[Paul Copioli]

Ike,

I (and several other mentors) have pushed the theory on 217 that the team must look good, the robot must look good, and each and every member of the team must act in the best interest of team 217 when in the public eye. This has been a nd long and sustaining belief on our team. In the past, we have even prioritized on robot looks over function (which I donot recommend to anyone). We have finally figured out how to do both and it is important. If you don't look interesting, then you won't make the news.

Even more important than that is pushing yourself on the media. Our media frenzy started before we even left for Atlanta. We pushed that the Free Press had a photographer in Atlanta and didn't give up until they agreed. Our parent group (if you don't have one, create one; as they are a valuable networking asset) called Channel 4 before we even left to go back home to make sure they met us at the airport ... and they did! As a result of the Free Press push, I was called by 4 different news organizations before we even left Atlanta for interviews.

One thing led to another and all other news organizations just follwed suit.

With all of that said, if your robot does not perform or looks like it was made in a garage, then the media will lose interest. It is a fact of life. everyone who knows me knows that I propose the only way FIRST will really take off is if the high performing teams are publicized and used to bring public attention to what we are really about. We must use the best of the best performing robot teams to gain the attention of the general public and then draw their attention closer to what we are really trying to achieve. Team 217 believes in this principle that the robot is the "hook" and focus, not only on GP and community service, but also on the highest level of robot performance each year.

I am convinced that this attitude will bring the general masses to FIRST where we can get them to listen to our broader message.

Specifically to Team 33: you have the great image, you have the robot performance, but do you have the tenacity to keep knocking down the doors of news agencies until they come see what you are about?