[petek]

Add my signature.

Thanks to KokoEd, Jane and Dan for spearheading this.

Peter Kieselbach
Mentor, Team 103 (Autodesk Inventor Award winners 2005 & 2006)

[Master Dictator]

Signed,

CJ Myers
341 Miss Daisy

[Liz Smith]

Signed,

Liz Smith

[dubious elise]

I only had bit parts on the animation team, but I have a great deal of respect for all that they do.

Signed,

Elise Janowak

[Dan Zollman]

Of course, Daniel Zollman and Lower Merion High School Team 1712.

[dmellich]

Signed,

David M. Ellich
Team 1251
TechTigers

[Billfred]

No team I've been affiliated with has submitted an AVA since 2004, but I have much admiration for those who do submit.

William Jullian Leverette, Jr., Volunteer and mentor, FRC 1618 by way of FRC 1293

[Tim Arnold]

I 100% agree.

Signed,
Tim Arnold from 1523


Good luck though, a few of the web team leads sent off a similar letter in the start of summer suggesting web award reform, and got no response...

[neilsonster]

I'll sign -> Andrew Neilson from 772.

[mehul]

signed,

Mehul Patel-from 1635

[Steve W]

Virtually signed,
Steve Warren (188)

[Phil Ross]

I Phil Ross, as a representative form DAWGMA Team 1712 I hearby vertually sign my name.

[mtaman02]

Virtually Signed - M. Massa

[Eric W. Jones]

As a representative of team 1646, I, Eric Jones, virtually sign this letter. Best of Luck!

[jcatt]

Signed,

Jonathan Catt
Team 1251

[KelliV]

Signed,

Kelli Van Antwerp
FRC-111 alumni FVC-34 Alumni
Columbia College Chicago Commutter Senator

[Phalanx]

Signed,

Michael Reffler
Mentor FRC 1089

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Sounds like a good cause..

Tom Bottiglieri
FIRST Volunteer and FRC #125 Mentor

[Pat Fairbank]

Sign me up.

Patrick Fairbank
Mentor, FRC 1503

[Tapoore]

Virtually signed, Tom Poore for Team 1519.

[Vince lau]

Virtually Signed
Vince Lau
Mentor Team 1281

[Graham Donaldson]

Count me in.

[yodameister]

I, Tom Heller, add my signature to the letter.
Team Advisor FRC 1726

[temujin]

Donnell Williams - mentor to Team 116, Epsilon Delta animation crew - winners of a number of regionals - inspired by the challenge, motivated by the rest of the team - rewarded with a donut and recognition - herewith virtually sign the letter.

[Nica F.]

Signed,

Monica Fernandez
Team 4

[JaneYoung]

Update

I'm adding the signatures to the letter right now.
Please keep posting.
The more we have, the better.

Jane

[hallk]

Signed,
Katherine Hall
Team 537

[talltree357]

Signed,

Joseph Gro FRC 357

[Libby K]

signed,

Libby Kamen, team 1923

[Yes, I know we didn't submit, but I support those who do.]

[jgannon]

Signed,
Joey Gannon, FRC 1743

[JaneYoung]

FYI - this is my 'own' opinion -
We are supporting members of our FIRST teams, in this instance, we are thinking about the animation team - yes. We know that not all teams submit animations to the competitions, often for reasons beyond their control. This is now but there is always the future in FIRST. Teams who may not be submitting now, may down the road, when opportunities arise and improve. Your support for your team is for today and for the future. I am not an animator. It isn't stopping me from trying to help. Animation rocks and is a very important part of our FIRST competition or it would not be there.

<off I go...>

[AndyB]

I would love to sign this. It would also be great to see the Inventor award judged at a regional level in the future.

[J. Emerson]

Please add a signature for Joanne Emerson, Team 116.

Comment:

As a former FIRST student-turned-mentor, I find this extremely unfortunate. 20+ students on our team and countless students across the nation work extremely hard for the AVA every year and are so busy that they do little work on the actual robot. The efforts of these students can already be somewhat overshadowed by the number of awards associated with the robot at regional events (I am not suggesting that we eliminate any of those awards). Consolidating ~30-40 AVAs into one is hardly sending the right message to these kids. Through these regional awards, we show them that their efforts are worthwhile, important, and appreciated, and I urge anyone with the ability to change this decision to reconsider.

