Re: FIRST has $8 Million?!? What did I miss?
 

It seems posters in this thread are taking statements out of context, molding them, and presenting them in a way to justify one of their pre-defined opinions. On both sides of the argument.

If there are facts to be laid out, throw them down. If you cannot take that route, anything you say should be and will be taken as opinion or misinformation.

Re: FIRST has $8 Million?!? What did I miss?
 

I agree with Tom on this one.

However...I will continue speculating...anyone think any of the discussion above could, in some way, be involved with the "Sneak Peek" to be presented this week?

Re: FIRST has $8 Million?!? What did I miss?
 

I agree with Tom too.

I was introduced to FIRST FRC back in 2000 when I did some wiring for Team 108 for a couple defunct mentors. At that time, I think it cost $3000 to participate in FRC. I was not involved in FIRST.

In comparison, gasoline was about 1.00 a gallon.

Fast forward 5 years. Our fee was $5-6K our first year. Gone were the drill motors, VB controllers, and other now-antiquated systems that were the rage in previous seasons. FLL and VEX were new programs. Gasoline was 2.00 per gallon.

Here in 2008, the fee is still $6000. Basically, the FRC controller platform is the same as 2005 for FRC. FLL has jumped leaps and bounds with it's new controller over the RC Brick. Programming the NXT controller is so simple anyone can do it in 30 minutes. Gasoline is approaching $4.00 per gallon.

The 2008 FTC program promises a new robotic platform with easier programming of the controller along with more robust robotic construction material. Heavy machinery skills will not be required. I would expect this to cost more than VEX. It's like comparing Nintendo 64 to Wii. I'm withholding judgment until I can view the new FTC kit at the Championship.

The bottom line is that everything tangible is going up like steel, concrete, petroleum, precious metals and food. Intangibles are increasing too like insurance, taxes, HS and college fees, more insurance, more taxes...

In many areas, incomes have stagnated for the most part. This is the stickler when it comes to these programs. At what point does it price you as a school organization or individual out of the program?

Maybe there were some regrettable decisions made on these programs, but creative thinkers will find a way to get it done if they see the benefit outweighing the cost.