You Cannot Graciously Accept [Archive]

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 08:56

Hi All,
Hey I notice a lot of teams out there accept their invitation to an alliance by saying "Team xxxx Graciously accepts your invitation" (xxxx = your team number smartie!) This is a contradiction of terms. Gracious is one of those adjectives you cannot apply to yourself. Others have to apply it to you. Calling your own action gracious is a form of self praise, being a bit presumptuous and lacking the humility that goes along with tact and courtesy. So you can never really self apply the word "Gracious". It's like saying "We silently accept".
Yes I KNOW what you mean and I agree that the spirit and understanding among FIRSTies (Is that a word?) is that the acceptance is in the spirit of gracious professionalism. SO why am I bothering if we all understand?
OK Here's the deal. It's bad English. Your English teachers might start dumping essays on FIRST team members over the regional weekends if they hear you misuse "Gracious".
Just kidding, they'd never do that.
The bigger reason is simple. The media usually show up at the finals hoping for a story. If they could accurately predict the timing they would show up for the last round of the last match...(Sorry kids, good news don't sell newspapers and FIRST is always good news!) But I have seen them there for the alliance picks. These are men and women who have been savaged by unscrupulous modifiers of otherwise perfect text, AKA Editors. They will pick up immediately that you are misusing "Gracious" and if they are really mean will quote you so that the Editor can't correct it and well... your school will come across as one that teaches robotic but whose students ain't got no sense of good grammar.
It's far safer to "...Happily accept your gracious invitation..." or "...Gratefully accept your invitation..." something that doesn't sacrifice proper wording and yet still shows the spirit of FIRST.
Having said all this, if someone can demonstrate that "Gracious" actually CAN correctly be used as a self description, then I will "Graciously stand corrected."

JUST A THOUGHT!

Best wishes

Steve Alaniz

65_Xero_Huskie

21-03-2007, 09:00

Travis Hoffman

21-03-2007, 09:03

This topic has been covered before. Go here for all the fun....

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45719&highlight=graciously+accept

Libby K

21-03-2007, 09:06

I'm a personal fan of "Team XXXX accepts Team XXXX's gracious offer."

or ...

Instead of "Team XXXX graciously accepts" how about just a big "yeaaaahhhhh!" ?

ALIBI

21-03-2007, 09:07

"In the spirit of Gracious Professionalism, Team XXXX accepts your invitation."

Taylor

21-03-2007, 09:11

"Thanks for thinking of us, it would be WICKED AWESOME to join you guys."
-paraphrased from 166.

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 09:11

uhm...wow?

When the person says this they are showing that their TEAM is accepting the offer graciously. not them, they are a representative so it makes it alright to say that. Its the same as saying "Team xxxx accepts your iinvitation with great honor".

No... if you are part of the team, calling your team gracious is the same as calling yourself gracious. As you said, you ARE the entire team's representative.
Accepting "with great honor" is also bad English because the meaning is ambiguous (Who's being honored? and who's honoring them? and who's on FIRST! (sorry...))"... you are "Honored to accept..." I'm not saying people don't say it the way you propose... but it's incorrect.
So I stand by my comment for the moment... but ever ready to accept correction.

Steve Alaniz

dpraedan

21-03-2007, 09:15

"Thanks for thinking of us, it would be WICKED AWESOME to join you guys."
-paraphrased from 166.

We did that when we were in SVR, thought it'd be fun to bring a little of the east coast out west with us :P

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 09:16

This topic has been covered before. Go here for all the fun....

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45719&highlight=graciously+accept

Whoa! MY APOLOGIES!
I didn't see that thread! Still the fact that this is continuing to happen means it still needs to be dealt with. All I can say is, you wouldn't violate the rules for programming language no need to violate the rules of the English language.

Steve Alaniz

Jack Jones

21-03-2007, 09:17

I totally agree. It's the kind of thing up with which I am fed!

Rohith Surampudi

21-03-2007, 09:19

hehehe, or one could use the answer 237 used at NJ..." Team 237 would like to accept with a YEAH!":p

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 09:21

I totally agree. It's the kind of thing up with which I am fed!

Touche!

Steve Alaniz

Beth Sweet

21-03-2007, 09:58

For the record "Heck yeah man!" is not the best response to an alliance request either... (Wisconsin 06...)

fredliu168

21-03-2007, 10:03

my way of accepting is:

"omg omg omg you actually picked us... omg we accept"

but of course... thats VEX

DavidGitz

21-03-2007, 10:06

how about:
"It is a Glorious day to die!"-Worf

MrForbes

21-03-2007, 10:06

All I can say is, you wouldn't violate the rules for programming language no need to violate the rules of the English language.

The code won't compile if you violate the rules of the programming language...but English is more robust, it seems to work pretty well no matter how we engineering nerds mangle it!

Jeremiah Johnson

21-03-2007, 10:10

LOL... Funny thing: We actually told our team representative (big giant leprechaun, MWR 07) to not say "We graciously accept." Instead we gave him multiple alternatives; however, being Josh he still said it anyways.

It's just a common misunderstanding and teams have been doing it since the beginning.

Andy Baker

21-03-2007, 10:23

If picked, students on team 45 have been ordered to not say "graciously accept" for a couple of years. They can accept in any creative way, saying whatever they want, as long as it represents the team well and does not insult the other teams.

In St. Louis, team 1444 picked us, and Kyle Love responded with something like this:

"Hoooo yea! Team 45 would love to 'Shake n Bake' with team 1444" (or something like that)

(we watched the Ricky Bobby movie on the ride over to St. Louis, so "Shake n Bake" was the saying of the weekend)

At the Boilermaker Regional, team 1501 picked us, and Nick Boyce was a little more toned down:

"Team 45 would absolutely LOVE to be partnered with team 1501 - we accept"

I am still waiting to see a poem or a song sung by an accepting student. That would be cool.

AB

George1902

21-03-2007, 11:14

I am still waiting to see a poem or a song sung by an accepting student. That would be cool.

AB
Roses are red; violets are blue.
Your invitation's accepted by 1902.

Or perhaps in the form of a haiku?

Exploding Bacon
Humbly and gladly accepts
Your invitation

Practice these, James. You're using one in Vegas! ;-]

Koko Ed

21-03-2007, 11:16

Whatever happened to "Sure."

Jeremiah Johnson

21-03-2007, 11:27

Whatever happened to "Sure."

We're not boring people here, Ed. That's what happened to "sure."

Cory

21-03-2007, 11:27

I heard some team last year say "on behalf of ___________________, we accept" (replace the blank with the team's 500 sponsors). That got annoying real quick.

indieFan

21-03-2007, 11:42

Steve,

While I have just learned something new about how the word "gracious" is currently used, I have to remind you that the English language is constantly evolving. One only needs to look at almost any definition in the OED to understand this.

As an example, the word "radical" was used as a scientific or mathematical term. During the 1980s, the word became a slang term and received a new definition to add to the previous ones.

If I had to worry about the proper use of English terms, I would focus on "me vs. I" and "good vs. well". I'll never forget the day before I graduated with an English degree. I was walking back to the dorm from my car and two students were walking away from the dorm. I overheard one of the students say "Chancellor X did a well job of recruiting students for next year." I instantaneously cringed.

The other thing I would worry about is the overall writing ability of the students. The internet has significantly impacted how things are now written.

Worrying about giving a new meaning or way of being used isn't such a bad thing in the grand scheme of things.

indieFan

Rick

21-03-2007, 11:53

How about "Guns up lets do this, LEEEEEEEEEEEEEROY JEEEEEEEEEENKINS" then procede to get your robot and start the match instantly.

JudyVandy

21-03-2007, 11:59

You can't be truly gracious if you tell everyone that you are accepting in a gracious manner. You would be truly more gracious if you said something like, 'We are honored to...'

65_Xero_Huskie

21-03-2007, 12:01

4. merciful or compassionate: our gracious king.
5. Obsolete. fortunate or happy.
–interjection
6. (used as an exclamation of surprise, relief, dismay, etc.)

From what that says (Dictionary.com), it looks like you can say that and mean you are happy, or relieved. I still dont get what the point of trying to tell us to NOT say "graciously". That sounds a little like UNgraciousness there.

EDIT***

How about "Guns up lets do this, LEEEEEEEEEEEEEROY JEEEEEEEEEENKINS" then procede to get your robot and start the match instantly.
This has to be the best thing in the thread so far.

Al Skierkiewicz

21-03-2007, 12:08

Steve,
If a team "graciously accepts" their representative is telling you so there is no ambiquity. They are accepting your invitation in the manner in which it was given (graciously) and they are telling you the condition of their acceptance.

Travis Hoffman

21-03-2007, 12:10

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Rack and Roll!!!!!!", followed by Maverick/Goose Style high five/low five......

Does that signify acceptance or insanity? I can't tell.

boy_scout72688

21-03-2007, 12:16

In all honestly as sitting through numerous matches on Thursday, Friday and even more on Saturday, it would be nice to have some creative ways to say that a team excepts. The nicest way that I could come up with to say something like that would be: "Team XXXX is more than happy to accept your invitation to "(insert game name here ex: Rack and Roll)". That sounds creative to me. I definatly challange every time to come up with some creative way to accept alliances either by the championships or even for next years game. I agree with gracious professionalism, but lets be creative. What are engineers suppose to be? Arn't they suppose to be creative? Let's see it teams. Just remember don't dishonor your team, the other team or your self in your creative answer.

Richard Wallace

21-03-2007, 12:19

"Thanks for thinking of us, it would be WICKED AWESOME to join you guys."
-paraphrased from 166.Wicked awesome -- that's what they said, and wicked awesome partners they were. The 166 Chop Shop moved themselves and their signage all the way from the other side of the field at BMR to join their alliance partners 1189 and 931.

JaneYoung

21-03-2007, 12:20

GaryVoshol

21-03-2007, 12:28

Gracious is an adjective.
- Al is always gracious.

Graciously becomes an adverb. Is that right?

- She accepted the invitation graciously.
- We graciously accept.

This is one we go round and round with, I know.
Jane

Your grammar is correct.

The point to be made is that if you have to point out that you are "graciously accepting", you are being ungracious. It's like bragging, "One of my best character traits is my humility."

burkechrs1

21-03-2007, 12:31

I think just for the heck of it we should all start saying something different. Everyone is jsut following what they think is the "right" thing to say. It really doesn't matter how you say it, as long as you thank the other team for choosing you. I think everyone just say's they graciously accept because some other team did it awhile back and it sounded "right"... Saying something like "Thank you, we would love to alliance with you" or something like that is more than acceptable...

