[billw]

Obviously, there is some reason that FIRST is not wholeheartedly embracing VEX. Perhaps, as was noted in a related thread, that it is better not to speculate on the reasons. Unfortunately, I read that after I made my comments...

I do think the community would be well-served, however, if FIRST would clarify its position. This lack of openness will, as you note, make it more difficult for schools to use VEX (and possibly FTC) as a basis for course work.

Regarding the original "guesses:"

1. IFI is not receptive to FIRST suggestions for changes/improvements to the platform. RF might be one area that is vital to FIRST but not to IFI.

My point was that IFI is a "for profit" business (as you note), and they may view the cost/benefit of correcting the RF differently than FIRST. I could be entirely wrong. In fact, I dearly hope that I am: If the system develops a reputation for faulty RF, it will slow its adoption.

2. FIRST would like to see additional revenue sharing. This tactic certainly applies some public pressure.

The argument for increased revenue sharing was really only meant to plant a thought. I would be surprised if this could not be handled more effectively in a private manner as well.

3. IFI is moving in the direction of the hobbyist with its latest releases. This is contrary to the more "educational" vision of FIRST.

I totally understand that FIRST and IFI are separate organizations. It simply occurred to me that FIRST might prefer a platform that was targeted solely at education and not hobbyist/commercial uses. I agree that LEGO spans both markets and that FIRST seems happy to continue working with them. On the other hand, they may not have much say in the direction of LEGO and may want to avoid a similar fate with VEX.


All of the above may well be wrong, but as I attempt to understand the workings of the black-box called "FIRST," I need to start with some hypothesis. So, in spite of the very good suggestion to avoid speculation, do you have any idea why FIRST would adopt this position?

As for moving forward with VEX, a great deal of the cost has already been incurred in both hardware and experience. I will make it clear that any further investment may be short-lived, but I am only building out a team not a school system.

Schools were teaching technology before FIRST was formed, and will continue to teach technology with or without FIRST. As inspiring as FIRST is, schools and school boards can only look at the bottom line... money, not loyalty to FIRST.

After another season, VEX may have enough critical mass to continue on its own independent of a FIRST championship. The VEX platform hits a sweet spot for many, and I can easily envision an entirely separate organization sponsoring a VEX-only robotics competition.