[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by skimoose

After writing a great, front page, article on our team in the local newspaper before the UTC Hartford Regional, the reporter was not allowed to cover the event, even though five teams (155, 195, 228, 999, & 1071) within the paper's circulation area were competing. The editors didn't think the regional competition was news-worthy enough!

Fortunately, the reporter Mr. Jeffery Kurz, really understands the impact of FIRST. His commentary column on Friday, March 10, during the competition shows that we really can get the public to understand what FIRST is trying to do. Read his column here, quickly!

Everyone, please take a moment to contact Mr. Kurz and thank him for his insightful column. Also, drop the paper a quick editorial comment asking the Record - Journal to cover FIRST events more thoroughly in the future. Please don't blast the editors or the paper, we need to be positive to make FIRST grow. I'm sure if the paper starts getting feedback from people around the country (and the world) they'll take notice and we'll all get better coverage in the future.

Remember this IS part of Dean's homework!

Thanks so much for pointing that out Art. I just sent Jeffrey this short note:

Thanks for your great article on the FIRST Robotics competition in Hartford (http://www.record-journal.com/articl...z/kurz919.txt). I mentor one of teams here in Indianapolis and we all appreciate whenever someone "gets it" about this organization. I wish there were more like you. FYI, this year there are 32 regional competitions over 5 weekends all across the country (even two in Canada and one in Israel!), culminating in the Championship event April 27-29 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, where about 340 teams will battle it out for top honors. If you could make it I am sure you would appreciate all of the talented teens and the great atmosphere and competition.