[Joe Matt]

As anyone in Richmond area can attest to, we are in trouble with FIRST. MAJOR trouble. We hare around 7 teams in less than a 30 mile radius, and we arn't a very huge city nor a big technology industry. We are suffering.

One of 384's main sponsors folded this summer, and quite a few other team sponsors are dropping like flies. Many funds are now dry that used to contribute money, and many teams have nothing this year.

Why am I saying this? Because I want to warn you. While FIRST growth is needed, not like this. I'm not surprised if a few teams fold this year, that's how bad it is. PLEASE don't follow our mistake. PLEASE don't expand to the breaking point. Consolidate teams, pool funds. PLEASE do it. PLEASE.

I'm deathly afraid that FIRST's downfall will be it's own expansion and high prices. Please FIRST and the FIRST Community, listen to our problems. I doubt that this will be the last problem here.