Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

This community does promote self identification, because it does help both students and mentors learn from their mistakes. While public shaming may not be the best tool, by self identifying, you typically are less likely to spout off nonsense or inflametory comments because you do risk running your name through dirt, or worse yet, destroying a reputation your team has worked very hard to build for years before you came to them.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

It wasn't the first thing, but I appreciate your question. (For the record, it was your sarcasm. Now I know it wasn't intended. :) )Generally here on CD we appreciate accountability for your actions. For example, I'd love to continue some of the discussions I've had on here at events, so knowing what team or region a poster is from really helps. It's also a general good-faith gesture to represent yourself accurately. It's just what we do, and a part of why the CD community works. For example, I could have joined reddit as "omgrobots", or something along those lines- but I thought it would be better in the long run to be up-front about who I am. Unfortunately it appears to have caused more trouble than it's worth.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

Yes, in a way. There are some reasons, too.

Let's start with the easy one, it's really nice to be able to walk up to someone at an event and go "I'm [username] from CD, glad to meet you". Now, I happen to have met quite a few folks at various places and times (anybody at Inland Empire or Los Angeles, feel free to come find me--let's go with "if you're able to" because I'm likely to be busy doing stuff related to the event) and it really is nice to be able to associate a name and a face.

But the other thing is this: Who are you more likely to take seriously, some person you know and trust or somebody you don't know from Adam? That second person could be the world expert in their field (which we'll assume is the one you're currently interested in)... and yet you're more likely to take the first person's advice if you don't know that little fact. Why? You recognize them.

Now, there are some semi-anonymous accounts out there. But I know (or think) that somebody in CD probably knows who they are, and sometimes I know that they're highly productive, thought-inducing members of the community.

And the final couple of reasons, which are flip sides of the same coin... Often, anonymity is used as a shield for negative comments. But if you attach identifying information, someone you know could hold you accountable--if needed!--or otherwise contain "bad behavior". I've seen a least case where someone made the "mistake" of posting with "their" team number, and a member of that team then proceeded to call them on the carpet, something on the order of "if I find out you are in fact a member of my team, you and I are having a little talk". Conversely, if you've got a team number attached, and you're thinking right, you just might think twice about the reputation you're carrying with you--not just your own, but your team's.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

At my school, Chief Delphi and other forums are blocked simply for being forums :(

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

Sometimes you can work with the network admins or the school admins to have CD unblocked from the firewall based upon the fact that it is used for a school related function. Worth a shot.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

Yes, actually.

In addition to the accountability already mentioned, lots of people here on Chief Delphi actually meet in person at competitions, kickoff events, workshops, practice sessions, etc. Using your real name and team numbers on Chief Delphi helps a lot if you try to introduce yourself to someone else from Chief Delphi in real life, most people can't remember other people by usernames, only real names.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

I know if a student came to me and asked for something like CD to be unblocked, I would pass it to my boss for review and it would get whitelisted, no questions asked. Also, try cookies.

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

What about a StackExchange community ?

A new one can be started here Area51

Re: Why don't we use reddit.com/r/frc
 

I think a FRC stackexchange would be useful, but mostly as a supplement. StackExchange's format is-suited for tech support, and little else.