[Richard Wallace]

Please add my virtual signature to this letter.

Richard Wallace
FRC/FVC Volunteer and FRC Team 931 Mentor

[mizscience]

Please add my virtual signature to this letter.

Melissa Smith
Representing Team 1251 - TechTigers

[Hiteak]

I have seen how much work has been put into animation from other teams and I have been really impressed.

Signed,
Daniel Schneiderman
Team 1930

[Fio003]

As captain of Team 116 Animation Team, I virtually sign this letter.

Chris Parker
Team 116 Animation Captain

[Michelle Celio]

I've talked to a few team mates and they've agreed to "sign"
I'm going to try and talk to more of them before the end of the day.
So for now:

Alexander Pennock
Erme Robles
Victor Robles
Stephanie Forcelli
Michelle Celio (Me again, just for the record)

Edit: My team rocks right now =]
Dylan Billiodeaux
Cory Forgue (Alumni)
Lionel Sotomayor

[JaneYoung]

/signed

Good Luck, Jane!

George, are you a hobbit with a last name?

If anyone knows George's last name, please PM me if he does not respond.
Jane

Edit: I knew that - I just forgot, sorry George.
Thanks for the PM Billfred.

[JaneYoung]

Count me in.
How would you like your name spelled?
Jane

[JaneYoung]

I would love to sign this. It would also be great to see the Inventor award judged at a regional level in the future.

I'm not sure if piemaster will work -
If you are adding your signature, will you add your last name as well?
Thank you,
Jane

[JaneYoung]

Michelle Celio (Me again, just for the record)

I'm watching you Michelle:D

Good work.

Michelle, I caught your edit. I will add your team mates in the morning when I add the newest additions.
Thanks again - everyone.

[Kristian Calhoun]

Oh behalf of Team 25, we three would like to endorse this petition:

Kristian Calhoun (Programming Captain)
Alexa Stott (Awards Captain)
Morgan Gillespie (Animation Captain)

Keep up the good work Jane.

[DJ Serrant]

You definately got my signature. Good luck!

[desi_technology]

Signed,
Shahil Kantesaria, FRC 176

[RoboJedi75]

Signed,
Nate Fong, Team #75 Animation Team Leader

[nparikh]

I, Neil Parikh (Captain Captain of Team 25)[->to poke fun at Kristian's previous post] sign my name on that letter without reservations.

[Arefin Bari]

Signed,
Arefin Bari.

... Jane, it's kind of hard to get in touch with the kids while they are on break, but I will call them and get permission. Expect a list of signatures from team 1345 in the next day or two.

[mrs. z]

Please add my virtual signature to this letter.

Michele A. Zubatkin,
Advisor FRC Team 75
Member NJ FIRST Planning Committee

[lukevanoort]

Signed,
Luke Van Oort, FRC 587 captain.

[Brian Mocci]

Signed,

Brian Mocci

[Rohith Surampudi]

Signed,
Rohith Surampudi---team 75

[Dark Muse]

Signed,
Thomas DiPalma

[Mike Schroeder]

Signed,
Michael Schroeder Team Mentor 1923, Former Team Mentor and Alumni 0025

[EricS-Team180]

/signed
Eric Schreffler

Good call ...

[LauraN]

Signed,
Laura Nicholson

[JaneYoung]

Signed,
Arefin Bari.

... Jane, it's kind of hard to get in touch with the kids while they are on break, but I will call them and get permission. Expect a list of signatures from team 1345 in the next day or two.

Arefin -
KoKoEd and I are working towards a deadline, however, the signatures can continue to come in as they will over the next couple of days and we can reference the process. Thank you for the extra effort but don't make yourselves crazy, it's the end of a long semester for all of you.

Jane

[Mr. Lim]

Signed,

Shawn T. Lim

[Mike Martus]

In 100% agreement!

Signed:

Michael Martus and the full Team #47.

[Andy Baker]

Signed,

Andy Baker

[AndyB]

signed,

Andrew Burchardt

[Josh Murphy]

Signed, Sealed an Delivered I am on board also. Good luck.:)

[CraigHickman]

I have been asked to sign for two members of 114: Emily Lippe and Michale Corsetto.

