[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by EricH

What we can do is to respond appropriately to actions and comments of that form: Invite those making those comments to join us for a while, or ask if we can work with them for a time--the remainder of the event, or a build week(end), or as long as they like, as long as necessary or until one or both decide that differences are irreconcilable. Maybe even trade a few members for a short time, or arrange for the experience to happen with another similar "powerhouse" team. Fight fire with water, if you will. This works especially well if the team making the invitation is the team that has been accused/badmouthed, etc., but may also work for a similar-level team.

If a team opts to accept that offer, ideally both teams benefit. One more team wants to be like the powerhouse, which keeps the powerhouse innovating and the level of competition climbing. One more team "gets it". Two teams become friends. Ideas are exchanged. Teams are exposed to some of the inner workings of other teams.

Not that any of the "powerhouse" teams would not take up such a proposal, but why should they have to?? We're now saying that on top of everything else most of these teams do, they now must prove to teams who question their capabilities that they do it "respectfully"?? I just don't think thats fair to those teams. However, like I said, I doubt any of them would turn down the request.

It's certainly something that must be dealt with. It will require people to speak up and make somewhat awkward situations in times they may usually do or say nothing. Despite all of this, human nature will still run rampant.
The nature to say "wow, our robot was not competitive, it must be because those other teams cheated."

This kind of attitude will be very difficult to deal with because for most teams its never stated publicly or even out loud to other team members. This is where we must emphasize that powerhouse teams need to be celebrated and not persecuted. Like I said, it will have to be on an individual basis, we're all responsible for shifting the culture.

-Brando