Einstein Spectator Experience

[mklinker]

Originally Posted by Kevin Kolodziej

- There was an extreme LACK of communication about how Saturday afternoon would be handled, especially to spectators*. Starting Einstein nearly an hour late and then starting with unnecessary dances and songs was not good. Not communicating the change of Chairman's was not good. Telling people to leave before Championship awards were handed out was not good.

I had the honor of serving as the lead queuer on the Einstein "Mass" field and I can tell you much of what you mention in your quote was a direct result of the delays in changing the fields over to Einstein "Mass" and "Energy" while also setting up the stage and arranging for Einstein pits. All of this was scheduled to be done immediately following the end of division play but the Tesla division started very late as a result of the traffic jam on the robot highway. Once FIRST took control of Einstein, there were several adjustments made including not completing field testing for all teams. Although it was never stated to the volunteer help I would suggest that the decision to move the Chairman's Award to the other end of the stadium was also made on the fly as a result of the delays. I am certain that FIRST will be looking at this and making improvements for the 2016 Championships.

[AlexD744]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Perhaps you shouldn't be making fun of a volunteer on a public forum. Would you do this to her face?

I understand that once you pick up a microphone you become a target for criticism, but please remember that every speaker/MC/announcer is a person with feelings. Constructive criticism is one thing, but making jokes over word choice is over the top. Maybe I'm rubbed the wrong way by this over the ad hominem criticisms I've received over the years over my performances, but just try and remember that words can have real impacts on people.

Thank you for this reminder, I meant it in good fun, but realize that intentions aren't always clear. It seemed like she was taking it well, especially since on Yik Yak she said she knew she was doing it, and even played it up, which was actually really funny.

To clear the air, Annika, if you are reading this, I APPLAUD your courage to go up and talk with no script in front of thousands of people. I know I could never do your job, and definitely wouldn't have thought of playing into the criticism. Thank you for your time and dedication to this program.

[Brandon_L]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

All the proof I needed was waiting for over an hour after Einstein wondering when and where the Chairman's Award presentation was going to take place, while having my ears blasted out by some (quite good sounding) music as I sat amongst garbage.

To echo that last statement a bit, before this years champs I didn't really have an opinion on the paper airplanes during Einstein/speeches, but being a witness to it in person this year I guess put it into perspective. It was kind of ridiculous, and in some cases dangerous. I witnessed one airplane with a clothespin clipped to the front miss someone who, let's just say, had the thrower known who they almost dome'd in the head probably would have thought twice (not that its okay if it wasn't this person). Instead it smacked the back of this persons seat and made a noise loud enough where the entire team I was sitting with turned and looked. Another one landed in front of me with some obscenities directed at a certain team scribbled all over it. That's just unacceptable.

Other then the airplanes, overall Einstein was a great experiance. I agree chairman's could have and should have been done between matches at some point, perhaps early on so the winning team gets those great seats. The commentary/random Einstein team facts were neat, and the match interviews are a great idea but seemed a little rushed.

[Citrus Dad]

I thought there were several interesting team and human interest stories that the MCs and/or announcers might have played up more, e.g., that 118/1671/1678 had finished 1-2-3 in quals at Sacramento with 118 & 1678 teaming up. Has an Einstein alliance ever come from a single Regional before? Or more about how 1114 and 148 produced two of the most innovative solutions fielded this year, or at least has the most WOW factor, and now were teamed up.

[jimbo493]

I dont know how feasible this is, but I think it would be better if they were to Einstein and ceremonies on the Wide sides of the stadium, this would allow for better seats for people I think, however I think the stage cant go anywhere else, because they need room for show control and queuing behind it.

[mklinker]

Originally Posted by jimbo493

I dont know how feasible this is, but I think it would be better if they were to Einstein and ceremonies on the Wide sides of the stadium, this would allow for better seats for people I think, however I think the stage cant go anywhere else, because they need room for show control and queuing behind it.

There was plenty of room for Tesla and Archimedes to run with the Einstein stage and pits in place. It would have been much easier than the transition that occurred. The stage would not have been in the way and there were pits behind the wall already. a slight adjustment to the pits for division finals would have allowed a quick transition to Einstein.

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Perhaps you shouldn't be making fun of a volunteer on a public forum. Would you do this to her face?

I understand that once you pick up a microphone you become a target for criticism, but please remember that every speaker/MC/announcer is a person with feelings. Constructive criticism is one thing, but making jokes over word choice is over the top. Maybe I'm rubbed the wrong way by this over the ad hominem criticisms I've received over the years over my performances, but just try and remember that words can have real impacts on people.

I don't see the point of even needing to provide constructive criticism to Annika (who is awesome, seriously!) considering the scenario she was placed into by FIRST was not remotely ideal.

Drew Brees isn't taking reporter's questions during timeouts of a regular season New Orleans Saints football game, and he has a $100+ million contract. Why does FIRST think amateur teenagers should be interviewed during their timeouts at the equivalent of the Super Bowl? Like they need to focus on what to say to 30k people looking at the video boards... If you're gonna take Dave Verbrugge off the field, give him some time to talk about the teams and their accomplishments and how their work plays into the strategies of the game in front of audiences. Don't put a dozen people in a situation they don't want to be in for no net benefit. Throw it to one of the half dozen crucial faces of FIRST volunteers that make events great.

[75vs1885]

I agree with what was mentioned about the lighting trusses being in the way of the fields.
I also wanted to single out " the great Recycling War" it was the perfect was to start the last match of the season, I don't know how long the pulling lasted but it was seriously the best part of einstein.