Hope this goes somewhere!

[Kyle]

Virtually signed Kyle Rice
MOE 365

[team1852]

I virtually sign for all the members of Team 1852. I really hope the AVA award gets re-instituted.

-Vinoo

[JaneYoung]

I virtually sign for all the members of Team 1852. I really hope the AVA award gets re-instituted.

-Vinoo

Thank you. If you could enter your name, that would be helpful. For the team members to count, their names must be added as well, with their permission or if they each want to post individually.
Jane

[Ken Streeter]

Signed,

Ken Streeter of Team #1519
(Also one of the adult animators of the "Dr. Justin Case" LEGO Animations for FLL -- see http://www.fll-freak.com/)

[Travis Hoffman]

Please add Dan Drescher, Justin Kopelos, David Mosko, Matt Mosko, Pat Coleman, Mark Baka, and Greg Christman to the list for Team 48.

[IronMADMAN]

Signed by:

Matthew Buczek

Team 1712 - Dawgma \m/ ^_^ \m/

[Gabe]

I virtually sign: Gabriel Arambula from team 604.
Signed virtually on behalf of: Alex Arambula from team 604.

[i_am_Doug]

Please add Doug Miller to your list.
As I (Doug miller) Virtually sign this.

Good luck all in all!

~Doug

[Bharat Nain]

Virtually signed,
Bharat Nain
Team 25 alumni mentor.

[aksimhal]

Signed,
Anish Simhal
1123

[Conor Ryan]

Signed,

Conor D. Ryan
Team 1403
Cougar Robotics

[Kevin Thorp]

Signed

Kevin Thorp
Animation Team Mentor
Team 342
Charleston, SC

[Salik Syed]

Add me to the list:

Salik Syed
team 701

[DudeWithAMood]

Signed, Steven Lam

[Po-ser]

Don't they dare! We were going to enter for the first time ever!

Most definitely signed! on behalf of the following:

Polina Danilyuk
Nathan Keyes
Steven Lam
Theo Kunicki
Yon Zloof
Manav Nanda
Edward Kaplan
Jesse Weiman
Samuel Crisanto
Daryl Vulis
Nathan Bixler
Jay Walker
Tal Akabas
Joshua Budofsky
Steven Cao
Jena Cutie
Allan Dong
Joshua Hecht
Sarah Ketani
Jason Rassi
Harrison Wong
Dishen Yang
Danny Zhu
Joe Ricci
Ian Ferguson
Sonia Gollance
William Silversmith
Beth Goldstein
Paul Desiderio
Victor Liu
Amy Suen
Yi Li
Joanna Ma

of team 694

[JaneYoung]

Signed, Steven Lam
Steven, to clarify, I see you are also in the 694 team list that Polina added but I'm listing you separately unless you say otherwise. The signature count is the same, you just won't be included in the team listing...
Jane

[geeknerd99]

Ack! And I had just gotten ahold of a legal copy of 3DSMax JUST to animate this year! Count me in.

Daniel Lin

[chris31]

Our team wount be doing an animation but no reason to spoil it for the rest of people at the regionals.

signed, Chris Davidson

[Po-ser]

The Steven Lam listed separately is the same Steven Lam as on my list. :)

[Tottanka]

Signed from team 1947 - ISRAEL
Liron Gurvitz
Ofir Nagar
Daniel Bitener Zamir
Tom petrunin
Zvi Baratz
DAvid Mizrahi
Ofir Goldshmidt
Aviad Rotaro
Or Guetta
Aadrey Nazarov
Ori Dahari
Shahr Shpurer
Omri Cohen
Ofek Oren
Yarin Faygenboym
Snir Homeski
Yarden Homeski
TAl Berner
Andrey Deener
Anna Shuster

[JaneYoung]

The Steven Lam listed separately is the same Steven Lam as on my list. :)


Got it.:)

[Zak698]

You have mine too

Zachary Priddy
Team #698

[Tottanka]

What's your count so far? and what's going on wiht it?

[JaneYoung]

We are just under 180 signatures, thank you everyone.
Can we use more, sure.

We are in process.

(If that sounds vague, it's because I'm asking for a little wiggle room.)

