[MikeJ675]

Semi-thread necromancy, but I figure my first post should be on something I know about.

I've seen both sides of the issue. I've been to battlebot competitions, I've been to First competitions and to events put on by the new robotic combat organization the RFL.

There are a few common things-
-Friendly people. Never have I seen so many happy, friendly people, anywhere. There seems to be no better method of really getting people together for a fun, educational experiance.
-Good sportsmanship. I know, the combat stuff seems to be all about beating the other guy, and having grudges, but it really is not that way. If you went to a competition, you'd see that even after the most brutal beating, when the bot get's swept into a dustpan, the builders will still go back to the pits and have a laugh, and usually try to fix the broken bot.
-General 'aura' of fun. Rarely do you see someone honestly sad at any of these competitions. I've seen robots ripped apart, with battery packs flung across the arena, and the builder just gathered the parts and started putting it back together back in the pits, with the help of the nearest 2 teams.

The goals may be different... VERY different... But the people and the attitudes of the people are very simmilar.

If you want to find out about what is happening in robot combat today(the only show on TV now was taped 1.5 years ago in england) PM me or email me. I'd be happy to share the other side of the story, that doesn't get shown on TV.

Looking foreward to the 6 week build, and building my own fighting robot. I wouldn't want it any other way.