Chief Delphi - Rule G22 needs to be changed

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hooper (Post 716074)

Yes, it makes FIRST look definitely inflexible, immature, and forever unable to accomplish their own goal of truly popularizing engineering and technology through robot competitions. I guess they are remaining "steadfast" like Bush.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli (Post 716084)

The rule is the rule, so let's do our part to make sure our alliance partners don't break the rule. If every third team does this, then there will be no penalties for G22 the rest of the year and the general public will enjoy the game without having to worry about G22 penalties. We, the teams, are FIRST. We make FIRST what it is so how we react to this rule will define the rest of the season.

Having these two posts juxtaposed in this way forces a brief tangental discussion. I have rarely seen a better example of the "wrong" and "right" way to respond to a thread.

Throughout all my years working with the FIRST program, I have never known the folks in Manchester to turn a deaf ear to constructive, well reasoned, thoughtful criticism that is offered in a manner that is obviously intended to help improve the program. They may not always agree with what they hear, and they may not always respond with a change that satisfies everyone. But when the criticism is offered in an honest and constructive manner, they do listen.

Paul's post offers an excellent example of stating an opinion in which not everyone may share, but doing it in a manner that is constructive, polite, non-confrontational, and - dare I say it - both gracious and professional. We would all do well to learn from this example (sometimes Paul makes it easy to understand why he is a WFA).

Conversely, firing off a blast full of invective-filled tripe that offers no concrete suggestions or recommendations for improvement, but is merely an expression of bile does nothing to advance either the point of view of the author or the discussion overall. A message that is mean-spirited and demeaning helps no one.

Healthy disagreement and constructive criticism are always fine, particularly when accompanied by alternative solutions. But nasty carping without constructive input is unnecessary and counter-productive. Those that don't understand the difference might want to read through this thread.

Thank you, Paul, for reminding us how to communicate as a professional should.

-dave