Just my .02

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 12:33

[QUOTE=indieFan;602336]Steve,

While I have just learned something new about how the word "gracious" is currently used, I have to remind you that the English language is constantly evolving. One only needs to look at almost any definition in the OED to understand this.

Oh I understand it is an evolving language... and I do not disagree... Perhaps it is that I was just too beat up at school when I used a sentence fragment (automatic 31 points off!)
and had an editor at one time... I would get letters from English majors about my language so I suppose that did me in too... Wait... You're an English major? I'd better check my list... your name may be on it!

Steve

JaneYoung

21-03-2007, 12:36

Your grammar is correct.

The point to be made is that if you have to point out that you are "graciously accepting", you are being ungracious. It's like bragging, "One of my best character traits is my humility."

Thank you Gary.
Steve's advice/suggestion is coming from across the pond - so I'm trying to think about it a little bit from that perspective rather than from here in Texas. The phrase was one of those things I 'got used to' after a couple of years. :)
Jane

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 12:37

From what that says (Dictionary.com), it looks like you can say that and mean you are happy, or relieved. I still dont get what the point of trying to tell us to NOT say "graciously". That sounds a little like UNgraciousness there.

EDIT***

This has to be the best thing in the thread so far.

I can't disagree with you in the definition but it IS a far reach to make it to "happy." and I've never heard of " Happy Professionalism " I've heard of "Happy Bunny!"...but that not gracious at all....

Steve

Steve_Alaniz

21-03-2007, 12:43

Thank you Gary.
Steve's advice/suggestion is coming from across the pond - so I'm trying to think about it a little bit from that perspective rather than from here in Texas. The phrase was one of those things I 'got used to' after a couple of years. :)
Jane

WHOA JANE!
I AM in London... But I'm a native TEXAN! You know... wanna go home with the Armadillo.... that stuff... (boy it THAT song true!) I'm afraid that if even some Texans (me) can see the Un graciousness in saying "... graciously accepts..." well... I'd like to hear from some English teachers.
I prefer "Yep" myself ...but seriously, I don't have a problem with it... I just think I'd like the kids I mentor to look and sound educated... I provide the contrast that makes them look almost genius!

Steve

Rich Wong

21-03-2007, 12:48

JaneYoung

21-03-2007, 12:49

WHOA JANE!
I AM in London... But I'm a native TEXAN! You know... wanna go home with the Armadillo.... that stuff... (boy it THAT song true!) I'm afraid that if even some Texans (me) can see the Un graciousness in saying "... graciously accepts..." well... I'd like to hear from some English teachers.
I prefer "Yep" myself ...but seriously, I don't have a problem with it... I just think I'd like the kids I mentor to look and sound educated... I provide the contrast that makes them look almost genius!

Steve
Well, in that case - oh never mind.
Hello from Texas and thank you for this thread, I think...
Jane

Edit: Rich, I would answer your question - yes, I think it would do nicely. It could be: Team xxxx accepts your gracious invitation with pleasure. (My grandmother would love it.)

Travis Hoffman

21-03-2007, 12:56

For the record, I'm in the same camp as Steve. Gracious should not be a descriptor one applies to himself or his team. But that's not my key point.

I think a push to encourage kids to be more creative, unique, and independent when accepting an alliance pick offer will significantly reduce the frequency of hearing "graciously accept". Favoring this type of mentor attitude may eventually and pleasingly spill over into other areas of the student's participation on the team. I roll my eyes upon hearing many of the kids copycat this same tired phrase over and over and over and over and over and over and over (that's one "over" for each year I've been involved with FIRST). I think people on both sides of the grammar coin would agree that encouraging originality is a mutually-beneficial path to pursue.

burkechrs1

21-03-2007, 12:59

I think a push to encourage kids to be more creative, unique, and independent when accepting an alliance pick offer will significantly reduce the frequency of hearing "graciously accept". Favoring this type of mentor attitude may eventually and pleasingly spill over into other areas of the student's participation on the team. I roll my eyes upon hearing many of the kids copycat this same tired phrase over and over and over and over and over and over and over (that's one "over" for each year I've been involved with FIRST). I think people on both sides of the grammar coin would agree that encouraging originality is a mutually-beneficial path to pursue.

WooWoo!! That says everything right there... It's overused and needs to replaced with soemthign more individual. Maybe incorporate your team name not just team number into it. Make it creative. I'm going to start thinking of a couple possibiblities for nationals if we get chosen...

Matt Reiland

21-03-2007, 13:00

I personally like "Team XXX accepts"

I think the whole gracious thing is getting a bit over used at the regional. It drives my wife insane after about the 40th time you hear it at a regional.

Rick TYler

21-03-2007, 13:05

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Rack and Roll!!!!!!", followed by Maverick/Goose Style high five/low five......

But then you'd have to pay a royalty to Team 1294 ("Top Gun") and their robot "Maverick."

Rick TYler

21-03-2007, 13:06

I personally like "Team XXX accepts"

I think the whole gracious thing is getting a bit over used at the regional. It drives my wife insane after about the 40th time you hear it at a regional.

You wouldn't hear it more than 23 times, would you?

Rick

21-03-2007, 13:06

I personally like "Team XXX accepts"

I think the whole gracious thing is getting a bit over used at the regional. It drives my wife insane after about the 40th time you hear it at a regional.

Agreed. When I used to be an alliance captain, I simply said the team number. And when we were picked, I said we accept.

ChrisH

21-03-2007, 13:15

Steve,

While I have just learned something new about how the word "gracious" is currently used, I have to remind you that the English language is constantly evolving. One only needs to look at almost any definition in the OED to understand this.

Oh I understand it is an evolving language... and I do not disagree... Perhaps it is that I was just too beat up at school when I used a sentence fragment (automatic 31 points off!)
and had an editor at one time... I would get letters from English majors about my language so I suppose that did me in too... Wait... You're an English major? I'd better check my list... your name may be on it!

Steve

indieFan also has a degree in Engineering! So be careful about that list. You really don't want to mess with an engineer.

dlavery

21-03-2007, 14:09

Hi All,
Hey I notice a lot of teams out there accept their invitation to an alliance by saying "Team xxxx Graciously accepts your invitation" (xxxx = your team number smartie!) This is a contradiction of terms. Gracious is one of those adjectives you cannot apply to yourself...
Steve -

Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this up. This is one of those little things that causes me to grind my teeth in frustration at almost every event. My former-English-teacher grandmother turns in her grave every time this phrase is uttered (which means that around lunchtime on most Saturdays in March, she is spinning at about 72 rpm). A strict interpretation of the rules of grammar would permit the use of "gracious" as an adverb in "we graciously accept." However, in use the word "gracious" is applied in reference to someone/thing else, and never to oneself. To do so is an improper use of the word, a violation of social context, and to be blunt, it makes one come across as conceited. In short, labeling yourself as gracious is, in and of iteslf, an ingracious act.

While I think we can all understand that no harm is intended by any of those that may mistakenly use this phase, I would encourage the use of any of the suggested alternative phrases. "We accept your gracious offer" would be a perfect response. "We gratefully accept!" would be a wonderful response from a team that wasn't sure if they were going to make it into the elimination rounds. Even "Whoa!!! Yeah! Absolutely! We are SOOO there!" would work. And of course "we are ecstatic about the opportunity to accept your offer, and we will pay you the two dozen Krispy Kremes right after lunch" is always appropriate.

-dave

Mullen

21-03-2007, 14:10

For the record "Heck yeah man!" is not the best response to an alliance request either... (Wisconsin 06...)

no, beth, i'm pretty sure it is. its enthusiastic, to the point, and simultaneously provides a bit of a chuckle. However, i'm also a fan of other to the point responses to the "do you accept?" question.. "yup", "sure do", "of course" and "you know it" are all up their for me

Rick TYler

21-03-2007, 14:16

I think it's time to start a movement to change the Standard Cliche Response to "Team blargy-blarge professionally accepts!"

Taylor

21-03-2007, 14:37

More than once I've heard "We graciously decline," which stuck in my craw.
How about "let's get it on!" or "let's do this thing!"
Speaking of rituals that get annoying, I have had several visitors mention to me that they tire of introducing each team before each match, through quals & elims. They complain that it is repetitive, redundant, brings down the level of action, and is redundant. Any thoughts?

IndySam

21-03-2007, 14:42

At St. Louis our rep said "oh snap team 829 accepts."

Dan Petrovic

21-03-2007, 14:51

"Thanks for thinking of us, it would be WICKED AWESOME to join you guys."
-paraphrased from 166.

Actually it was "Team 166 thinks it would be wicked awesome to play with you guys"

But that works too :D

Wicked awesome -- that's what they said, and wicked awesome partners they were. The 166 Chop Shop moved themselves and their signage all the way from the other side of the field at BMR to join their alliance partners 1189 and 931.

Yeah. We moved where we were sitting in the stands.

I didn't quite understand what you were saying for a second.

That was so much fun :D

Ellery

21-03-2007, 14:51

I'm just surprised how people are even nit-picking on even little things like this. In my opinion this is where forms of political correctness is getting way out of hand.

It's one thing to advise of the proper usage of a term- I agree that's Ok. But today every little nuance is so critically examined for no other reason but to say "You're wrong and I'm right."

What's this world coming to?

Rick TYler

21-03-2007, 15:29

it is repetitive, redundant, brings down the level of action, and is redundant

I swear, the world is made of irony.

EDITED: I just wanted to add that Boiler was being ironic on purpose. It was -- you know -- like -- humor.

Jessica Boucher

21-03-2007, 15:29

As annoying as it may be, "graciously accepting" has momentum that's tough to squash at this point in time, and the benefits of GP certainly outweigh this brief irritation. We'll just have to chalk it up to "WOEWITWISTFT" and accept that it's something we're going to have to live with.

DanDon

21-03-2007, 15:57

Here is the draft and acceptance between teams 56 and 375 at the 2007 NYC regional:

Robbe Extreme: Team 56 would like to get ill with the Robotic Plague, team 375.

Robotic Plague: Jersey's in the house! *HIGH FIVE*

:D

Koko Ed

21-03-2007, 16:00

I have a question:
Do teams graciously decline another teams invitation to join their alliance?

GaryVoshol

21-03-2007, 16:11

I have a question:
Do teams graciously decline another teams invitation to join their alliance?I think any declining would do so regretfully, especially if they weren't in the top 8.

