"Read the rules!" ...can it be said enough?

[generalbrando]

It happens every year and I'd like to suggest a change. Well first, I'll reiterate what happens every year for rookies...vet's skip this part...

Every year dozens, probably hundreds of FIRSTers log into the forums and go nuts because they think something is crazy in the rules and they didn't get part X in their kit. They beg and plea for help. The ask questions that can be answer most effectively by quoting the rule book. They clog the forums with amazingly redundant problems that aren't problems. No one is saying those who do that are themselves a problem or anything, but I am here to plea my case - it's frustrating!

Ok, so what if when I type into my humble browser...'chiefdelphi.com' I get a slightly different page? A welcome page that makes users read and agree to a concise agreement...they will read the rules, word by word, front to back, before asking a question in the forum. I'm not convinced it will make a difference, but I think putting this idea out there will at least encourage people to read the manual first or come up with a solution. Brandon...any ideas?

Alright, I'll yell a little more, but I'll be more concise. You NEED to read the entire manual, especially if you intend on asking people questions in this busy forum.

Let's get the biggest one out of the way right now! When you are missing a part from your kit, you will follow the procedure outlined in the manual to request the missing part from FIRST. Settle down, read the manual, and THEN come here to ask questions or chit-chat.

Finallaly, I urge everyone, rookies and veterans alike, to go read every bit of those sections now available. Most important is probably communications section - so that you know how to ask FIRST when you have a substantial question.