FIRST-a-holic Anonymous mailbox corner

[Ken Leung]

A lot of my experience in FIRST prompted me to push forth this idea. Many times I felt that I want to get something off my chest, but 1) wished to remain nameless, 2) hide the identity of anyone who might be involved. Other times I just want to ask for advice without having to worry about being judged, or just want someone to listen.

So, here is what I want to start (and want your feedbacks of): FIRST-a-holic Anonymous mailbox corner. (didn’t intent to borrow the “FIRST-a-holic Anonymous” name, I will think of a better name later)

The whole point is what I just said: a mailbox for anyone participating in FIRST to e-mail/message to. The sender’s identity will remain nameless, and I ask that any team/group/person mentioned in the message be nameless too. I will then post the message in the forum (maybe its own sub-forum), and any CD posters can respond to the message (be mindful that the responds will be monitored carefully.)

The anonymous mailbox is for:

1) Sharing your concerns and frustrations about your team, friends, family, organization, or other individuals you work with because of FIRST.
2) If you just want someone to listen.
3) Ask for advice when you don’t know what to do.

The anonymous mailbox is NOT for:

1) Bashing your own or other teams, organization, or individuals.
2) Start controversial arguments.
3) Anything non-FIRST related.


Let me know what you think.

[Aignam]

Like a FIRST Dear Abby?

[Erin Rapacki]

Good idea Ken, this will enable all users to have conversations about sensitive topics without judging the 'thread-starters' character.

I am interested to see what topics come up.

[Ken Leung]

Originally Posted by Aignam

Like a FIRST Dear Abby?

Ah yes, that's the name I am looking for.

Hmm. I will take it that the lack of responds means people think its a waste of time?

[Brandon Martus]

I think it's a good idea. Give it some time, its only been 6 hours ..

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Ken Leung

Ah yes, that's the name I am looking for.

Hmm. I will take it that the lack of responds means people think its a waste of time?

Jeez Ken... it's only been 6 hours.


I think the idea has a lot of potential. If it is executed well, it could turn into something positive. Or.... it could turn into a whine-fest.

John

[Ken Leung]

Originally Posted by JVN

Jeez Ken... it's only been 6 hours.


I think the idea has a lot of potential. If it is executed well, it could turn into something positive. Or.... it could turn into a whine-fest.

John

Heh, sorry, my bad.

Well, I have considered that turning into a whine-fest. But, is that necessary a bad idea? Having a place for people to vent isn't necessary a bad thing, especially when it is not intented for finger pointing or yelling. God knows even I need to vent sometime.

Maybe, by keeping these messages in their own corner, and respond to them in a constructive way, it might be helpful to the message sender as well as the rest of the forum. It might be especially helpful for FIRST-a-holics who are reaching out to the community for the first time when their team don't approve of such thing, or college students who are stressed out by their new team AND their new school.

I am only throwing this idea out to see if there is a need for it. It would only happen if it is useful for the FIRST community.

[Matt Leese]

Originally Posted by JVN

Jeez Ken... it's only been 6 hours.


I think the idea has a lot of potential. If it is executed well, it could turn into something positive. Or.... it could turn into a whine-fest.

John

I think that they key would be that there would need to be editorial control. If you don't accept all submissions, then you can't weed out the one's that don't allow much building upon. Then again, that opens up another can of worms.

Matt

[shyra1353]

Originally Posted by Matt Leese

I think that they key would be that there would need to be editorial control. If you don't accept all submissions, then you can't weed out the one's that don't allow much building upon. Then again, that opens up another can of worms.

Matt

I like the FIRST Dear Abby idea and I like the idea that submissions do not have to be accepted, but i think that if a submission is not accepted, they should get an email back explaining why because they might not undestand and then feel "shoved aside" and i dont think that thats what we want.

I think that it should have its own separate forum on CD so that it doesnt get mixed in with other things (or a subforum of the Team Organization) ... i also think that it should be set so that it can only be viewed by members only, ive said it in a different post, but i think that these complaints when looked at by a non-FIRSTer (someone who doesnt or cannot see all the problems that occur within teams such as a company, etc.) it could come across as bad publicity. Those of us in FIRST know how awesome FIRST is and how lucky we are to be a part of it.

[Jessica Boucher]

So THIS was why you were asking me what Dear Abby articles were called....

First off, I love the idea. I think it's a good way for people to get advice through anon contact....it allows people to be freer with what they say.

However, I would like to propose that one of the rules is to keep names out of it. (Yes, I'm basically pulling off what Matt just said a few posts ago ) That means no names of anyone involved, no team names/numbers, no sponsors, and no location. If we self-editorialize oursleves, then I think we'll communicate better (because thinking about how to word it makes you stop and think before you post, thus calming down the poster).

[Amanda Morrison]

Ken, is there more than one person responding to these emails?

[Joe Matt]

I love this idea. It has potential and is what we need for CD IMHO. Many times things have crossed my mind about FIRST and other teams I didn't want to bring up due to a negative perception of my team by those reading the things. I think there are a few problems out there that need to be addressed like this. Not only that, but it seems that stuff like collusion could be discussed in this manner, so no teams would be hurt in the discussions.

[Ken Leung]

Originally Posted by Amanda Morrison

Ken, is there more than one person responding to these emails?

I think it is not necessary to limit the responds to 1 or few person. However, know that the responds will be monitored closely. Responds that are indented to hurt other's feelings, point fingers, bashing should not be allowed. I think this can function as an open to all mailbox corner, for those who want to write a message to post one, and for those who wish to offer guidance or words of comfort to responds.

I think it will work out as long as incoming messages are filtered.

And yes, I would keep all the messages nameless… The sender, the people mentioned inside message, etc will be anonymous. Hence the name FIRST-a-holic “Anonymous” mailbox corner.

[Mike Heinowski]

This is an awsome idea, go with it.

[Brandon Martus]

We could set it up so the replies are all moderated by a group of 2-3 high-reputation moderators. This would prevent some major catastrophe, and also make sure that names/team numbers/locations/etc are not added in future replies. The mods could also then close threads when they've run their course, which I have a feeling will be pretty quick with anonymous, hot topics like these.