Has team 857 ever answered with a, "Yah, you betcha!"

Koko Ed

21-03-2007, 16:13

I think any declining would do so regretfully, especially if they weren't in the top 8.

Has team 857 ever answered with a, "Yah, you betcha!"

I remeber hearing a kid say "Hell yeah!"

GaryVoshol

21-03-2007, 16:15

I remeber hearing a kid say "Hell yeah!"

Which certainly isn't professional, and I don't think it's too gracious either.

The Lucas

21-03-2007, 16:16

If your team has a theme why not incorporate that into the acceptance?

For example if your team is called the RoboPirates you can say:
"Aye, Matey!"

Or maybe your robot name or capabilities?

If you built a lifter bot you could say:
"We'll give you a lift!"

T3_1565

21-03-2007, 16:26

I would personally go with "YEAH!" (or any other to the point answer) " Let's RACK N' ROLL!!! w000000!"

JaneYoung

21-03-2007, 16:27

Keeping in mind Steve's initial post regarding if the media (or for that matter, VIPs) watch the alliance selections and hear the responses, it would be helpful to keep the response appropriate and understandable. It is an attempt at communication at its best under difficult circumstances and it can be done in a fun way and an interesting way. Brian's theme suggestion and Andy's poem suggestion sound neat.

Edit: communication at its best = quick, brief, clear

CyberWolf_22

21-03-2007, 17:51

Team 647, The Cyber Wolf Corps, has used "Team 647 reporting for duty" For the last few years. It incorporates our theme and is different from "graciously accept." However, I think we need to change to something that does not sound so mandatory. I think, I will have the students try to come up with something new for Lone Star.

Bill_Hancoc

21-03-2007, 18:17

I have a question:
Do teams graciously decline another teams invitation to join their alliance?

I have heard teams say they graciously decline.

My favorite has to be when one team rep replied "team ??? generally accepts" i think they might have meant graciously but i came out wrong.

Koko Ed

21-03-2007, 18:21

I have heard teams say they graciously decline.

My favorite has to be when one team rep replied "team ??? generally accepts" i think they might have meant graciously but i came out wrong.

How can any team say they "Graciously decline" when they're basically telling them "You're not good enough for us!"
Talk about a backhanded compliment.

JaneYoung

21-03-2007, 18:28

How can any team say they "Graciously decline" when they're basically telling them "You're not good enough for us!"
Talk about a backhanded compliment.
Could one say, 'we respectfully decline' ?

Koko Ed

21-03-2007, 18:33

Could one say, 'we respectfully decline' ?

Usually I think they just say they decline and get the heck out of there.

Tetraman

21-03-2007, 18:51

Usually I think they just say they decline and get the heck out of there.

That is true.

My personal favorite was from a few years ago, someone who was in the top 8 was picked and said, "We need a moment to think." and a sole person in the stands from the team shouted "No we don't!"

Pavan Dave

21-03-2007, 19:03

I am a big fan of people going with their themes. At Bayou a team called the Cyberwolfs (647) was there and everything they did, from being called to the sticks or even being picked, was in theme, and as a group when the flight team saluted the emcee they looked very disciplined and very organized compared to many of the other teams.

Now back on topic, you can not graciously accept and many people realize that but they do not understand that saying something like that changes many people's impression of you.

Personally I like, "Let’s do this! l LEEEEEEEEEEEEE ROOOYYYYYY!!!!!!" But I doubt everybody in the audience would get it. ***

Pavan.

*** In World of Warcraft a group of friends or a "guild" is preparing to attack a very difficult part of the game and after spending WAY too much time planning their strategy, one of them (Leroy) just charges in with a battle cry of, "LEEEEEROOOY JENKINNNNSSS!!!" The plan goes to pieces, and they all curse him (Watch the video here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=H9n0bX0AgBI))."

ChrisMcK2186

21-03-2007, 19:19

How about a loud "whoop!!" followed by a back flip and "Let's Do This!! Rack and Roll Baby! YEAH!!"

I whole heartedly agree with steve and all the others saying you cannot claim your self to be gracious. Graciousocity, challenge that, is like the right-of-way, not able to be taken but must be given.

In terms of butchering the English language, Steve, "Touche" is used when the other speaker makes a counter point to your point, not when he agrees with you. It's like that iMac commercial...

Chris

Mazin

21-03-2007, 19:52

Steve,
... I have to remind you that the English language is constantly evolving...

The other thing I would worry about is the overall writing ability of the students. The internet has significantly impacted how things are now written.
indieFan

I agree that the English language is evolving. From my viewpoint, it appears that this thread isn't so much about the correctness of teh grammar but its more like, how not to use a really awkward and overused phrase when ur accepting another teams invitation. i think dat, since english is envolving newayz, that we might aswell throw out grammar
its more about how awesome you sound
as indiefan sez, english is always evolving and the old rulez arent a!w4ys a5 |mp0rt4n7 n3m0r3 0x73 6F 20 77 65 20 73 68 6F 75 6C 64 20 6A 75 73 74 20 66 6F 72 67 65 74 20 61 62 6F 75 74 20 61 6C 6C 20 74 68 69 73 0A 00101110 00101110 00101110

Dan Petrovic

21-03-2007, 19:58

One of our team members would refuse to say "Team 166 graciously accepts" simply because she doesn't want to mess up saying "graciously".

I can totally relate.

EricH

21-03-2007, 20:01

as indiefan sez, english is always evolving and the old rulez arent a!w4ys a5 |mp0rt4n7 n3m0r3 0x73 6F 20 77 65 20 73 68 6F 75 6C 64 20 6A 75 73 74 20 66 6F 72 67 65 74 20 61 62 6F 75 74 20 61 6C 6C 20 74 68 69 73 0A 00101110 00101110 00101110Translation, please? (This is why you still need English: Some people just can't understand what you are trying to convey if you try codes and leet and binary letters and the like.)

Actually, the best acceptance I remember was when Mark Leon (I think--this was long ago) asked one team if they accepted another team's invitation. The response was "How can we not?" (Funnier when you consider that this team is not in the top 8.)

Pavan Dave

21-03-2007, 20:18

Translation, please? (This is why you still need English: Some people just can't understand what you are trying to convey if you try codes and leet and binary letters and the like.)

I got most of it....

As Indiefan says, English is always evolving and the old rules aren't always as important anymore ???0x73??? [S]o we should just forget about all this...

Pavan.

thegathering

21-03-2007, 20:52

I like "Team xxxx gratefully accepts...".

I guess "Team xxxx courteously accepts..." may work too.

Favorite: "Team xxxx will gladly be your BFF..."

themagichat

21-03-2007, 21:29

My favorite so far was " HELL YEAH!" - team 2274 NYC regional

T3_1565

21-03-2007, 21:41

I got most of it....

As Indiefan says, English is always evolving and the old rules aren't always as important anymore ???0x73??? [S]o we should just forget about all this...

Pavan.

wow.. very nice pavan thats a nice skill you have there lol :D

StephLee

21-03-2007, 21:41

One of our team members would refuse to say "Team 166 graciously accepts" simply because she doesn't want to mess up saying "graciously".

I can totally relate.

The guy who did the accepting for us our rookie year was the same way. He just said "Team 1629 accepts." Simple, not the most creative or memorable thing ever. Although watching him try to say gracious when we told him he'd be accepting was memorable.:D

Jimmy Cao

21-03-2007, 21:43

I think someone's been thinking WAY too hard ^.^

nice to notice it though... but everyone's been doing it since... forever, it's more like tradition now

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2007, 22:07

Speaking of rituals that get annoying, I have had several visitors mention to me that they tire of introducing each team before each match, through quals & elims. They complain that it is repetitive, redundant, brings down the level of action, and is redundant. Any thoughts?

I tend to agree. After parsing the video from Bayou I thought it was very repetitive to make a full introduction of all the teams at the beginning of every match. Every match started with "Let's meet the teams..." followed by the full introduction of the same 6 teams we all saw 20 or 30 minutes ago in another match. Often the introductions took as much time as the actual match. I think they should fully introduce the teams with sponsors, schools, etc. in the opening ceremony on Friday morning and then just briefly say the team numbers before each match as in "On the red alliance we have teams A, B, C and on the blue alliance we have X, Y, Z." This would speed things up quite a bit and we could probably get at least 2 or 3 more matches in per team. I would rather play more matches than hear our team number over and over. It would also keep things moving along for the spectators and might make things more viewer friendly.

Pavan Dave

21-03-2007, 22:57

wow.. very nice pavan thats a nice skill you have there lol :D

Sorry, I can't take all the credit, I had some help from my friends at Google!

Peace,
Pavan.

Vashts6583

22-03-2007, 00:43

Here's a few I came up with (specific for Team 007) while talking online...

With regards to your
alliance invitation,
we gladly accept

We are team double-oh seven
we do think we've landed in heaven.
my heart, it has leapt,
and we gladly accept
your invitation!1eleven

Your offer is great
So I think we shall accept
Your invitation

Dialogue: "Team XXXX invites team YYYY to join them." "Team YYYY denies the invitation." "Team YYYY, sudo join team XXXX's alliance." "OK"

Just wait. I'll write another sonnet here for you. :þ

Al Skierkiewicz

22-03-2007, 07:35

I tend to agree. After parsing the video from Bayou I thought it was very repetitive to make a full introduction of all the teams at the beginning of every match. Every match started with "Let's meet the teams..." followed by the full introduction of the same 6 teams we all saw 20 or 30 minutes ago in another match.

Let us not forget that if you spend all day in the pits, you do not know the teams and if you are a visitor,special guest, or VIP you have no idea who is competing. Teams need some pride in their school/sponsor as well.

Andy Baker

22-03-2007, 08:26

We are team double-oh seven
we do think we've landed in heaven.
my heart, it has leapt,
and we gladly accept
your invitation!1eleven

Bingo! This is very good.

OK... let's have some fun with this. I will bring some AndyMark "Shift Happens" t-shirts to Atlanta. One of these shirts will be given to one student on each field who gives the best invitation or acceptance during the alliance selection process.

I will ask 3 people to be fellow "judges" to help me in this contest, as I will be focused on one field. These judges will be determined once the Championship divisions are set.

"Best" is going to be subjective. A poem may win. A song may win. Some kid who brings out their fiddle and plays "_____ (their team) Went Down to Georgia" may win (that would rock, btw). A student may do a flip and then accept.

So... hope to get picked. Hope to be a picker. Keep being gracious, but be creative. A t-shirt is riding on it.

