|
Well, it *may* or *maynot* be Ryan's fault that the rules have changed. But how would *YOU* feel, if you've worked on a project for 5 friggin' weeks, only to have a rule change render your work obsolete, *and* hear someone "gloat about it"?
This is a *COMPETITION*, people. It is designed to bring out the best in each and every one of us, by pitting people randomly against others. This isn't "let's sit around the campfire, hold hands and sing happy songs". Sure, we all help each other out... to an extent. But I am not seeing a lot of complete CAD drawings and strategy discussions on this year's robot, am I? (Notice how Chief Delphi had kept quiet about *their* robot design?)
Speaking for myself: I routinely help other newbies out on the board. *AFTER* this year's season is over, I am sure we have no problem releasing our drive train and controls systems design. Hell, if your robot broke down on the field, I'd be more than happy to help you fix it. But I am not about to give away our secrets until I see you on the field. What's to stop another team from copying the design and gaining an advantage? Don't even give me that "Oh, gracious professionalism will stop us from blindly copying". You are playing a game to win here. Look at how many measuring tape clones surfaced after Woodie Flowers announced it to be legal last year. Do you honestly think they are built by teams who strictly followed the "no working on the robot after you shipped it" rule? So until you are willing to give out all YOUR secrets, don't start calling people nasty names for not wanting to give out theirs.
Consider this scenario. You are a crappy student not doing well. Instead of asking around for help, you lobbied the professor to make the finals a really easy, open book exam. Then, you come accross a student who had studied his rear end off, and basically laughed in his face. You think the hard-working student is a pompious jerk then?
-=- Terence
Mentor and Engineering Team Leader
Team 824, SWAT Robotics
|