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I have been reading the threds with great interest and I thought to my self that some of the things said were exactly what I said over a month ago. For my thoughts and fears I got a real reaming by some FIRST members.
I think that now that some time has passed that reality is starting to become evident. I see fear and a little anger in the writings of some people and I think its justified.
I wonder to my self if Dean or others from FIRST read the things that are said on this site. The first thing thats evident is that some members feel betrayed for their loyalty and hard work, All the years of building up FIRST may have been for nothing for many unless you concider every other year the prize.
It will be impossible for many teams to go due to time restraints and bookings. As an adult I need more than three weeks to book my time away from work and if I book it out and our team doesnt go to Florida it could cost me a lost week of vacation and several thousand dollars in wage loss.
Below is what I wrote last month
1. Dean is now steping back from his announcements that he makes each year at the Nationals on how we have grown from the prior year.
This year he can announce how the Nationals have decreased by 35%.
2. Mentoring will end as there is now a distinct disadvantage of introducing other teams and Schools to FIRST.
3. The "G-P" has gone out the window and its now a Dog eat Dog competition, why would any member of another team want to help themselves be beaten in a regional. infact can we now expect to see a little sabotage in the pits?
4. I have said this before that the competition is "bent" towards the wealthy teams and that a team thats struggling with money and experience is now going to suffer even more. Teams like #38 could not afford the Disney package so they stayed out side to save funds and we all know how well this amazing team did. but because they tried to save funds and get as many of the team there as possible they will be penalized this year so "Disney" can squeeze every stinking cent they can. Like they dont make a HUGE profit from us all ready.
5. If FIRST has grown beyond the capacity of Disney then rather than change the format and make teams suffer maybe we should look at a new venue. If this became an option you can bet your speed controlers that Disney would have a change of heart.
6. If cost has become an issue then why not increase the entry fee's, our budget last year was $54.000 whats an extra $500.
Dean, if your able to read this then please re-think some of the new rules. As volunteers who help our teams you need some consideration to what your doing to the life blood of the concept of FIRST.
Nick237
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