(OK... I know that a t-shirt is no big deal, but it's better than a kick in the pants.)

Andy B.

EDIT: I started a new thread regarding this mini-contest.

Al Skierkiewicz

22-03-2007, 08:37

I will bring some AndyMark "Shift Happens" t-shirts to Atlanta. One of these shirts will be given to one student on each field who gives the best invitation or acceptance during the alliance selection process.
Andy B.

It doesn't get any better than that! Put your thinking caps on and start practicing.

Steve_Alaniz

22-03-2007, 10:51

Uh Oh! A contest!
Hey I just said it was incorrect English I didn't mean to start a shadow awards committee! Now FIRST will blame me when the Selection process takes three hours and requires stage props! (although I'm king of partial to a good muppet show... I wonder if there is a Dean Kamen Muppet out there somewhere...)
But I digress. SHORT, SIMPLE, CREATIVE and GRACIOUS... Something to make FIRST proud!

Steve Alaniz

Koko Ed

22-03-2007, 11:12

Are we going to see rapping or anything like that?
Because I'm going to stay in the pits if that's the case...:rolleyes:

JudyVandy

22-03-2007, 12:01

I'm going out to watch the shows!!!

Taylor

22-03-2007, 12:14

Are we going to see rapping or anything like that?
Because I'm going to stay in the pits if that's the case...:rolleyes:

FIRST is many things - American Idol it's not. If it comes to that, I'm joining Mr. Copioli.

JaneYoung

22-03-2007, 13:09

Although watching him try to say gracious when we told him he'd be accepting was memorable.:D

If I had to say the word, gracious, in front of a lot of people, it would come out, gway-shush, and I would feel very much like Elmer Fudd.

Taylor

22-03-2007, 14:24

If I had to say the word, gracious, in front of a lot of people, it would come out, gway-shush, and I would feel very much like Elmer Fudd.

Just how many syllables do Texans pronounce in the phrase "Gracious Professionalism" anyway? I've heard "grits" with about 4 syllables....

Richard Wallace

22-03-2007, 15:04

Just how many syllables do Texans pronounce in the phrase "Gracious Professionalism" anyway? I've heard "grits" with about 4 syllables....Down where I'm from we only use three syllables. Gir-ee-its are good. :)

JaneYoung

22-03-2007, 15:30

Just how many syllables do Texans pronounce in the phrase "Gracious Professionalism" anyway? I've heard "grits" with about 4 syllables....

For me personally, GP is an 8 or 9 syllable phrase depending on the day - however - I do have some family members that have always said and will say again in just a few days: y'all do reeeel good at that there robotics competition in Houston. Have yourselves a reeeel good time, ya hear! (They are one of our team sponsors) And, I have been known to tell folks to, 'have a reeeel good time in Atlanta, ya hear!' :)

Dan Petrovic

22-03-2007, 15:58

Bingo! This is very good.

OK... let's have some fun with this. I will bring some AndyMark "Shift Happens" t-shirts to Atlanta. One of these shirts will be given to one student on each field who gives the best invitation or acceptance during the alliance selection process.

I will ask 3 people to be fellow "judges" to help me in this contest, as I will be focused on one field. These judges will be determined once the Championship divisions are set.

"Best" is going to be subjective. A poem may win. A song may win. Some kid who brings out their fiddle and plays "_____ (their team) Went Down to Georgia" may win (that would rock, btw). A student may do a flip and then accept.

So... hope to get picked. Hope to be a picker. Keep being gracious, but be creative. A t-shirt is riding on it.

(OK... I know that a t-shirt is no big deal, but it's better than a kick in the pants.)

Andy B.

EDIT: I started a new thread regarding this mini-contest.

Team 166 graciously accepts your challenge :ahh:

(we aren't going to Atlanta... but I just had to say it)

Vashts6583

23-03-2007, 14:49

I personally
Take on this challenge of yours
Very graciously

Pavan Dave

23-03-2007, 14:56

Just how many syllables do Texans pronounce in the phrase "Gracious Professionalism" anyway? I've heard "grits" with about 4 syllables....

Is that a challenge? I know a cowboy who would be PERFECT for that job! :D

Pavan.

(And no he does not ride a horse to school.)

Gary Dillard

26-03-2007, 14:37

Or perhaps in the form of a haiku?

Exploding Bacon
Humbly and gladly accepts
Your invitation

Still my favorite Haiku (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=114768&postcount=20)

I gave a suggestion to JVN's captain 2 years ago for acceptance and he took it. The captain went up and said simply, "Word".

LindsayKnowlton

26-03-2007, 22:14

Steve_Alaniz

27-03-2007, 12:43

I think the tradition of "graciously accepting" an alliance offer stems from the ubiquious FIRST term of "gracious professionalism." One of the definitions for gracious is "marked by kindness and courtesy." (Yay Webster dictionary) So maybe it's not as bad as we think. It might imply "We are SO nice and courteous that we're going to accept/decline your offer," but it could also be more like, "We'd like the say in the kindest way that we accept/reject your offer." Partially, it's how statements are inferred, really.

No one seems to really look that deeply into the acceptance statements, anyways; as long as you say "yes" or "no" somehow without being TOO ridiculous. (But I could be wrong here; I don't mind a bit of creativity :)).

Hmmm "
"We Kindly accept your offer"
"We Courteously accept your offer... "

You may MEAN something but it is not necessarily what you said...

I Have this dream... I'm following the manual for defusing a bomb while actually defusing a bomb and I read:
"Cut the Blue Wire"... I cut the Blue wire
"Cut the Purple Wire"... I cut the Purple wire
"Cut the Red Wire"... I cut the Red wire
"Having first cut the Gray wire"... Thanks a lot...

Seriously, I used to replace the platters and heads on disc drives and it was scary enough just opening them up (with a customer's entire data base on them) so that I didn't need the added aggravation of instructions that were not quite clear because the technical writer expected you to KNOW what they meant rather than what they actually said (or wrote in this case).
AND as I have mentioned before, having an editor at one time in my life permanently affected me in my view of language. ( I'm tainted... I admit it.)
So, it is just MY OPINION that language.. CONCISE language... is very important and that it should be a part of FIRST.
Programmers... don't your mentors strongly encourage you to include comments in your programs for yourself and future programmers who might build on your work? Shouldn't those comments be very clear so that a future programmer doesn't have to lose the time you gained for them by having to go back over your code and figure out what you did because the comments didn't quite make sense?
I will grant you it is a seemingly small error, but if it IS a small error (to Graciously accept)... then it is very easily corrected.
OK I'm laying low for awhile. Having made my point I think I will let it rest... The FIRST organization is gonna kill me when people start reciting epic poems to accept an alliance partnership. ... Hmmm What rhymes with "F.I.R.S.T."

Best wishes

Steve Alaniz

Molten

27-03-2007, 19:40

I personally do not mind anyone thinking that I have bad grammar. I believe that it has a bit of a comforting feel to hear minor grammatical errors. If everyone else went around speaking perfect english, then I would always be nervous about messing up and saying the wrong thing. If I would not want this for myself, then I would never do this to someone else. This logic may seem a little confusing or twisted at first, but I believe that most people would agree(or at least understand) after giving it consideration.

mormannoob

27-03-2007, 20:10

Our president (donut) said "we love you guys and we accept" or something like that
we did hassled him for a few days for saying "we love you"
but we understood why we didn't think we were going to be picked

Libby K

27-03-2007, 20:32

I've already posted my thoughts on this thread, but I saw this and thought it was too good to pass up.

The back story: I went to Coldstone Creamery with my family [for those of you who don't have it in your area, it's only the BEST ice cream place ever] I had just been discussing with my dad the "graciously accepts/accepts your gracious offer" issue as we're waiting in line, and I happened to look at the tip jar...

http://i10.tinypic.com/2cf5r84.jpg

...oops!

Richard Wallace

27-03-2007, 20:43

The back story: I went to Coldstone Creamery with my family [for those of you who don't have it in your area, it's only the BEST ice cream place ever] I had just been discussing with my dad the "graciously accepts/accepts your gracious offer" issue as we're waiting in line, and I happened to look at the tip jar...While I was reading your post my wife walked in and suggested we take our daughter to Coldstone Creamery -- she (daughter, not wife) is 10 years old and got braces on her teeth today.

I turned around and said, "I graciously accept!" :D

She didn't get it. Off to the car now.

Alan Anderson

27-03-2007, 21:06

Applause, compliments, and tips graciously accepted.

Contrary to the title of this thread, it's obvious that a person can indeed graciously accept. But if you say that you're doing something graciously while you do it, you're on the edge of contradicting yourself. Graciousness is an attitude and a behavior, not a declaration.

MikeDubreuil

27-03-2007, 21:19

Have you tried Cold Stone's Candy Land creation? It's cake batter ice cream with snickers, M&Ms, and Kit Kats. After having a "gotta have it" of that I would believe anything they told me.

Adam Y.

27-03-2007, 21:28

So, it is just MY OPINION that language.. CONCISE language... is very important and that it should be a part of FIRST.
Programmers... don't your mentors strongly encourage you to include comments in your programs for yourself and future programmers who might build on your work? Shouldn't those comments be very clear so that a future programmer doesn't have to lose the time you gained for them by having to go back over your code and figure out what you did because the comments didn't quite make sense?
I will grant you it is a seemingly small error, but if it IS a small error (to Graciously accept)... then it is very easily corrected.
OK I'm laying low for awhile. Having made my point I think I will let it rest... The FIRST organization is gonna kill me when people start reciting epic poems to accept an alliance partnership. ... Hmmm What rhymes with "F.I.R.S.T."
Im sorry but engineering is not the field for conciseness in the english language. I've been told that multiple times by my boss. Once when I asked what a transorb was and the second time in relation to the unit hertz (He was taught with the units cycles/second). Then there is the time I had no idea how to describe what my robots look like. It's one thing to say tri-star but most people would have no idea what I mean by that. If we really wanted to do this the engineering way everyone would hold up pictures.The back story: I went to Coldstone Creamery with my family [for those of you who don't have it in your area, it's only the BEST ice cream place ever] I had just been discussing with my dad the "graciously accepts/accepts your gracious offer" issue as we're waiting in line, and I happened to look at the tip jar...

Did you actually give them a tip? I don't think there signing qualifies as graceful depending on which definition you use. Note: I have no idea whether or not they sing in all stores.

Tuma Pacho

25-07-2007, 11:23

To "accept graciously", as an apology graciously, can mean that what was received is less than expected or originally desired, but accepted anyway in the interest of moving on, or shows accepting the limitations of the situation or of the other party.

