Re: The New Cool
 

Just finished a preview version of this, and I can say it's definitely a good read, even if you're not a FIRSTer. There's a compelling story there to pull you along, especially the chapters on the competitions towards the end. There's more than enough content there to interest students and mentors alike. At the very least, you get to see the inner workings and struggles of another FRC team, which I personally found an interesting sidelight on how my own team runs. If you're on a team or run a team, this is a 300+ page dose of new perspective.

Speaking as an experienced FIRSTer, you should understand that it's geared towards a more general audience. Neal's going to be explaining things you already know and covering a game that's already been played and "solved" by the FRC community. This can feel a little tedious if you already know what a gear ratio is, and you'll probably find yourself arguing with the book and the people in it as they make "obvious" mistakes. Just try to remember that back in 2009, you didn't know what you were doing with the game either. Give it a chance and it'll pull you in and keep you reading till the end.

Re: The New Cool
 

remember those coffee table books with pics of FRC robots? what happened to those?....

Re: The New Cool
 

Not published after 2007. And they're a completely different type of book than this one.

Re: The New Cool
 

I read the preview which is like the first chapter of the book and now i can't wait for it to come out! When reading it, it reminds me of how exciting competition is and of course the excitement when we are given the new game for the year.

Re: The New Cool
 

Ordering it from Amazon now!

Re: The New Cool
 

I pre-ordered it from AndyMark.

Re: The New Cool
 

Re: The New Cool
 

I can tell you first hand that this book is an excellent read. I read it last March (Neal is my uncle and I was given a draft of the book) and the one thing that really stood out to me was how honest the book was. It was able to capture the atmosphere of the build season, particularly the laborious CAD design sessions and the end of the season hussle, and it demonstrated the interesting dynamic between mentors and students. Regardless of my affiliation with the author, it is a great book and there were times during my read that brought me back to a prescise moment during my time as a high school student in FIRST robotics.

Re: The New Cool
 

I just ordered the book on Amazon, $15.91 plus $3.99 shipping. Can't wait to get it & read it. I hope to read some/most/all of it before I volunteer at the Connecticut Regional.

Re: The New Cool
 

I'm so excited to read this! Can someone tell me where I can read the part of it that's already been released? I would reeeeeaaaaally appreciate it! :D

Re: The New Cool
 

I placed my pre-order. Less then 2 weeks left.

Re: The New Cool
 

Amazon already shipped mine, and it's scheduled for delivery on the 2nd. Not bad for free shipping.

Re: The New Cool
 

Have to love pre ordering and amazon prime for the free shipping as I pre ordered forever ago and it show up in the mail office tomorrow. Can't wait for the package notification from the mail office to fell special and also that I can finally read it. I'm so excited

Re: The New Cool
 

Basically it's the story of 3 teams during build and competition season. These three teams, one being 1717 of which you guys know already, were followed by the author to tell the world of this "new cool."
I don't know too much about it and don't want to ruin the later chapters (since that's where 67 butts in) but I've preordered it and I'm excited to see this book in its final state and in my hands. =)
I like this new cool.

Re: The New Cool
 

Members of FRC Team 987 and 3009 just spent the morning with Dean. He was the keynote speaker kicking off an IBM sponsored convention here in Las Vegas and did an awesome job pitching FIRST to the 7,000 attendees...even got a standing ovation from them. After the opening event he signed copies of the New Cool. He signed well over a hundred copies in the short time our team demonstrated a practice version of this year's robot near his table and the line extended dozens deep when we were leaving. No doubt the "message" is going to be shared with a much bigger audience that just those of us in FIRST!