[Doug G]

Two big things...

1) Video and Match archives are AWESOME on TBA - BUT for those of us who CAN record a regional - we can't always parse out the video. In 2007 I did this for the Sac-Davis Regional and it took at least 10 hours of time spread over about 4-5 days. (making sure to record the intros, the match, and the final score). In 2008, my computer with the dv system just didn't work and even if it did, parsing that video is too time intensive. SO... if we can't parse the video, can it be uploaded to TBA and made available still to teams? Perhaps someone else will have time to parse or if need be grab the monstrous file -cut what they need out of it to make their highlight reel.

2) Allow each team to post/upload a video team profile up to 5 minutes max. I know we could do this via youtube - but since youtube is blocked by most school districts - TBA would be great place to get this. My team WANTS to know about the other teams, their robots, AND who they are in general. To encourage teams to upload these profiles, have one team at each competition be the promoter and encourage others to follow - set the example, etc... This could also tie into FIRST Judging and the yearbook page. Maybe this resource could serve as the yearbook page, or compliment it, so that judges too can get to know the teams. If you are not familiar with how this works, currently judges are prepped a couple days ahead of time of the teams that will be at a competition. They have a binder that gives a quick synopsis of all the teams (the yearbook page). From that judges get familiar with each team before walking into the pits Friday morning. A video profile would be a great compliment to that and maybe more benificial to judges in that they can place names and faces and robots with team numbers.

sorry for the long post... But those are my two wishes for TBA.