"Gracious" here uses the meaning of the word: merciful or compassionate

"I accept graciously the results of this mediation."
"I accepted graciously the disappointing verdict."

I agree, the fact that one is, in the same breath, pointing out this attitude, may be deemed ingracious and so contradictory by some.

Pavan Dave

25-07-2007, 11:31

This topic needs to be pinned and/or blasted to all of the teams. I was waiting at IRI on the side for the alliance selection, and I remember some team leaders telling their students to "graciously accept" and it made me a big mad, especially because some of those teams had very Celeb-like members on CD.

Ryan Dognaux

25-07-2007, 12:46

it made me a big mad, especially because some of those teams had very Celeb-like members on CD.

Haha that's awesome, they were probably doing it just as a parody on this thread and the whole discussion of "graciously accepting."

I think this is something that's been embeded into FIRST culture. Especially if one team says it at an event, then everyone's going to say it. I don't see this phrase going away anytime soon, but if we ever get drafted, I'll make sure my kids come up with something a bit more creative.

Herodotus

25-07-2007, 13:51

We had our representative at IRI wear my Mountain Dew bandoleer with four Dews in it. He said "Team 910 will gladly drink to that" and then handed a Dew to each of our partners. :D

AndyB

25-07-2007, 15:13

I enjoyed the confusion of mumbles followed by the loud "YES!" at IRI.

jackie Ha

25-07-2007, 23:04

We had our representative at IRI wear my Mountain Dew bandoleer with four Dews in it. He said "Team 910 will gladly drink to that" and then handed a Dew to each of our partners. :D

That was interesting. In my 3 years as being our team captian, I have never had that happen as an alliance acceptance. It was a good thing too because I was really thirsty.

Dreadfrost

07-04-2008, 15:10

JesseK

07-04-2008, 15:48

I cant believe this still gets brought up no matter how many years past. Its simply the other team that is being gracious for offering their alliance spot to you. Therefore one would say:

"Team XXXX accepts your gracious offer."
or
"Thank you for the gracious offer however team XXXX declines."

So once and for all pick one and use it, and lets make SURE this thread isn't repeated again next year.

You know what actually i'd like to see FIRST members to pick up a thesaursus and look up gracious, or go to http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/gracious and pick a different word and use it in Atlanta.

See you all there, and remember ill be listening!!!

It will probably be brought up every year. I would estimate that outside of FIRST, 95% of engineers have bad diction when it comes to non-scientific terminology. An FRC student "Graciously Accepting" isn't an anomoly.

By the way, are we resurrecting the contest for the championships this year?

Alan Anderson

07-04-2008, 16:10

At IRI last year, against the backdrop of splendid examples of creativity in accepting an alliance captain's invitation, I overheard a couple of veteran students grumbling about the situation. "What's with all the newbies? Didn't anyone tell them what to say? Just go 'we graciously accept' and be done with it!" I decided to find their attitude amusing rather than irritating.

I cant believe this still gets brought up no matter how many years past...lets make SURE this thread isn't repeated again next year.

You do realize that you are the one who brought it up this time? And that you are the one posting this year on a long-dormant thread? It seems that your goal would have been served well by simply not commenting. :)

Molten

07-04-2008, 16:23

Agreed. Besides, for my ME degree I just have to take 1 english class and 1 speech class. I figure this is to make sure that I am able to talk and able to write. If I needed to write really well, they would require more. However, instead I am taking 3 years of solid math. That shows you what an engineer is expected to know. Ask me a math question, and I will get you an answer.(might not be 100% correct) But give me a grammar question and I am clueless. Engineers talk with math first, and grammar second. It is a fact of life. If you want a crowd with good grammar, look into an english based club. However, if you are just wanting a crowd you can learn something and have fun doing it; well, you are in the right place.

647techangel

07-04-2008, 16:24

!!!!how bout TEAM 647 REPORTING FOR DUTY HOOAH!!!!:D

Madison

07-04-2008, 17:13

Molten

07-04-2008, 17:33

I think we all should strive to be better than what is expected of us. :)

Now, the only question is "who decides what is better?"

I personally believe that the quickest/shortest way to convey a thought is the best way. I am a very function over form person. That means that if I must use bad grammar to get my point acrossed, I will. To some, better means being correct. To me, it means being functional.

JaneYoung

07-04-2008, 17:33

Engineers talk with math first, and grammar second. It is a fact of life. If you want a crowd with good grammar, look into an english based club.

I think this is why many successful teams in FIRST have found that developing skill sets in many areas help them. If you are trying to present your design concept to your team or to your boss, you must use language to communicate. The better the communication, the better you can convey the concept. If there is a problem with the robot, clear concise language can used to express what is to be determined or needed. Each time the alliances are formed on the field of a FIRST competition, this presents an opportunity for each team representative to put their best foot forward and to have some fun with it. The acceptance competition provides an incentive to be creative and to shine. It's very cool.

JVN

07-04-2008, 17:44

Engineers talk with math first, and grammar second. It is a fact of life.

Brief Aside:
Communication skills are CRITICAL for engineers. If you cannot communicate an idea effectively, the idea is worthless. If you cannot be persuasive and effectively argue for your ideas virtues, it may be overlooked.

I find it unacceptable for engineers to pull the "I'm an engineer, I don't need to know how to speak" card. I know many engineers, but I've yet to meet one who hasn't had to communicate effectively.

It is interesting to note, FIRST has a number of awards which center on effective communication. Hmmm...

-John

AdamHeard

07-04-2008, 17:46

I personally would like to never hear "team XXXX graciously accepts" again.

There are so many possible things you can say, why repeat that?

Richard Wallace

07-04-2008, 17:53

Engineers talk with math first, and grammar second. It is a fact of life. If you want a crowd with good grammar, look into an english based club. However, if you are just wanting a crowd you can learn something and have fun doing it; well, you are in the right place.

I think this is why many successful teams in FIRST have found that developing skill sets in many areas help them. If you are trying to present your design concept to your team or to your boss, you must use language to communicate. The better the communication, the better you can convey the concept.I agree with Jane.

While Molten's observation that university engineering curricula are light on language skills and very heavy on math is correct, the conclusion that engineers don't require the ability to communicate well is unsound. Those engineers whose ideas find widespread application, those engineers who rise to positions of responsibility, and those engineers who inspire others to pursue their profession are the ones who speak and write exceptionally well.

Molten

07-04-2008, 17:57

My point is simply, that there are many things that are much more important then proper grammar. As long as I am able to get my point acrossed, does it matter if I do so with a run-on sentence? I think not.

JesseK

07-04-2008, 18:04

Now, the only question is "who decides what is better?"

I personally believe that the quickest/shortest way to convey a thought is the best way. I am a very function over form person.

Careful with that "function over form" idea...that will get you into trouble sometimes. If it's just plain ugly you would be hard-pressed to convince people to adopt it. Examples are found everywhere from human-created music vs computer-generated music, to food made by brilliant chefs, to bridges...

..to the roll-cage on the back of our bot. I needed it to be square with 1" aluminum so we could bolt supports and mounts to it -- yet it wasn't "pretty" so the lead cut the welds and made us bend 1/2" aluminum to which we couldn't mount anything. It's been a "challenge" to overcome this, but I see why it's needed. It's definitely prettier, and image has alot to do with the success of our team in our community (regardless of how we do at competition).

That means that if I must use bad grammar to get my point acrossed, I will. To some, better means being correct. To me, it means being functional.
Sometimes even a scientific sentence really DOES NOT MAKE SENSE with the wrong grammar.

============

Diction on the other hand is for politicians and SAT prep courses, IMO. How are engineers supposed to say anything "professional" without a dictionary by our sides when we're put under the spotlight unless our brains really are that wrinkled* with knowledge? It's difficult to determine that the root word "grace" also technically implies humility when the words "gracious professionalism" are used in so many contexts in FIRST. I completely understand why students use "We graciously accept [your alliance partnership]" due to this, even though it technically implies "we are humbled by the fact that you are a higher seed".

At the end of the day though, does the phrase "Team XXXX graciously accepts" really matter?

*Note, "wrinkled" is used here because as I understand it, the brain creates a fold every time it gains a permanent memory. This does not directly imply age even though knowledge often comes with age...unless you're one of those genious-types, which I am not.

MishraArtificer

07-04-2008, 18:47

Nate Edwards

07-04-2008, 19:21

My last year as a student I was the alliance captain and we were the #3 alliance. The #2 alliance was our nearby friends 847 and they picked us, having never said anything I just hugged the 847 team member and Mark Leon said "Well I guess thats a yes." I probably made the team member feel a bit awkward, but I thought it was a nice way to accept the offer.

jayjaywalker3

07-04-2008, 20:15

"Thanks for thinking of us, it would be WICKED AWESOME to join you guys."
-paraphrased from 166.

Someone said this at the NYC regional.

I also heard "graciouslly accept".

My favorite though was from rookie team 2344 when we chose them for our alliance.
"yes"

Racer26

08-04-2008, 08:47

I'd just like it better if the teams actually stuck to saying "Team XXXX would like to request the assistance..." not "Team XXXX; <FULL BLOWN SPONSOR LIST> and <school associated with team> would like to...."

It makes alliance selections take so much longer than they actually need to, especially for teams with like 20 sponsors. Their logos are (in most cases) on your robot/cart/team shirt. We don't really need to hear them all named every time you refer to your team.

Syphorce

08-04-2008, 09:40

I wonder if we were the only team to say "Team xxxx graciously accepts." instead our president of 2344 was just like "YES!".

Rysonue

08-04-2008, 16:09

At GLR this year, a Trekkie on one of the teams responded with...
"Team XXXX will willlingly be assimilated into your collective."
The sad part was I was the only one in the stands who thought it was funny.

When I said that I could actually sense a wave of not understanding pass over the crowd. Very sad indeed.

Anyone remember the mountain dew acceptance at IRI last year. That was me too. Not sure it'd be appreciated at official events though.

JaneYoung

08-04-2008, 16:18

When I said that I could actually sense a wave of not understanding pass over the crowd. Very sad indeed.

Anyone remember the mountain dew acceptance at IRI last year. That was me too. Not sure it'd be appreciated at official events though.

Tribbles, maybe?
nah - they're messy and don't stay put.
For truth.

Rick TYler

08-04-2008, 16:23

(...) not "Team XXXX; <FULL BLOWN SPONSOR LIST> and <school associated with team> would like to...." It makes alliance selections take so much longer than they actually need to, especially for teams with like 20 sponsors.

