Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

I know, thus the suggestion to start a thread with a suggested playlist in mind. I certainly could not put one together; it would be awful. :)

Jane

Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

Agreed/guilty!;) My style is everywhere but could probably only contribute a few good songs that I own, most are songs I've heard at competitions and never know the names of! :(

Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

I like the idea of a thread for song suggestions too. Music must be hard at events like this with people of all ages and from all parts of the country and a few outside of the country. But it seems very important too. I almost think you need a professional at least at the in-season events who can sense the mood of the crowd and energize it when needed. Even songs I don't normally like, I enjoy at the right moment, such as the song playing in the background at the Boston final matchhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wysi3s7h0qA, which seems like the perfect song for that moment.

Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

I rather liked the 80s music... But I would. Glad someone likes the Foo Fighters as much as I do, haha.

A thread for suggesting music isn't bad, but some people hate on songs that others have fun with (Chris, Akash :P ). I wouldn't call myself an Cotton-Eyed Joe fanboy, but playing it once or twice, I wouldn't complain about.

Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

New thread - as per suggestion. Questions:

1) To play or not to play - the traditional "canon" of regionals, like YMCA, Cotton-Eye Joe, etc.
2) Repeats - how many is ok (and for what length of competition)?
3) How much thought really needs to go into this?
4) Any good resources/websites? e.g. grooveshark.com, etc.
5) Just in general, what do you want to hear? (why?)

Re: 2010 IRI Results and Awards
 

I did not hear any of this discussion at the event and was surprised when I read about it here. I have been thinking about it over the past week and decided to share my thoughts and perspective.

First I will put my comments in context. I am coming from the perspective of one who has felt fortunate that our team has been invited to attend I.R.I. each of the eight years we've been in existance, able to attend seven of those. Our robot has never been among the best at the competition; our robot's performances have varied year-to-year. I appreciate that the selection committee uses a broad set of criteria and I understand the wisdom of not sharing their criteria ::safety::

Compared to the Championship event, I.R.I. is much more intimate. I don't think that the growth in participation has compromised the intimacy. I think that the excitement of the event and the level of energy has been enhanced by the larger numbers.

I understand that the excitement and outcome of matches can be highly influenced by the effectiveness of each alliance partner. I can't say that I notice a difference in the Qualification Rounds from previous years. However, I know that Karthik is always data-based and accurate in his communication; therefore, I accept it as true.

I offer the following alternative to reducing the size of the event. Create two tiers of teams that compete in different "brackets" during the qualification matches. Add four alliances to the Elimination Rounds (eight from Tier 1 and four from Tier 2 with the top four Tier 1 teams having a bye in the first round).

I understand the additional effort required to manage it and the risk of going over on time in Eliminations. I think that it would enhance the experience of all of the teams attending.