Yeah, that was kind of disappointing. They also made a couple of mistakes explaining things and whatnot. And does anyone know why they didn’t use the standard FIRST scoring software?

Very true... I wish someone would put one out about the overview though or something like it...

I was hopeing that they would show lots of teams, not just three too, but the only way for that to happen would be to have an hour episode for each regional.

WHy didnt they say anything about the atonomus time?

I thought it was going to be a cool series like American Chopper... that would have been cool.. but just one episode come on! This year, they should definitely follow 1 or 2 teams very indepthly with the building, and the design, and the competeing.. or they should do several hour long shows showcasing 3 teams at a time, like this one was.. but do it for more than 1 episode with like 3 teams per episode. It didn't look like they stuck with the teams for too long, other than at the regionals, and for a day or two during construction.

i watched it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i was so excited to be able to watch it in canada. after reading everythign in this thread, i would have thought it to be impossible. however, at 730, my cousin saw me reading this thread and when i explained to her what it was about, she told me she had american satellite. so im still ever so glad to have watched it.

my opinion on it: IT WAS AWESOME. i liked how it went through the whole season from the design to the building to the regionals and to the nationals. but what i liked the most about it was how they showed the perseverance of the teams like how they didnt always win everything and not everything came easily and the setbacks. to me, that was the most important, because it showed that despite all trials and tribulations, it is worth it in the end. i also liked the three teams idea because it did make it more personal.

A couple points, my two cents.

First and foremost, I was disappointed that there was no mention of the Chairman's Award, the Woodie Flowers Award, or even a passing glance at Gracious Professionalism....but winning the championship was certainly graced. I understand that winning a medal is a high award, nothing to be sniffed at, but I certainly believe that the Chairman's is much more to be honored with. This can't be stressed enough.

Second, I was very happy to see that an all-girls team was presented. It made an excellent name for the program.

I wish they would have thrown some Chairman's winners in it - maybe, a Chairman's winner, a team with a Woodie Flowers mentor, and a fledgling newbie team - excellent. Just to show the various aspects and what we all overcome.

I thought the students being profiled and followed through their FIRST experiences was excellent. Commentary from Dean, Woodie, and Jason topped it off.

Let's see what kind of backlash this sparks for the program - I hope many a great team start from this.

There were a couple parts I was unsure of - like whether the Cheesy Poofs lost in the final of Newton or the Championship (the documentary made them sound as though they had already won the division and were competiting for the national title). A couple other minor things too.

All in all, a GREAT leap for FIRSTers, and a great promo video. I am so proud to be involved in something of this magnitude, and that only furthered my confidence in this program.

The 2003 FIRST Robotics documentary was the absolute best television program I have seen in a very long time. Why the heck didn't it air on normal Discovery channel that everyone gets?

My only two gripes about it is that they did not capitalize all the letters of FIRST and they didn't mention the autonomous period.

Anywhoo, I bought some tapes tonight and will be taping it when it airs again tomorrow.

Did anyone happen to make a (shhhhh!) digital copy of the broadcast? I haven't been able to see it and I really want to.

Future airings:
First Robotics 2003, SCIENCE Sep 17 11:00pm
First Robotics 2003, SCIENCE Sep 18 04:00am
First Robotics 2003, SCIENCE Sep 18 07:00am
First Robotics 2003, SCIENCE Sep 18 12:00pm
First Robotics 2003, SCIENCE Sep 18 03:00pm

I know it will be showing several times more - however I will never be able to get that channel in my dorm :) I also don't have a TV or VCR. I suppose worst case scenario I will just have to bug someone for the VHS and watch it when I go home for Christmas. However, if someone has a digital copy, I'd appreciate it.

I loved it, another step taken to get FIRST known, congrats to the three teams. Great job! :D

Another Opinion-

The facts were mostly correct. It was good exposure for FIRST to the public.

However I don't think they captured the excitement of a competition very well and it was a little too PC for my taste. Capturing the exctement is very important if the show was going to attract new students.

Some of the opinions of students interviewed were rather interesting and the show gave me a new perspective on how they viewed the FIRST world. It reinforced for me the need for scouting crews when in competition. Hearing the Cheesy Poof representative describe how they were making grippers to hook into the ramp made me cringe but it was good to see that the machine eventually had struts without hooks.

Nonetheless, the show was publicity and shed a positive light on FIRST. Every little bit helps.

WC

If anything, it'll help out with people trying to start teams. You can give a brief explanation, then show the video. You can add in your own commentary if you need.

I finally watch it!
 

I finally watch it (one of my students had to give me a copy because I don't have preminium cable TV!).
It was really excellent. Yes, it only cover three team... yes, some of the information was not exactly correct but that not important.
What was important (to me) was the exposure FIRST received, many people in my company saw the program and were really excited and want to volunteer or help a team near them.

NYCFIRST Regional also got exposure because the "Princesses" rookie team is from Bronx, NYC.

I hope to see more programs like this in the future!
:) :) :) :)
I rated it 4 happy faces