For the right donation, I'd have a team captain recite the New York City phone book.

XXShadowXX

08-04-2008, 16:38

team xxxx graciously sponsored by (full sponsors list), would like to graciously accept the invatation graciously given by team xxxx, graciously sponsored by (full sponsor list), and team xxxx graciously sponsored by (full sponsor list).

Herodotus

08-04-2008, 16:40

We currently graciously accept.

Could we professionally accept? :p

Bcliff358

08-04-2008, 18:33

DGrohnke1023

08-04-2008, 19:27

This year at GLR I was our team's representative during alliance selections.
I had two thoughts running through my head.
"Please let us get picked" (Thank you 47 and 494!)
and "I need something to say other than graciously accepts"

What I came up with was not particularly memorable but different nonetheless.

"1023 would love to be of assistance."
A direct answer to a direct question.

StephLee

08-04-2008, 20:26

There is actually something less moronic then "graciously" accepting. It's called "graciously declining". Hmmm, how in any way are you gracious if you decline another teams offer. It's happened before.:ahh:

If you are broken, it is most certainly gracious to decline an offer. If you are an alliance captain yourself and want to form your own alliance, it's obviously because you think you can make a better match by choosing for yourself. In that case, you could be saving the team picking you from making a BAD decision by choosing you, if you believe the two robots would make a less-than-ideal alliance.

In the past, we've been approached (prior to selections) about a possible alliance, but for one reason or another we believed our robot wasn't very compatible with theirs. We told them so, gave them the reasons, and pointed them toward other teams who were more compatible. We were spared the potential awkwardness of declining when they followed our advice and picked the other team, and they ended up advancing farther in the elimination rounds than we did.

I provide this anecdote to show that, yes, it is possible to graciously decline. If that team had picked us, we would have, because alligning with them would have been a bad move for BOTH teams because of poor compatibility.

XXShadowXX

09-04-2008, 12:49

Rick TYler

09-04-2008, 13:19

we are the borg resitance is futile

I swear I am going to have a team called The Borg some day...

Alan Anderson

09-04-2008, 13:24

Seen on a VEX t-shirt:
Resistance may be futile, but capacitance has potential.

bduddy

09-04-2008, 18:42

There is actually something less moronic then "graciously" accepting. It's called "graciously declining". Hmmm, how in any way are you gracious if you decline another teams offer. It's happened before.:ahh: How about "respectfully declines"? That's what I would say, although lately my team hasn't even been in a position to accept, much less to decline...

EricH

09-04-2008, 19:02

How about "respectfully declines"? That's what I would say, although lately my team hasn't even been in a position to accept, much less to decline...That works. It's been used before, too.

Translation of "respectfully declines": "We thank you for the offer, but with all due respect, we don't think this will be the best for either team."

bduddy

09-04-2008, 19:53

Translation of "respectfully declines": "We thank you for the offer, but with all due respect, we don't think this will be the best for our team." Bold= my edit. There's no need to sugar-coat it: if you don't go to competition to win (fairly and graciously!), don't go. That's the professional part of gracious professionalism.

EricH

09-04-2008, 20:30

Bold= my edit. There's no need to sugar-coat it: if you don't go to competition to win (fairly and graciously!), don't go. That's the professional part of gracious professionalism.It can be both. If you honestly don't think their team will do well if they pick your team, then it's either team. That's also part of gracious professionalism--making sure your opponents compete at their best.

Scott Carpman

09-04-2008, 20:45

I swear I am going to have a team called The Borg some day...

SciBorg is close enough :cool:

roboticWanderor

09-04-2008, 22:44

our team is bugged by this strange phenomenon as well. as a joke, we were thinging about "GRACEFULLY" accepting thier offer for an alliance, and do a little ballet or someother move over to where they were standing! just a joke, but i would love to see it happen some day...

Richard Wallace

10-04-2008, 10:35

... we were thinging about "GRACEFULLY" accepting thier offer for an alliance, and do a little ballet or someother move over to where they were standing! just a joke, but i would love to see it happen some day..."418 gracefully accepts!" [pirouette, arabesque]

I would love to see that! I'll bet there is someone on your team who has the moves to make it look good, too. :cool:

JaneYoung

10-04-2008, 12:39

"418 gracefully accepts!" [pirouette, arabesque]

I would love to see that! I'll bet there is someone on your team who has the moves to make it look good, too. :cool:

The drive team rocks. They could manage that.
Don't tell them I said that though....

wendymom

10-04-2008, 12:45

Athleticgirl389

10-04-2008, 13:14

!!!!how bout TEAM 647 REPORTING FOR DUTY HOOAH!!!!:D

Now THAT would be very creative and I would love to see that ;)

Danny Diaz

10-04-2008, 13:23

"418 gracefully accepts!" [pirouette, arabesque]

I would love to see that! I'll bet there is someone on your team who has the moves to make it look good, too. :cool:

You get someone to agree to pick us in an alliance on the Curie field, and I think we can make that happen. You just need to give us 24hrs notice. ;)

-Danny

GaryVoshol

10-04-2008, 14:59

Exploding Bacon did that at IRI last summer....complete with ribbon dancing

I guess we have a different definition of "graceful" ;) :P

Kevin Sevcik

10-04-2008, 15:54

"418 gracefully accepts!" [pirouette, arabesque]

I would love to see that! I'll bet there is someone on your team who has the moves to make it look good, too. :cool:
I think the obvious follow up acceptance would be:

[jog up to selector, obvious pratfall/trip-up] "Erm, Team 57 not so gracefully accepts...."

jayjaywalker3

10-04-2008, 21:10

i was considering in NY if I already knew a team that was going to pick us was to take off my shirt and be wearing that teams shirt underneath

another idea that just came to my mind was choosing by saying
Team XXXX! I choose you!!!

Racer26

11-04-2008, 08:53

Oh noes, a Pokemon reference...

Protronie

11-04-2008, 09:21

StephLee

13-04-2008, 09:14

Anecdote time...

Yesterday I was visiting Cornell University as part of their "Cornell Days" for accepted students, and during the "Topics in Engineering" discussion, the speaker asked, "How many of you have heard the stereotype that engineers can't communicate?" I thought of this thread as I raised my hand, along with a good portion of the rest of the students. The speaker then said, "Well, we don't believe that lie here. ALL engineers here will learn to effectively communicate their ideas, or else they can't be effective at their careers." (Or something along those lines.)

I just thought it followed some of the discussion of this thread very nicely.

Borisdamole

19-04-2008, 17:15

Apparently, BAE can graciously accept...

Tim Delles

19-04-2008, 17:17

honestly is it that big of a deal to say on behalf of (insert name here) i graciously accept? didn't think so

Protronie

19-04-2008, 20:13

honestly is it that big of a deal to say on behalf of (insert name here) i graciously accept? didn't think so

But its so much fun cause the english perfect weenies get in such a tizzy over it: rolleyes:

AlexD744

19-04-2009, 23:34

I think at Tempest 07' an old team member begged to go up for alliance selections. PINK picked us as first pick and he went up and said, insert rapper voice here: Yeah Yae, then walked away. The announcer stood shocked and said, "I think that was a yes."

Zyik

19-04-2009, 23:51

When 973 was picked our driver said "973 would love to join your Raptor pack." One of the better one's in my opinion, as I despise the term "graciously accept" with a passion.

DustinWyke

20-04-2009, 00:14

When 973 was picked our driver said "973 would love to join your Raptor pack." One of the better one's in my opinion, as I despise the term "graciously accept" with a passion.

I thought it was a good line. :)

keehun

20-04-2009, 00:19

If you are coming to regionals where 2502 is coming in '10, you are in for a little fun exercise. :)

Nawaid Ladak

20-04-2009, 02:15

118 did a excellent job when accepting 488's invite as the #6 alliance on Archimedes last weekend. The representative incorporated the lyrics from Dope's - You Spin Me Round into his acceptance. It was well done.... as 118's unique alliance acceptances are

gblake

20-04-2009, 10:11

Here we go again... I was wondering when this old thread was going to get beat into the ground again :D

I graciously accept all the futile efforts at proper english. :p

Now get back to work on your robots. :rolleyes:I accept your gracious offer, and encourage everyone to also get back to work on their total FIRST experience; part of which is creating machinery. ;)

honestly is it that big of a deal to say on behalf of (insert name here) i graciously accept? didn't think soYes - It is.

Ask any potential employer if they prefer to hire people who know English well enough to spot the flaws in saying that one "Graciously accepts", or if they don't care (in this sense) about clear communication.

I predict the vast majority will, and do, care.

Blake

Ryan Dognaux

20-04-2009, 12:41

Did anyone else notice that Paul Gudonis 'graciously accepted' the offer to sell the patents and trademarks to FIRST? Reminded me of this thread :]

Alan Anderson

20-04-2009, 13:16

Did anyone else notice that Paul Gudonis 'graciously accepted' the offer to sell the patents and trademarks to FIRST?

Indeed I did. I thought it made him sound like he felt he was doing the other party a tremendous favor by doing the "buy it for a dollar" transaction.

Chris is me

20-04-2009, 14:55

In 2008 (07 FTC season), I accepted with a bit of an embarassing "Well, I have no idea why you want to pick us, but I graciously accept".

Anyhow, I'm planning on putting "I graciously accept" on whatever college I decide to attend's letter.

XaulZan11

20-04-2009, 15:34

I told our student that was going down for alliance selection to say, "Well, you may not be 46, but we'd still love to play with you." Sadly, he never got the chance to say it.

Akash Rastogi

20-04-2009, 16:00

At Monty Madness this will be our acceptance if chosen or if we are choosing.
In reference to Brawndo commercials:

"This alliance is blasting off like a dinosaur riding a rocketship and we want youuuuu to be our co pilot!!!!!"

Acceptance: "This alliance is going to be like shaving your chest with a lawnmower!! We accept!!!!"

Oh yea, we're weird.

smurfgirl

20-04-2009, 16:15

At the CT Regional, after a "gracious" acceptance and a "grateful" acceptance, team 1902 pranced and twirled across the field as a lead-in to their "graceful" acceptance. (:

Mike Schreiber

20-04-2009, 17:35

Well can you graciously decline? I know it's certainly better than saying "That's Lunacy!" and staying in your position on the field, although not GP at all I would find it hillarious, but I would never consider actually doing it.

smurfgirl

20-04-2009, 17:41

EricH

20-04-2009, 17:43

Well can you graciously decline?
To graciously decline could be an insult...

