[toastnbacon]

Is yelling robot rude? No. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. But should it be banned? I think, if nothing else, it's a part of the culture. It's exciting when a robot is coming through! I think the most appropriate response is clapping or cheering, not any mental sarcastic response. Our team has missed enough matches for it to be exciting when we actually do go. I think those who want to have earned the right of yelling robot.

As for the actual practical value of it, it's not the ultimate solution. But I think it has a place. There are those (read: me) who might accidentally run out in front of a robot if they aren't aware of its presence. But I agree that yelling robot does not give you right to crash into those in your way, and too many think it does. I imagine a combination of yelling and vanguard-ing (I hope I used that right) would provide the fastest and safest route.

My point is that trying to talk people out of yelling robot isn't going to work. But instead, educate the idiots out there. Most people don't do the wrong thing intensionally. Tell them how they're messing up, and odds are, they'll fix it. We are, after all, a community of nerds. We didn't get here by doing the stupid or wrong thing.

Also, (because I forgot to work it into my rant) I think mandating the practice of yelling is rediculus. There are clearly those who are strongly opposed, and I think we should respect that.