Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgeTheEng
There's a point that I haven't seen raised in this thread. (or I missed in which case I apologize)
In the last few years we've seen the economy take a significant downturn. (I'm starting to lose count of the banks and mortgage firms needing "bail outs") Costs of most consumer items have gotten higher. (most of us pay double or triple what we did for gas just 2 or 3 years ago) In some sectors, corporate profits have declined. Through all this, FIRST has managed to keep the entry fee/ KOP fee constant. Even while growing and asking suppliers for more and more items.
It is entirely possible that FIRST is being faced with a simple choice... Reuse the control system or raise the KOP fees in 2010 and beyond. If that is the case, then I support reuse. Keep more teams in the game. Let the "rich teams" buy additional controlers. Or maybe get a few teams together to share the cost and have one that can be passed around for demos and such (of course then your electronics need to be designed to be easily accessible and the wiring well documented).
There is always a design to question change and worry about it's implications. Personally I think like would be boring if everything stayed static. Enjoy the change, learn something new, adapt.
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I am aware of the economic situation as well as everyone else is and at this point would be understanding if FIRST had to make these tough choices but the issue I have with that is the fact that they didn't say that. FIRST claims that they are doing it for "environmental" reason not financial ones. That is what caused this uproar in the first place. Yes if faced with the reality of having to re-use the control system teams will adapt but I would want a real justification for the change beyond the facade that first is trying to play off. If it is financial they should say it, if it is because they can't manufacture that many every year they should say it. When will FIRST learn that we all care about this organization and they will gain way more points with the community if they are just upfront with us.
On another note has FIRST announced the registration fees yet this year? Do we know if they are going to go up THIS year?