Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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?

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

But that works too :D

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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?

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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.

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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.

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

:D

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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!"

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

I remeber hearing a kid say "Hell yeah!"

Re: You Cannot Graciously Accept
 

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