My gripes...

[psychoCHIPMUNKK]

the delete function wasnm't working, that's the only reason it's still here

[dez250]

Originally Posted by psychoCHIPMUNKK

Is it me, or has FIRST not been up to par this year?
My Reasoning:

1)The KOP- Many teams are missing components
2)The Rulebook- I know they got a majority of the rulebook out, but it took them a while to publish the last few sections
3)The spec sheets- there's no info on the Globe motors, seat motors, van door motors, or the Fisher Price motors
4)The Suppliers- I know it's not really the fault of FIRST, but the ball incident is just plain stupid. First teams couldn't figure out which was the right one, and then the company ran out of them and replaces them with ones that may alter the construction of the robot (for plows and such)

I don't mean to start a controversy or anything, but there are just my views, not that of any other member of my team, sponsors, ect.

OK time to repeat myself.
1)FIRST is not the only people who pack the KOP, also they are made up of less then 100 staff members and depends mainly on Volunteers (like many people here)

2) Would you rather have the quality of the rule book down and be out on kikoff or have it at par like it is and out a few days later. Anyways all the game crucial parts were out 3 days prior to kickoff.

3)OK so the spec sheets are out, you have the motors, why dont you test them to find out the specs?

4)the balls being a lil different now then what is in the game is a real world issue, im happy this has happened truthfully because it makes teams learn some true issues. Also the game ball was supplied in the kit.

So what im trying to say is i think FIRST has done an amazing job once again this year, and to quote a great FIRST friend...

Step up or Shut up!!!

[ShadowKnight]

for the reason because FIRST is lacking in staff and all that, I intend to volunteer for first...it's a great program that I'd like to see keep happening...our team is stressing because one of the order forms didn't get out on time...in fact I think it still hasn't gotten out...but I really hate to see people bashing on FIRST, especially if you're on a FIRST team ;-).

[JVN]

Originally Posted by psychoCHIPMUNKK

Is it me, or has FIRST not been up to par this year?
My Reasoning:

1)The KOP- Many teams are missing components
2)The Rulebook- I know they got a majority of the rulebook out, but it took them a while to publish the last few sections
3)The spec sheets- there's no info on the Globe motors, seat motors, van door motors, or the Fisher Price motors
4)The Suppliers- I know it's not really the fault of FIRST, but the ball incident is just plain stupid. First teams couldn't figure out which was the right one, and then the company ran out of them and replaces them with ones that may alter the construction of the robot (for plows and such)

I don't mean to start a controversy or anything, but there are just my views, not that of any other member of my team, sponsors, ect.

It's you.

FIRST is doing an amazing job, to say that they are "not up to par" is unfair.

They are doing their best to make this year a positive experience for all participants (At all levels). I've been finding things have improved greatly over previous years. I'm amazed at how well things are going, and excited for this competition season.

$.02

John

[Tom Schindler]

Originally Posted by psychoCHIPMUNKK

Is it me, or has FIRST not been up to par this year?
My Reasoning:

1)The KOP- Many teams are missing components
2)The Rulebook- I know they got a majority of the rulebook out, but it took them a while to publish the last few sections
3)The spec sheets- there's no info on the Globe motors, seat motors, van door motors, or the Fisher Price motors
4)The Suppliers- I know it's not really the fault of FIRST, but the ball incident is just plain stupid. First teams couldn't figure out which was the right one, and then the company ran out of them and replaces them with ones that may alter the construction of the robot (for plows and such)

I don't mean to start a controversy or anything, but there are just my views, not that of any other member of my team, sponsors, ect.

If you don't mean to start a controversy, then don't start one. The job FIRST has done this year is amazing to me. Very few of us really see the amount of planning and work that goes into something even so simple as the rulebook. FIRST worked their butts off for us, and all you can do is complain.

Like John said, I too am amazed at how well this is going... Step back and look at the monumental task FIRST has to do each year... I'm thankful they do it, i don't know about you.

Tom