Quote:
Originally Posted by Carol
Most of all, don't go to St. Louis with the attitude that since they have changed things, it's going to be horrible and a waste of time and money. Embrace the opportunities there. Enjoy the experience.
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I completely agree with what you've posted in this thread, including the above that I've reverse-truncated.
I don't believe there are a whole lot of people in FRC that are out looking for a bad time. I've personally never been to a robotics championship event (unless IRI counts) and am very much looking forward to the opportunity of being a spectator, not tied to a team or role, simply enjoying the experience with my family.
My concerns lie with the general public's experience. There will be parents, administrators, current and prospective sponsors for which this may be their first FRC experience. If what they take away is a crowded, chaotic, loud experience, then the perception of
FIRST suffers. Those of us well-versed in robotic competitions wouldn't think twice of hearing "ROBOT!" in the pits - others may find this irritating and rude. If a team has a particularly exciting pit display, I'd like to be able to visit it and talk to team members without feeling like I'm imposing on other teams and individuals.
Especially with the performance of the act-that-is-not-to-be-named, there promises to be many, many FRC virgins that we all wish to have a positive experience.
If we want
FIRST to be as popular as high school basketball on Friday nights, and I think we all do, we need the experience to be open, inviting, and comfortable.