The Ego's fly high among the ungraciously unprofessional or Letgo my Ego...

[Robby O]

If you can't tell already, I'm a Rocky n Bullwinkle fan . I just wanted to get other opinions on this thought. See, I hail from the animation section, and I've seen it quite frequently among a few student animators. On the rest of the forums, I'm not so sure, but I go through what I can, and I know for sure that I've seen it on occasion.

Basically, just straight out bashing of other peoples thoughts, Ideas, or ways of doing things. And that includes the bashing of what FIRST decides to do. Most of the time, these "Ungraciously Unprofessional" people think they're being funny, but I do find it upsetting quite often that the people who write posts as such don't take to heart the values of FIRST. Then again, aren't we debating that topic as I write this (ps... mine's a comin, It's just... long=)?

I was just wondering what other people thought about this. Other than animation. Maybe even stop by the animation forum and check that out, to see what I'm talking about. Just a couple of members, constantly shoving in the faces of others how good thier animation team is, and teasing with simple information on tips and leaving it at that. I really think these students could learn a lot from teams like Wildstang and Chiefdelphi. Everyone know's they're great teams, but they don't need to shove it in other's faces. And they are always there to encourage others and help out.

Maybe I'm just taking it too much to heart. Then again, I did have the majority of students on team 108 against me (in 99 and 2000) when I refused to play any music with explicit lyrics on our robot cart. Oh well. I guess it's just a matter of how close you believe in what FIRST stands for.

-Robby O
FIRSTanimators Moderator
oshortwan@hotmail.com

[Warren Boudreau]

I've been involved with our team for four years and I've noticed a wide range of levels of Gracious Professionalism among both students and adults. The worst offenders are those who just don't get it. This competition was established to get students enthusiastic about learning, not winning. Unfortunately, during all of the discussions of design, rules, strategies, plotting and intrigue, that concept gets lost.

All I can suggest is that you stick to your guns and quietly lead through example. That's where the Gracious in Gracious Professionalism comes from.

Keep the faith, others will begin to get it eventually.