[keen101]

Here is basically a copy of the letter I sent to FIRST, for those who want to read it. Keep in mind that i tried to keep it as friendly, yet comprehensive as possible. I'm not sure if I succeeded in getting any good points across or not. Whether FIRST or anyone else decides to listen to the points I made or not really doesn't matter. At least I tried, and that's probably what counts.





Team Support
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
200 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH 03101


To whom it may concern,




During the past three years I have had an awesome and life-changing experience gained through participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program. I would have never dreamed that I would be able to learn about and work on robots and electronics throughout my high school years. For me it has been a experience that I know is currently found nowhere else in the world. Through FIRST, students are given an opportunity to work on real world engineering applications and designs while building leadership, public relations, and teamwork skills. Most are even able to learn from real world engineers and are able to collaborate with some of the greatest scientific minds of our time. I am proud to say that I have participated in the FIRST FRC program, and have been able to learn from it.

I would, however, like to help contribute back. I would like to make a suggestion that will hopefully influence and shape the FIRST of the future, by bringing to point something that has been bothering me lately. During the last two years I have also found a community that very closely resembles FIRST in some ways. That is the Linux and Open Source community. They have a philosophy that basically incorporates the idea that everyone should have an equal footing and an equal opportunity as everyone else. That every computer user should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software; that every computer user should be able to use their software in the language of their choice; that every computer user should be given every opportunity to use software, even if they work under a disability. The two keywords that stand out to me are opportunity and freedom.

I have come to love the Linux community. For me it is a community that is about sharing and letting anyone join in; a community largely without bias and without prejudice. It's a community that helps foster my imagination much like FIRST has. Specifically I have joined the Ubuntu Linux community that goes by a philosophy that is captured in its name. Ubuntu is an African word meaning “humanity toward others”. I think that word captures the Linux community very well. In some way's it seems very similar to the “Gracious Professionalism” philosophy that FIRST tries so very hard to convey. I am very proud to participate in these two communities that share many philosophies and ideas.

I am writing for some specific reasons though. I am writing because there seems to be a disadvantage for FIRST members who do not use Microsoft Windows. There is no easy way to program FRC robots in alternative operating systems, or in alternative ways. There currently doesn't appear to be any Linux compatible software for those wishing to participate in the best way that they can. There are some ways to work around this, but they either take a great deal of work, or are legally controversial.



I feel that not having an option for Linux users stifles creativity and creates obstacles. It doesn't seem to fit with FIRST's Mission Statement that “FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that build not only science and technology skills and interests, but also self-confidence, leadership, and life skills.” It doesn't seem to be easily accessible to non-Windows users. If it were, it would certainly promote the building of life skills, since Linux and other operating systems are highly used in the “real world”. There are also schools excluded from participating, simply because they have a lack of financial resources. In order for everyone to be able to participate, FIRST needs to aim for the lowest common denominator. Everyone CAN have Linux if they want. Not everyone can afford Windows.

I propose that FIRST create an open source alternative to the MPLB Compiler, and IFI Loader packages. It seems greatly unfair to force teams into using proprietary software. If there was an open source option, it could be made available to Windows, Mac, AND Linux users. There are many advantages to using an open source method. One of the best advantages is that FIRST really wouldn't have to maintain the software, but just get it started. The open source community would take on most of the work. Another great advantage of an open source option is that the software can be programmed easily for native Language support. This could effectively open up new areas to FIRST where few people speak English.

Maybe an open source alternative is not an option for FIRST. Maybe FIRST does not have the time or resources to pursue such an option. I'm not exactly sure where FIRST stands on this matter. I have been talking to many users on Chief Delphi, and have received feedback on their opinions. Some simply cannot see FIRST pursuing an open source option, for various reasons. Some propose that FIRST work with corporate sponsors, to seek a more open alternative to the MPLAB Compiler. And claim that all they really need is a “mostly complete compiler that needs to be 100% finished and Linux compatible.”

I sincerely hope that FIRST considers my suggestion for a Linux / Open Source option. I am even willing to be a Linux / Open Source contact for FIRST. I can help FIRST gain contact and support within the Linux community if needed. Feel free to email me at anytime. Keen101 [at] gmail [dot] com

May the future of FIRST be open to all.