[l0jec]

Paul,
Please do not take this personally.
I am fully aware Rick no longer works for IFI and is now with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (a non-profit partner of VEX & the folks now behind RobotEvents.com). Not specifically directed at him, but hardly "way off" as you say. However, I'm fairly certain John Von-Neun is currently an employee of Vex Robotics.

I may not be advertising my identity, but then again I wasn't trying to convince someone to go one route or another here. So you know, I used to volunteer with FVC before the change and now mentor FTC as there are no Vex teams/events around my parts anyway. I certainly have no official affiliation with any party here.

Here's the thing. You make an amazing product. Obviously your employees are extremely passionate about what they do and about the role of robotics in STEM education (I never see the kind of representation I see from IFI from competing companies like PITSCO on these forums, volunteering with FIRST, VEX, etc., ). There is no reason not to be upfront when advocating VEX if you happen to have a relationship with them. Just be honest and professional about it and no one will ever question your integrity. I really believe it just an honest mistake by passionate individuals and not some evil astroturfing scheme.

Please consider my thoughts sincerely.
Also, feel free to PM me if you'd like to discuss these concerns privately.


EDIT: Added clarification/disclosure of my own.