[Joe Johnson]

In my opinion, FIRST is not sustainable as it is now configured.

I do not believe that the generous supporters of FIRST will continue to support it forever or that FIRST can continue to find new sponsors at the rate needed to support its growth rate and to replace the sponsors it looses.

All realize that FIRST has a very important goal, but I believe that FIRST has been sold to its major supporter as something that will eventually survive on its own.

It is possible that FIRST can change its structure to learn to live without support growing at the same rate as the growth in the number of teams, but I am skeptical that this is a likely way to long term viability.

In my opinion, mass media interest and support is the path that allows for FIRST to continue to survive and grow. This idea is not original to me, listen closely to Dean speeches. Almost all of his public comments make references to this or that company being proud sponsors of this or that athletic competition.

It is my understanding that Dean envisions a day when Delphi, Motorola, GM, Baxter, ... .... and Pepsi, and Coke, and McDonalds, are giving money to FIRST for the same reason they sponsor NASCAR, Olympics or the NCAA Final Four -- Because the eyeball watching the event are worth renting, not because of an altruistic impulse on the part of this or that CEO.

THIS is what I mean when I say that FIRST is running down a razor blade. There is a limit to the altuism of its sponsors -- we need capitalism to take over before the we reach the bottom of the pockets of those generous supporters who write huge checks to FIRST year after year.

This is the vision of FIRST that Dean sold me on at the FIRST kickoff in January 1996. It is still my vision several thousand volunteer hours and 8 FIRST seasons later.

This is why I believe it is important that FIRST get it right... ...and soon.

Joe J.