If you are applying "gracious" to yourself, it's kind of a misuse of the word. See the earlier portion of the thread. Now, you decline. You're saying, "Because we feel sorry for you, no we won't play with you." It's almost a double insult.

Usually, declines are done as either "We respectfully decline" or "We decline".

Herodotus

20-04-2009, 18:07

We tried to convince the student who went to accept at Kettering to just walk up and hug whoever asked us, and then stand next to them without saying anything. She didn't do it, unfortunately. My two favorite acceptances from our past competitions have been:

"We will gladly be assimilated into your collective."
and
"We'd gladly drink to that." Followed by handing the alliance captain a can of mountain dew.

Chexposito

20-04-2009, 18:43

I say we say it in binary.
Yes: 0111100101100101011100110000110100001010
Accept: 01100001011000110110001101100101011100000111010000 00110100001010

No: 0110111001101111
Deny: 01100100011001010110111001111001

and so on

Andrew Y.

20-04-2009, 19:15

i remember back in the days, it was "team XXXX, insert sponsors*, graciously accept." It was out of respect to the sponsors.

For those in archimedes at championships, i made our captain do that...WE ARE BRINGING IT BACK

Molten

20-04-2009, 19:27

Perhaps if you accept but don't say graciously...then are you graciously accepting?

Andrew Y.

20-04-2009, 21:10

Perhaps if you accept but don't say graciously...then are you graciously accepting?
ushaha....words....pshh...pish posh....:D

Andrew Lawrence

05-03-2012, 22:52

Gregor

05-03-2012, 22:57

Le bump.

I like this thread. Hopefully it'll get around this season enough to the point where we can go to a regional and hear "Graciously Accept" a few times maximum during alliance selections.

If anyone has any creative ones they wish to share, have at it!

We accept with complete loathing but we must accept because this is probably our only chance of making elims?

Just kidding.

We accept your offer with great honour.

How's that ;)

Joe Schornak

05-03-2012, 23:55

"Sure."

"'K"

"*affirmative grunt*"

I try to say interesting things during alliance selection. I may have a limerick prepared this year, or an epic poem if the team in question is particularly worthy.

Zach O

05-03-2012, 23:58

Every year I go the field, I have been told I cannot "graciously accept" and saying "we would like to request the assistance of" is incorrect, and "I would like to request the assistance of" is how I should ask teams to join my our alliance.

The grammar errors have never made a difference to me, since these improper terms have become the standard in FIRST. Teams "graciously accept" other teams, and alliance selection students say "we" would like to select, as opposed to "I" would like to select (I say "we" because although I am selecting a team, I am representing the whole team and the selections of the whole team, not myself). In fact, it's always weird to me when someone switches from the usual (unspoken but agreed upon) vernacular for FIRST robotics alliance selections.

I think as long as people are acting professional on the field during selections, it doesn't matter what adjective you use to accept.

Basel A

06-03-2012, 00:09

Irregardless of people's feelings on the matter, for all intensive purposes it doesn't really matter what you say, as long as you're accepting without taking anything for granite, right?

"It sounds right" and "It's what everybody else says" doesn't mean it is correct or even makes sense.

Grim Tuesday

06-03-2012, 00:17

I like the tradition of saying "Graciously accepts", and we are going to stick with it.

bduddy

06-03-2012, 01:38

While I'm fine with creativity, I don't see any problem at all with "Graciously accepts".

The occasional "Graciously declines", on the other hand... ::ouch::

nitneylion452

06-03-2012, 02:18

While I'm fine with creativity, I don't see any problem at all with "Graciously accepts".

The occasional "Graciously declines", on the other hand... ::ouch::

How about "The great team of XXXX abstains, courteously."

That's a reference from something, but I don't remember what . The original is "The great state of Virginia abstains, courteously."

PAR_WIG1350

06-03-2012, 02:22

"*affirmative grunt*"

This reminds me of the time I accepted an offer during FTC alliance selection, I was rushing to figure out what to say (well, First I checked my team number, I still wasn't used to NOT being 1350, then I figured out what to say) I finally said something (I don't remember what) but I stumbled a bit with our team number and the mic was BAD (as in the garbled output actually made it harder to hear what was being said), the point is, the MC said something along the lines of "wait are you accepting or..." so I said, without the mic, "yes, We accept" and nodded for clarity. It was interesting.

Irregardless of people's feelings on the matter, for all intensive purposes it doesn't really matter what you say, as long as you're accepting without taking anything for granite, right?

"It sounds right" and "It's what everybody else says" doesn't mean it is correct or even makes sense.

I know this was a joke, but I have to do this:

*intents and purposes
*granted

On a side note I have no issue with irregardless as long as the context is appropriate. It is NONSTANDARD, but not wrong per se

nitneylion452

06-03-2012, 02:36

...

I know this was a joke, but I have to do this:

*intents and purposes
*granted

On a side note I have no issue with irregardless as long as the context is appropriate. It is NONSTANDARD, but not wrong per se

I do have an issue with the term "irregardless." If you break it down, you have "ir," "regard," and "less." Ir is a prefix which indicates negation, regard is the base, and less is a suffix which also indicates negation or lack of. So, putting that all together, we get "not without regard" or more simply, "with regard." It makes no sense to say "irregardless" to mean "without regard."

Heil Webster!

[/rant]

Squillo

06-03-2012, 03:39

How about, "Team xxxx humbly accepts your offer"? Or "humbly accepts your request"?

"Humbly accepts your request, and will endeavor to serve your alliance with honor, dignity and gracious professionalism"?

Oy, now you've got me started....

Jack Jones

06-03-2012, 03:59

FWIW:
'You Cannot Graciously Resurrect This Thread'

Bill_B

06-03-2012, 04:52

I'd like to hear "enthusiastically accepts. . " particularly from my team. :rolleyes: :D

Kims Robot

06-03-2012, 07:13

Irregardless
Twitch... Twitch... shudder...

Though admittedly my first thought in seeing this thread come back was that "No one ever claimed engineers are good at English." I certainly wish we could break that stereotype, but the fact of the matter is that 90% of engineers hate writing and aren't good at it.

And another thought is that many of the kids that get up there are so nervous that I'm impressed they can manage any form of correct or incorrect English. Its hard to be in front of a crowd that large, especially when your team's entire destiny may be on the line!

But good points all around. We should be doing everything we can to make a good impression on all those that come for the finals of the event. Figure out a way to train your students to use English good! (::sarcasm::)

Peter Matteson

06-03-2012, 07:27

How about "The great team of XXXX abstains, courteously."

That's a reference from something, but I don't remember what . The original is "The great state of Virginia abstains, courteously."

That is a reference from the movie/musical "1776".

The original is "The great state of New York abstains, courteously."

There is a punch line in the 3rd act about how everyone in the New York legislature talks over each other and yealls so that the don't listen to each other and can't accomplish anything so the delegation never gets any direction.

Bill_B

06-03-2012, 10:04

Twitch... Twitch... shudder...

Though admittedly my first thought in seeing this thread come back was that "No one ever claimed engineers are good at English." I certainly wish we could break that stereotype, but the fact of the matter is that 90% of engineers hate writing and aren't good at it.

Woodie Flowers notwithstanding - Gracious professionalism instead of Professional Grace? Save weight and ditch the extra syllables. Give the MPAA a run for its money by redefining PG-13.

Unfortunately the converse is not true. Awkwardness with English and grammar does not indicate a propensity for engineering or science. Like, 'fer shur, dude! :D

Kevin Sevcik

06-03-2012, 10:37

The grammar errors have never made a difference to me, since these improper terms have become the standard in FIRST. Teams "graciously accept" other teams, and alliance selection students say "we" would like to select, as opposed to "I" would like to select (I say "we" because although I am selecting a team, I am representing the whole team and the selections of the whole team, not myself). In fact, it's always weird to me when someone switches from the usual (unspoken but agreed upon) vernacular for FIRST robotics alliance selections.

I think as long as people are acting professional on the field during selections, it doesn't matter what adjective you use to accept.Ur rite. It's jst lk txtN. evry1 dz it, so it's fyn. It's nt lk Ull 4gt h2 typ lk a norml pRsN, amirite?*

The point is that using poor grammar is habit forming, and thus a bad idea. If you don't try and use proper grammar all the time, you're going to get sloppy and sound foolish.

If the "and" I bolded up there sounds normal to you, you've already succumbed to an extraordinarily common mangling of English that still doesn't make sense to me.

So, back on point, "graciously accept" or, heaven forfend, "graciously invite" is a ridiculously bad usage. In the former you sound like a high-society blowhard that's kindly doing a team a favor by accepting their invitation. In the latter, you sound like a high-society blowhard that's doing a team a huge favor by oh so kindly stooping to lift them up out of their poverty and offer them the enormous opportunity of working with your team. This is seriously what you sound like to any person that speaks proper English.

Yes, I know, "but we all know what it means". Which is true for someone in the FIRST culture. In case you haven't noticed, we're trying to change the rest of the culture to bring more people in. Sounding like a high-society snob is not conducive to this.

And I pity the kids that this becomes ingrained in. I shudder to imagine them "graciously accepting" a college's admission acceptance. "Graciously inviting" friends, parents, or their teachers to their graduations. "Graciously accepting" job interview offers. Or client invites. Or bid opportunities. Or proposals. Hopefully not the Pulitzer Prize, though. I fear that they will wander through life never understanding why people around them give them funny looks every time the word "gracious" passes their lips.

*Yes, I found an english to text translator for this.

Aren Siekmeier

06-03-2012, 10:37

Brandon Zalinsky

06-03-2012, 14:30

Kevin Sevcik

06-03-2012, 14:57

"Team XXXX regretfully accepts."

That's what I want to hear. Or, in the words of Brendan McLeod, who has now passed on this tradition to me, "Team 1058 accepts graciously." It gets a reaction from the crowd and is supposedly more correct than "graciously accepts."It's not the order that matters, it's using the word at all.

Gracious: 1. Characterized by kindness and warm courtesy. 2. Characterized by tact and propriety.

Would you say: "Team 1058 accepts with much tact and propriety"? Exactly how tactful is it to walk around declaring how very tactful you are? How is it particularly gracious to declare just how very gracious you are?

It's the same problem you'd have if you went around telling everyone you knew about how great you are because you're so humble. It's a contradiction in terms. The whole point of this nigh unto 5 year old thread is that if you declare you're "graciously accepting" you're most definitely not being very gracious.

