[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by generalbrando

... And I appologize: I don't mean to rant at you, but really the FIRST community. Don't let these little problems sour your love of the great work FIRST does. They've come a long way and if anything they need encouraging words to keep them from putting down their coffee and taking a much-needed nap.

Originally Posted by JVN

Stu,
While I agree with your criticism, and find that you frequently make very good points; the tone that some of your posts take (with frequent use of BOLD CAPITALIZED WORDS) makes it seem as if you're yelling. Most people do not yell during a formal debate or discussion, and expect to be taken seriously.

Frankly, I feel your criticism would be better received without this usage; and hope you stop in the future.

JVN

Originally Posted by Jessica Boucher

All,
Please remember who each of us are representing when making posts, and remember to use gracious professionalism. I know we're all stressed, but this is when it's most important to take a step back, breathe, and look at the big picture. Thanks!

I apologize - you are all correct. I do not mean to belittle all of the wonderful things we love about this program or all of the hard work the staff and volunteers do to keep this organization alive and growing.

I'm just feeling a little beat down ... and tired of banging my head against the wall.

This discussion is probably best left for another time and place, but briefly, while we are all very happy that FIRST has grown to over 1125 active teams this year, don't forget that the team numbers are over the 1950 mark. That means approximately 800 +/- teams that once had been assigned team numbers no longer exist. I believe much of this is due to the financial cost of participation, but I feel that there is also a huge problem with mentor/teacher burnout (human cost of participation). There are so many simple things that could be done to make it easier on the thousands of volunteers and it seriously frustrates me when I see these things ignored. There is no way the current FIRST model will ever support a team in every HS in the US, as Dean wishes. Some tough questions need to be asked ... and answered.

There is no question that I need to learn how to communicate my concerns more graciously sometimes, and I usually read my posts over several times, then come back an hour later and read again before I post, to make sure I am saying what I mean ... in an appropriate manner.

This time my frustration got the better of me. Sorry ... (I have gone back and edited out the bold and caps from that post)

I have a similar rant simmering about the Easy-C software (or any donated software for that matter), but that will wait for another day.

I'm just afraid that sooner or later, as dumb as I am, I might still realize what is making my head hurt so much ... and decide I want the hurting to stop.