Thanks for everything, everyone.
Jane

[Jeremytice]

You can put me down........Jeremy Tice from team 1126 SparX

[SamC]

I'm not an animator, but you got to have respect for those guys!
put me down


Sam Couch
Team 330 -The Beach Bots

[EricRobodox]

Never did animation for FIRST, but count me in:
Eric Gobst

from team 599 - The RoboDox

[Christian]

You can add me; my team never makes it to nationals :(

Christian Ortiz

[Morgan Gillespie]

I sign on behalf of the entire team 25 animation team
Students
Morgan Gillespie
Antoine Dorsey
Dhananjay Thanikella
Rishi Tirumala
Nick Ramos
Shawn Ahmad
Kiran Aravapalli
Srigag Babu
Chris Mclean
Mike Bauer
Tina Ciance

Mentors
Mike Ciance
Mr Ciance

[Koko Ed]

The letter has been mailed to FIRST.
Jane should be sending her copy to Autodesk.
Now we just have to wait and see.
We both thank you for your support of this effort.

[boy_scout72688]

please add my name

James Bowers

[Tottanka]

If the animation will be only for the Nationals then i will be really really sad...
This prize is guarnteed ours (our team), as i am the only Aniamtion Designer in the Israeli regional, wich makes the competition very very hard for us =]
I am trying to convince some other teams to make an Animation, hope it'll work...

BTW, do you all use 3D Studio Max for the animation, or anything else?

[AV_guy007]

If the animation will be only for the Nationals then i will be really really sad...
This prize is guarnteed ours (our team), as i am the only Aniamtion Designer in the Israeli regional, wich makes the competition very very hard for us =]
I am trying to convince some other teams to make an Animation, hope it'll work...

BTW, do you all use 3D Studio Max for the animation, or anything else?

as far as i know 3d s max is the only software you are allowed to use because the contest is sponsored by autodesk

I Sam Hillyer give my support and add my name to the list:)

[JaneYoung]

and i know its a little late to ad my name to the list but you have my support:)

If you would like to add yourself, can you edit in your name?:)

Edit: Thank you.

[Barry Bonzack]

I have completely missed this thread until now. Team 1390/1604 together have had an animation every year since 2004. FIRST teams have been lucky to have Autodesk provide a competition for teams to animate and be motivated to compete as part of a team that has little to do with the actual robot. This is a skill that is able to be used in many areas, ranging from brining engineering ideas to life early in its conception, to recreating historical events digitally, to the advancing world of video game design. Here in Orlando, EA Games has recently moved their headquarters near the University of Central Florida and train students to hire right out of college. Having the ability to learn animation in high school is a wonderful opportunity for students aspiring to go to college and make a career with this skill. DeVry also has an animation track; learning this is college gives the students a jumpstart. However, not all teams have the ability to compete at the Championship in Atlanta. 1390 was able to make the trip last year, but has no plans to attend in the future due to budget issues. If there is no animation competition and award at the regional level, the teams that can not afford to attend in Atlanta will not be motivated to have an animation team. I hope this letter succeeds in its goal.

You have my signature
Barry Bohnsack, team 1390

[Tottanka]

I'd just like to say that i dont really think ANYONE is going to be against this petition...and FIRST and AutoDesk must understand it..
Does anyone know WHY they have decided to change it suddenly?

[JaneYoung]

Thanks for continuing to add your signatures.:)

It would help right now to continue to allow this thread to be for signatures. If you would like to continue discussion regarding changes, etc - this is the thread that was started and could be used:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50085

Please help us keep this thread open for signatures.

Thank you, Jane

[Jay H 237]

Sorry Jane I didn't get to this sooner, it's been a week and a half since I've been on here, but add me too.

Signed,
Jason Hartmann (Mentor, Team #237)

[jvaitkus]

You have my signature.

Janina Vaitkus, Team 1111

[Danny Diaz]

If it's a matter of reducing their overhead or attempting to lighten a burden (manpower or financially) on Autodesk, I can see why they're doing it. However, I agree with everyone here that removing the regional award does decrease the likelihood that inexperienced animators will attempt to compete "with the big boys". Team 418 is one of those teams - we recently lost all our experienced animators to graduation last year (without being able to train a new generation), and new animators that have joined the team this year are starting from scratch. I can see our animators playing with the software if they're given a copy of it - as they already have with last year's software - but I don't see them trying to push the limits in a competitive atmosphere if they know they are doing it just for their own benefit, especially since there's no chance to win any kind of award.