Conor Ryan

06-03-2012, 15:14

Holy thread revival batman!

I am still waiting for somebody to say
"TONIGHT, WE DINE ON EINSTEIN!"
**and the crowd goes wild**

jvriezen

06-03-2012, 15:25

I'm sure somewhere in this long thread someone suggested this, but here goes...

Wouldn't it be better to say " Team xxxx accepts your gracious offer to join your alliance." This compliments the asking team for being gracious, and provides a humble stance for your own team in that it says 'we are not worthy to join you, but your graciousness has welcomed accepted us"

loyal

06-03-2012, 18:35

inconceivable, or you bet your bippie, or surely you jest, or Ill take FRC alliances for 500 Alex, or come on down, or that would be the cats meow, or wait what who me:D

Duke461

06-03-2012, 18:41

Maybe we could say we gratefully accept?

-Duke

Lil' Lavery

06-03-2012, 18:48

And another thought is that many of the kids that get up there are so nervous that I'm impressed they can manage any form of correct or incorrect English. Its hard to be in front of a crowd that large, especially when your team's entire destiny may be on the line!

Cue Libby Kamen making fun of me botching my own team number not once, but twice, during alliance selection at the 2007 VCU regional.

MagiChau

06-03-2012, 18:53

Holy thread revival batman!

I am still waiting for somebody to say
"TONIGHT, WE DINE ON EINSTEIN!"
**and the crowd goes wild**

On this note, "Join me, and together, we can rule the court as alliance captain and alliance member" as an invitation.

Obviously based on this quote "Join me, and together, we can rule the galaxy as father and son!"

MishraArtificer

06-03-2012, 22:00

"I take it the odds are stacked against us and the situation is grim."

...you could say that...

"You know, if Spock were here, he'd say I was an irrational illogical human being for taking on a mission like that...sounds like fun!"

Needless to say, they wouldn't let me do it. (Kudos to whomever gets the reference.)

PAR_WIG1350

06-03-2012, 22:22

I do have an issue with the term "irregardless." If you break it down, you have "ir," "regard," and "less." Ir is a prefix which indicates negation, regard is the base, and less is a suffix which also indicates negation or lack of. So, putting that all together, we get "not without regard" or more simply, "with regard." It makes no sense to say "irregardless" to mean "without regard."

Heil Webster!

[/rant]

No wonder you feel contempt for the word, you are looking at it wrong. "Ir" does not modify "regardless", it modifies "respective", as in "irrespective". Irregardless is a portmanteau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irregardless) formed from these two commonly accepted words.

Barry Bonzack

06-03-2012, 22:28

I am so glad this thread is back. It inspired me to instate a new rule at every FTC event I emceed... No one is allowed to "graciously accept." I said at every qualifying event that the most creative way to accept at the state championship would win a special prize.

FTC Florida Championship 2012 alliance selection rules (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNQvxYjLus&feature=youtu.be)

The 2012 FL FTC Championship Alliance Selection, with special prize (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPkwXtiCX4k&feature=youtu.be)

plnyyanks

06-03-2012, 23:22

How about "The great team of XXXX abstains, courteously."

That's a reference from something, but I don't remember what . The original is "The great state of Virginia abstains, courteously."

I think the reference you're looking for is the musical "1776" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_(musical)). And I think it was New York that abstained.... Please don't ask how I know or remember that....

Anyway, I'd suggest proposing/accepting alliances in haiku.

Team 1-1-2-4
Asks for Team x-x-y-y
To ally with them

...

Team x-x-y-y
Graciously accepts your offer
Let's get ready to play

Astrokid248

06-03-2012, 23:51

I not so humbly submit to you the greatest acceptance speech of all time...
Patrick imitating Hulk Hogan to accept for the Robonauts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbBx-bqUBhQ
On a serious note, I think having a little fun with acceptance is a good thing. Especially if that fun is elaborately planned out and involves props.
EDIT: Anyway, I'd suggest proposing/accepting alliances in haiku.

Team 1-1-2-4
Asks for Team x-x-y-y
To ally with them

...

Team x-x-y-y
Graciously accepts your offer
Let's get ready to play YES. Your team should do this, film it, and post it.

torihoelscher

06-03-2012, 23:52

bduddy

07-03-2012, 00:07

nitneylion452

07-03-2012, 00:47

No wonder you feel contempt for the word, you are looking at it wrong. "Ir" does not modify "regardless", it modifies "respective", as in "irrespective". Irregardless is a portmanteau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irregardless) formed from these two commonly accepted words.

So I suppose you have no issue with the Palinism "refudiate?" That, too, is a blend of two words, though not as commonplace as irregardless.

Not related, I love arguing over the intricacies of the English language. Semantics are so much fun!:]

PAR_WIG1350

07-03-2012, 00:59

If you're accepting, just walk up, shake their hand, and stand next to them.
If you're declining, just walk up, stare at them until it becomes uncomfortable (or everyone starts laughing), then walk back.

...no?

That would be "The Stig method" of alliance selection:p

So I suppose you have no issue with the Palinism "refudiate?" That, too, is a blend of two words, though not as commonplace as irregardless.

Yes, refudiate is an awesome word.

Barry Bonzack

03-04-2012, 19:58

At the South Florida Regional I went around to all of the pits and made a simple suggestion for either inviting or accepting an alliance: Be fun and creative. I told all teams that whoever came up with the best acceptance or invitation, I would let them wear my umbrella hat for the rest of eliminations.

Some teams took up the challenge, video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPky-oyV95A).

dodar

03-04-2012, 20:13

George1902

03-04-2012, 21:29

The winner was 2383, The Ninjaneers, at 3:00. A skinny guy with about the biggest wrench he could carry says, "We'd love to help you bust some nuts."

Blair's reply was equally priceless.

stingray27

03-04-2012, 21:34

How about this:

Team XXXX is pleased to accept your invitation and is ready to rumble. I think that would be the best way to respond for this years game.

Andrew Lawrence

03-04-2012, 21:35

How about: "Team xxxx is READY TO RUMBLE!"

stingray27

03-04-2012, 21:36

How about: "Team xxxx is READY TO RUMBLE!"

Just said that hahaha.

Akash Rastogi

03-04-2012, 21:49

3929 decided to use something different than "graciously accept" this year....:D

Our mascot is a dragon and we are sponsored by Boeing and the Air Force

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL87DDF700A22E9618&feature=player_detailpage&v=6gZKXJs82Yk#t=737s

ENeyman

03-04-2012, 22:19

When we are invited to an alliance, our team, 3929- the Atomic Dragons, always says, "Team 3929 is ready to fly". I dont know how we came up with this, but it has become a tradition.

DampRobot

03-04-2012, 22:56

In my experience, GRT always accepts with "the burning passion of a thousand suns." Or something like that.

On a more serious note, only try to be funny if you really are funny. No one will get some weird inside joke. Even if you can't technically "graciously accept," it is still a polite way to accept an invitation to join an alliance.

Andrew Lawrence

03-04-2012, 22:59

Since our robot will be a big D player at Central Valley, in the event we get picked:

"Team 256 is ready to RAM into our opponents"!

Nah. That was lame. :p But I'll think of something!

Barry Bonzack

04-04-2012, 09:46

So who won? I dont remember.

The winner was 2383, The Ninjaneers, at 3:00. A skinny guy with about the biggest wrench he could carry says, "We'd love to help you bust some nuts."

Blair's reply was equally priceless.

I let audience laughter be the judge.

Macktack

04-04-2012, 11:59

"FIRST team xxxx gladly acceptes"

Ether

04-04-2012, 12:17

Maybe we could say we gratefully accept?

Five years ago last month, Post#1 in this same thread:

"...Gratefully accept your invitation..."

Jared Russell

04-04-2012, 12:29

Poor form or not, it has become Team 341 tradition for a mentor who is getting married to have the invitations' response cards have two check boxes:

[ ] Graciously Accepts
[ ] Regretfully Declines

bduddy

04-04-2012, 12:37

I never understood "Regretfully declines" (unless your robot is broken). I mean, usually you're declining for strategy reasons; sure, you might regret it later, but right then?

Austin2046

04-04-2012, 13:35

I never understood "Regretfully declines" (unless your robot is broken). I mean, usually you're declining for strategy reasons; sure, you might regret it later, but right then?

we regret making the picking team feel bad... it's like getting an invitation to a friend's party, but you can't attend because ur having ur own party (and u think ur party might be better).

torihoelscher

04-04-2012, 13:50

AllenGregoryIV

04-04-2012, 15:23

Poor form or not, it has become Team 341 tradition for a mentor who is getting married to have the invitations' response cards have two check boxes:

[ ] Graciously Accepts
[ ] Regretfully Declines

That is awesome.

3847's alliance captain decided to "invite teams on a magical journey of exploration and discovery" at Dallas-West. The MC remembered it for being different and used it in our award announcement as well.

Hopefully the revival of this thread will get more creative invites and acceptances. Alliance selection is boring with out them.

I also think the standard option should be "respectfully declines" and not "regretfully declines".

Taylor1023

04-04-2012, 17:23

Probably the funniest acceptance I have heard this year came from the representative from 217 at Detroit while accepting an invitation from 51. I believe the representative said something along the lines of "Team 217 is happy to be your wingman."

As long as accptances/declines are not mean or disrespectful I think teams should come up with their own creative way of accepting/declining. It makes alliance selections a little more interesting.

JaneYoung

10-11-2012, 08:18

This is a thread bump. A new thread was created asking a question, recently. (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1193470#post1193470) The OP was told to do a search and the new thread was closed.

This thread explores the topic, has some good posts, and is rated 4 stars. It is a good read on the topic and is one of the only ones that I've found, if not the only one. When you do a search, other threads come up but this is the one devoted to the discussion.

It's perfectly fine to come up with a different response and a creative one. That is discussed in this thread that I've bumped. Enjoy the read.

Jane

Mark McLeod

10-11-2012, 22:57

This thread (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45719) is good too.

Eagleeyedan

11-11-2012, 22:26

We've noticed that too so our spokesperson will say "We accept your gracious invitation? :)

a2alexa

18-03-2016, 14:38

We Governators came to the same conclusion about saying "We graciously accept" in an alliance selection. We translated it to "We accept your invitation. You're welcome." Needless to say we had quite a laugh about that. We decided that the best way (if not trying to stand out and be incredibly unique) would be something along the lines of "Team xxxx gratefully accepts your gracious invitation" with a few words changeable in there, for one because our rep found that to be a little too much of a tongue twister.