[BB] Bills Blog 07/08/11

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Wayne C.

Exactly. Whats the point of competing if you get nothing to bring home lauding your success? I thought the kids came first? Just being there isnt enough. Schools recognize coming home with a trophy.
When they shrunk the trophies a few years ago it was a mistake. I cant believe that for all the registration money collected this is the best way they can find to cut costs.

Maybe FIRST should look into better trophy suppliers than taking this direction.

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

If we are talking about efficiencies, giving out two trophies is NOT efficient as some (most?) teams won't 'use' both trophies. Perhaps FIRST should give out 1 trophy at the event but allow teams to order the second one at a discounted price or free. This way teams that want the second trophy (to give to sponsors) can still get it while FIRST doesn't have to pay for the second trophy if its just going to sit in a box.

FIRST does already allow teams to purchase additional medals, trophies and banners here: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...order_Form.pdf

I am completely up for FIRST trying to watch its money, and I do recognize that the number of teams that don't maximize use of the second trophy for whatever reason is non-zero. If it absolutely had to be an either/or situation, I'd say cut the second trophy.

That said, and I'm commenting to this effect on Bill's Blog directly, why not re-examine the design of the trophy from top to bottom? The current design is definitely not the original, and I imagine we as a community can come up with a set of trophies that improves upon the current in cost, weight, and/or durability without making them less visually appealing. (How many freshmen have not held it by the base?)

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by DeepWater

Maybe FIRST just needs to contract with AndyMark for the trophies. I'm sure Andy would somehow be able to supply really cool big trophies for a fraction of whatever FIRST is paying whoever for them currently.

It'd be nice if members of the off season committees would provide an idea of what percentage of their budget they allot for trophies/awards or recognition certificates for the events. It's frustrating to see this concern/complaint arise consistently without understanding why it impacts the budget so drastically that it is a top priority consideration for cutbacks. It is my belief that the sponsors who receive the trophies are very appreciative and some create beautiful showcases for them. I know that N.I. has a beautiful showcase that houses our trophies that we've given to them. It's always a pleasure to see that and to share it with our guests and new parents and team members. Very special.

I'd love to see AndyMark create a design... goosebumps just thinking about it.

Jane

[sanddrag]

If they aren't already, how would we feel about trophies made in China? That would spark a rather interesting discussion.

[Jack Jones]

How big/nice are the Vex trophies?

[Katie_UPS]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

How big/nice are the Vex trophies?

Probably relative to the size of their robots

Edit: I'm wrong. The only Vex trophy I had ever seen was smaller than the standard trophy. I was not implying that Vex robots are inferior.

[Frenchie461]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

How big/nice are the Vex trophies?

2ft tall by 1ft wide or so

[Jack Jones]

Originally Posted by Katie_UPS

Probably relative to the size of their robots

Is the cost to compete relative to the size of the robot too? How about the quality of learning?

[ATannahill]

Many companies lend their namesake to awards. (Autodesk, Motorola, Delphi, etc.)

Do these companies pay to have their company mentioned during award ceremonies or is it because of the other sponsorships they offer (Kit parts)?

If it is a paid sponsorship, has inflation (or any other price raises I can't think of*) changed the price so drastically that FIRST has to face this ultimatum?

If the naming in by paid sponsorship, could the price be raised? If the company doesn't want to pay, offer it publicly. (I am already eyeing the Andy Baker *something technical* Award)

Speaking of Andy... Doesn't he make great IRI trophies? Maybe source the trophies from inside FIRST?

*Edit: After some more thinking, I suppose the increase event number calls for an increase of trophies needed.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Billfred

That said, and I'm commenting to this effect on Bill's Blog directly, why not re-examine the design of the trophy from top to bottom? The current design is definitely not the original, and I imagine we as a community can come up with a set of trophies that improves upon the current in cost, weight, and/or durability without making them less visually appealing. (How many freshmen have not held it by the base?)

You're on, Bill.

I'll start a new thread, linking back here, and see how many ideas can be collected for such an idea. I've got one idea already.

Edit: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh....php?p=1068506 is the thread.

[AdamHeard]

I can't wait until IFI starts their FRC sized competition and quickly overtakes FRC.

I know many have pointed out (even Dave Lavery) that competition among programs is a lost cause with each having such small overall marketshare, but some motivation for FIRST would be nice.

[Karthik]

Originally Posted by Katie_UPS

Probably relative to the size of their robots

Uhh, not really.


//Aside: For those who aren't familiar with the VRC, Team 44 is basically the Beatty of VEX. Right there is one of the most dominant robots in VEX history.

[Rangel(kf7fdb)]

Originally Posted by avanboekel

On another note, did anyone else catch the possible game clue?

The possibility of an aerial game is interesting.

I guess its time to start aerial game hype.

[buildmaster5000]

Well if we all want to look at FIRST's financial history, here is the 2010 annual report. The fact that we STILL pay $5000 and seem to be getting less and less is ridiculous. In the tough financial times we are in, the teams have to look for more sponsorships. Is it too much to ask FIRST to do the same?

EDIT: That is a list of sponsors, not any financial report i've ever seen before. Let's try this.

[Katie_UPS]

Edit: I clearly stepped on some toes with my original response, hence taking it down.

I didn't mean to disrespect Vex or Karthik of Jack Jones. I apologize.

However I'm not quite comfortable comparing trophies. FIRST and Vex, although similar, are still very different. Vex is controlled by a company that exists outside of the competition, and existed before the competition (IFI). FIRST is a company created solely to do FIRST. While Vex may do somethings "better", they also operate differently. Stemming off a company means that Vex is already directed by individuals who understand efficient use of funds and materials. FIRST is in a different situation, although by no means am I saying they're incompetent.

$.02

[dodar]

Is it just me or do those Vex awards look freaking awesome! They look so mechanical and yet they are so simplistic.