UFH Comments, Suggestions, Etc.

[Andy Baker]

A few points:

1. Excellent job. This was not easy to do. Kudos go out to Amanda, Amanda, Josh, and Brandon. This is the start of something great.

2. Don't let the constructive criticizm get you down.

3. To address some of these constructive points, here are a few things to think about:

... It may be a good idea to post all nominated names. However, don't do this in haste. It needs to be thought through.

... This is CD's site. It is not official. This is the best place this can happen. The more people who see this site, the better. In the mean time, the implementation of this is very good and not having it is not good.

... As far as criteria goes, I could care less if it is posted or not.
As long as deserving people are spotlighted (and there are too many), then it is a good thing. But, many people may differ from this opinion. If it needs to be posted, keep it general. One suggestion could be to rotate a region each time. John is in the northeast. The next person could be from the southeast (or whatever). This way, some sort of geographical fairness could alleviate some bias and also make the judging easier (limits the names). This may also add to the anticipation.

... Having non-CD Forum users is OK, but it is not even needed at this point. There are sooo many people that need to be spotlighted who already use these forums, that is what I suggest needs to be focused on right now. Non-users can still be eligible, of course.

... I have been on these forums since 1999. I have seen excellent FIRSTers come and go. Many go because some of the mindless stuff that goes on in here. This is one thing that may bring them back.

UFH has substance. It puts the I in FIRST. People need to be respected and looked up to. Sure, the system may need tweaked and it is good to give input on how to tweak it. Sure, the hype was a bit much... but this is a great thing that WILL turn into an excellent thing.

Look at it this way - the Woodie Flowers experience I have been through this past year has floored me. My life has changed. This recognition has impacted me more than anything outside my kids and marriage. If other people can just get a piece of this experience, then it is a great thing. Let's support it. Let's work to make it the best it can be.

Andy B.

ps... sorry for breaking one of my personal rules and not being consise.