[Jim]

I agree with some comments made earlier. I will paraphrase here and insert some add'l thoughts:

(and keep it positive ;-)

Regarding the Manual -
For those with slow connections, offer the updates in a format that provides replacement pages. Clearly printed at the top of an update page is the print date, "supercedes MM/DD/YY", and the page number. The updates get read, and then dropped into an updated manual. I like the idea of using strike-throughs and bolding on the changes. If a change go so far as to require add'l pages, it can always be split to "replace page 20 with pages 20a and 20b"

For those with fast connections, always have the latest, fully updated manual available. If I grab that version, then my freshly downloaded and printed manual should resemble a properly updated manual; minus the coffee and krispy kreme stains


Regarding the boards -
I like the idea of a "disregarded questions bin" (that's a nicer way of saying "stupid question bin", but we all know there is no such thing, right?)

The previous board format allowed subscriptions. For the most part, that worked well. I would like the opportunity to subscribe to a list that would send me (daily/weekly/?) the latest ANSWERED QUESTIONS. In fact, that mailing could also include the "disregarded questions" in two categories "already answered" and *ahem* "not well thought out"

An official, registered set of "Askers" from each team would be OK, but don't limit the number of people that could subscribe to the answers. It is just as easy for someone to shoot the question over to their team's "Asker" as it is to ask it directly.

Regarding the game:
Keep on surprising us! Last year was great, this year was/is great.

I've never participated in a 4 v 0 format, but I think that could be done in a way as to be spectator friendly, too. It would just require that you watch more than one match to see how teams are doing. There is a certain positive social aspect being thrown together with a random alliance and figuring out how to maximize that alliances point total. The finals in that format could then switch to a slightly different game, or could be done with "Alliance One" competeing while "Alliance Two" waits "sequestered" unable to see what happens.

I said this during the last request for ideas and I'll say it again - adding a skill/requirement with easily discernible societal (sp?) value is a great idea. For example
-put a door on the field with a standard, round handled lockset - points provided for opening and closing the door. (this would not be an expensive item to add to a field)
-put plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans on the field - points for separating and storing

To all those at FIRST - keep up the good work and Thank You