Championships: Competition vs. Inspiration

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by Eric O

To those who have posted they went and were inspired, what part inspired you? Could that inspiration be closely match via a video camera?

Never. Watching a match is nothing compared to the chance to talk for a half hour with some guys from Cheesy Poofs about organizing their team, or the design process. I didn't watch any matches at Championships this year other than eliminations, instead electing to go out and talk with and make connections to the hundreds of teams at the competition. Listening to Karthik via Talkshoe is nothing compared to being in the room, listening to him as the crowded room is nearly dead silent. Watching via a video doesn't give you a chance to go to the City Museum after hours and run into someone, talk to them about FIRST for a half hour, and then see them and their family at the competition the next day (which happened to my this past weekend).

I don't think you can ever match the experience of championships via proxy. It could probably be very good, if they didn't just webcast matches, but also interviews and presentations and ceremonies, but it would never be closely matched. Championships is a magical experience.

That's just my two cents though.