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Re: Computer generated initial alliances
I would just like to ensure there is some standard that requires an event's team list to be randomized before being "injected" into the algorithm. Or better yet, the algorithm generates some generic schedule populated by Teams 1-X and then randomly assigns teams from the team list to those Team 1-X spots after the fact.
Ideally, I'd prefer human eyeballs not see anything related to actual team identities until after the ideal schedule is generated and approved, with all desired parameters agreeable to event staff. I do NOT count knowledge of specific team positions within that schedule as a parameter that should concern event staff. That includes any allocation for non-inspected teams. The schedule is supposed to be RANDOM. If a team is dinged RANDOMLY by the fact they failed to understand the urgency of receiving an inspection, such is the way fate works sometimes.
There is also the risk of more insidious schedule adjustments to creep into the current process. "I don't like this schedule because <insert some subconscious aversion related to seeing a schedule with a certain mix of team pairings that enables rationalization of a re-click>". *Clicks mouse again* "Oh that's much better."
This schedule generating process sounds like it contains weak points where much blar can be introduced, if the non-random tendencies of human beings let such things happen.
Humanity is fallible. Whether consciously or otherwise, non-random injection of human preference into the final outcome of a match schedule has likely happened at least once at events spanning the broad expanse of FIRST history. The majority of folks out there would not even consider such a thing, but if there's a simple solution that could prevent the tiny percentage of those who would from adversely impacting the process, as well as prevent any subconscious thoughts of the otherwise pure from leaking their way into the final schedule that is printed and distributed, I think that is a change that needs to be made.
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Travis Hoffman, Enginerd, FRC Team 48 Delphi E.L.I.T.E.
NEOFRA / Delphi E.L.I.T.E. FLL Regional Partner
Last edited by Travis Hoffman : 07-04-2014 at 18:21.
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