You have my support and my signature (Danny Diaz), FWIW.

-Danny

[Cjmovie]

As long as it isn't too late:

Signed,
Christopher Corsi of Team 1293.

[Koko Ed]

If it's a matter of reducing their overhead or attempting to lighten a burden (manpower or financially) on Autodesk, I can see why they're doing it. However, I agree with everyone here that removing the regional award does decrease the likelihood that inexperienced animators will attempt to compete "with the big boys". Team 418 is one of those teams - we recently lost all our experienced animators to graduation last year (without being able to train a new generation), and new animators that have joined the team this year are starting from scratch. I can see our animators playing with the software if they're given a copy of it - as they already have with last year's software - but I don't see them trying to push the limits in a competitive atmosphere if they know they are doing it just for their own benefit, especially since there's no chance to win any kind of award.

You have my support and my signature (Danny Diaz), FWIW.

-Danny
If it was just merely a question of manpower I would recommend that they turn over judging to the animation students. The kids worked long and hard on the animations. They are more than qualified to judge what is worthy.

[JaneYoung]

As long as it isn't too late.

It is fine to keep adding your signatures.
Jane

[cjelly]

Add me, Christopher Jelly, if it's not too late. Thanks.

[UnStumpable237]

I agree to sign it.

-Julie Henion

[Nate Edwards]

I'll sign it as well

Nate Edwards
Team 957

[legotech25]

Count my virtual signature in!!!

--Sarah Wittman, Team 1714

[animatorkid]

Please add my signature to this list.
I, Mark Wahnish, sign this.

Let's just hope Autodesk listens.

[GUI]

/virtual signature

Gary Forbes, Team 1726

[TheOtherGuy]

Virtual Signature, on the way!

kevin forbes, FRC 1726

I hope this helps!

[DinkyDogg]

I, Jacob Becker, lead animator for team 114, sign my name too.

[Lifelessimp]

I, Mark Hsu (FRC 192) sign.

[Cuog]

Signed on behalf of myself and team 422,

Alex Cuoghi

[Robocat1]

Team 379 supports this,

Judy Barber
Team Advisor

[Rabbit222]

Signed

Brian Bunney
Tigertron Alumni

[Sgt. Mammoth]

Signed on behalf of Team 1732

Stephen Brown

Please add Sean Conley, Phil Reuss, John Shawger, and John Christiansen from 1732 as well.

[Joobacca]

I, Ori Berger (team 192) sign this petition.

[alysume]

signed,

Justin Hsu

[DaveC]

I, Dave Coveney, have been mentoring Team 250's animation team for 5
seasons now. I heartily endorse and sign this letter. Nice job folks!

[Tetraman]

Evan Raitt of 1930 signs

[+()c|D]

Todd Rosenblatt from Team 4 signs it too.

[eshteyn]

A lot of our team does not have a chief delphi account, im speaking for all of them and saying we are all signing on


-eugene

[jparkteach]

On behalf of the many teams I've mentored. We endorse this and sincerely hope that Autodesk and FIRST will make these very important awards available at the regional level.

PS. Any response or comment from FIRST yet?

[JaneYoung]

PS. Any response or comment from FIRST yet?

Thank you for asking. There has been no response as yet.
Jane

[whlspacedude]

i sign it too

[Pavan Dave]

Pavan Dave
FRC118

[pwilczynski]

Count me in.


Peter

[Seto Kaiba]

count me in.

signed,

Hamid A. Ali

[Psychoflood]

You've got members of Team 11:

John "Psychoflood" Schreiner
Derek "Eyekantspel" Ridings
Mark "Fuzzy" Hawthorne
Ed "11Ed71" Venator
Mike "Mike Nawrot" Nawrot (lol)
Chris "Chrisms" Smolko

[Tails19]

I, Ian Jones, of team 1571, do hereby sign this petition.

[JaneYoung]

Hello everyone,

The concerns have been forwarded to FIRST and to Autodesk. Thank you for your support.

At this time, I would like to ask the moderators to close this thread.
Jane