Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lame
Whom do we wish to inspire? Is it our own kids? I think they are already inspired. I think we want to inspire a world, not our own little corner of it.
From whom do we wish recognition? Each other? That's a rather shallow goal, isn't it? I think we want recognition from the world at large. I believe I read that Dean Kaman wants to see a world where scientists and engineers are looked up to the way athletes and entertainers are today. You don't get that by only talking to each other.
We want to make it loud. So loud that it is heard outside the stadium walls.
First Robotics should be tailored to achieve that goal. I think winning and competition might play a role in that, and in such a way that the objectives of teams and of First are complementary. Think outside the walls.
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Because I have already accepted the fact that there will be 2 FIRST Championship(s) venue locations starting in 2017 (any personal disagreements or feelings now almost fully set aside), though work still needs to be done to determine Annual Champions by either acceptance of 2 Annual Championship Winning Alliances being Co-Champions, or the actual scheduling of a Playoff each year between the 2. (All that FIRST has so far said we can actually work toward helping to solve the issue of...Again, SEE Frank's Blog Post: "We're Listening"...).
To attempt to seek more than that (like splitting FLL/FTC & FRC apart into the 2 events as folks have suggested repeatedly, well, that contract ink is dried, 2 Championship promises were made to 2 different cities, venues, & politicians alike...USFIRST and every members names and reputations ride on those signatures now, for at least a few years), I now expect & realize is fairly foolhardy and simply a selfish dream, but a mission many will no doubt in my mind, set off on quite soon enough....(and that isn't meant to denigrate anyones dream or work), I can just read the handwriting on the wall, and Frank's plain black on white page writing very clearly). They are listening....Be very careful what you actually ask for.
I will say good luck to many on that mission, just remember please (to those willing to stand up at this very critical juncture, to lead & be counted on among the most vocal of the community group)...FIRST is about ALL the Teams participating from top to bottom in all FIRST programs (not just FRC), and the organization (and its very fast paced GROWTH), as a whole, and teams still not yet in existance.
The real reason we now face this particular FIRST Organizational GROWTH ISSUE (The ChampionSplit), is "FAST SUSTAINED GROWTH," and of that we should all be very proud that we all help create such issues, not shy away from them. We help create our own future COMPETITION. (And all the associated problems with very fast outgrowth of a single event venue...WOW!)
FIRST Worldwide is outgrowing easy capabillities of a single US Host city serving our World Championships (in basic Hotel Room & Venue Space), wherein less than 1/4 of all "Active FRC Teams" may participate in a single combined Annual Championship event. (Any idea how many organizations today would absolutely love to have that problem? Many today are shrinking, not growing).
Think about that just a minute. Think about humble beginnings. And in a single lifetime, a mere couple of decades is all it took. Talk about metoric beginnings.
It is not about any particular individual team dreams of extending their collection of pretty blue banners and associated titles. In fact, the recent decisions have doubled the availability of both. (Just not a unified single title as of yet! Though the option still exists...See "We're Listening"). While that option was listed, not many other options were. Remember that also please.
Decisions made now, will also affect those teams we wish & work hard together to help create soon, and far off into the future, grow, and foster for years to come. And, those recently created & inspired to continue on with us.
Let's never (even in instant anger or disagreement), again hear or type quick words of abandonment (words Frank so kindly labeled as Extreme Passion), over changes deemed necessary by the organization because they may disagree with our direct personal goals....Attempt to reach across the aisle and understand the how's & why's, and why we may not have been asked for our personal opinions and feedback (directly stated we wouldn't be, in an August 2014 Blog Posting that many must have missed), before said decisions were made. (In simple terms....While I may agree with your feelings....Time to "JUST, GET OVER IT!", and begin working on reasonable solutions to existing problems).
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So, now there will be 2 sets of ultra vibrating stadium walls that we will be able to make it really loud at. Two geographic areas quite far enough apart from each other, from which we need to hope to, work toward, and begin to draw new & old fans alike from, into the two (2) very unique events.
Spreading the word that FIRST is coming to a city near you for THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, just became twice as easy! (Cast those nets far and wide, and draw them in). Make more lifelong members of FIRST. And, MAKE THOSE WALLS VIBRATE...Be HEARD & SEEN outside them also. Make It LOUD!
INSPIRE & RECOGNIZE!
For INSPIRATION & RECOGNITION of Science & Technology.
It was right there in the name all along. (Both are the supreme mission).
Why are some actually upset at Double the Inspiration, Double the Recognition? Every member and non-member of FIRST needs to be AWE INSPIRED by visiting FIRST Champ's. once in their lifetime, as a competitor or as a visitor, or a volunteer.
Guaranteed, they will return...And, if so....We will soon need more & larger venues. (FIRST isn't yet in the CITY BUILDING BUSINESS...Just Yet!)
You will be hard pressed to find a better place to be INSPIRED toward STEM, and/or RECOGNIZED for great onfield /off-field FIRST achievments!