[Rich Kressly]

Each time FIRST is featured in the national media teams flock to see it. Excellent! I'm always excited to see it too. Chiefdelphi members are generous people who always want to share with each other. However, we all need to agree right here and right now that no one will engage in copyright infringement and distribution without permission.

In the short run, someone might think, "The team needs this so..." to justify their behavior. I believe Dave Lavery covered this topic rather directly.

Here's my proposal for a more appropriate reaction from the Chiefdelphi community, remembering the big goal is for FIRST to be covered by more networks to generate more interest and support so we can take the next big step toward transforming the culture:
1. Post info on all upcoming FIRST TV appearances here - just as always
2. Post links and info on how/where to buy authorized copies of the program from the network. Think of the overall gain, not just the initial expense.
3. For those teams that have more resources and are big into helping out rookies and others - buy a copy for those teams too.
4. Send the networks thank you emails and letters on letterhead for taking an interest in FIRST and for helping us move toward a more competent and cooperative culture.

We NEED the networks to see the overwhelming response so they see a growing market for this work. FIRST staff makes tremendous efforts to bring the networks to FIRST. It is the responsibility of ALL OF US to ensure that the networks come back next year in bigger numbers, more of the time.

Being a part of FIRST means you've chosen to participate in something difficult for the sake of your own future as well as helping to change the culture for the better. For that opportunity we all have a corresponding responsibility to "take the high road" and provide the example for others to follow. Let's all do our part and, over time, we will have many network appearances to talk about.