I have a question for all the animation teams?

[Mike Ciance]

Originally Posted by BadKarma

well im not exactly a big fan of people beginning to work on their animation for the entire year before it is due. this seems unfair to other rookie teams, doesnt include incoming freshmen who want to be involved and overall doesnt really show GP.

i do agree to an extent. the freshman should definitely have a good level of involvement. i actually already know who two of the incoming freshman animators are going to be (one is my sister) so i'll be able to work with them over the summer. i'll make sure there is some work left in the fall in case any other freshman join animation as well.

you should remember though, that even if the AVA is completed in the summer, there is still a lot of other stuff new animators can do. create website animations, or model a 2004 robot for URC ( ) for example

Originally Posted by BadKarma

this seems unfair to other rookie teams

what ISN'T unfair to rookie teams? most veteran teams have a lot of decisions made before the season even starts, because they know what works best for them. (we have had 6 wheels every year since 2001, all-gear 4-motor drivetrain since 2003) many rookie teams don't have any idea what any part their robot will be like. veteran teams have had a lot more time time to gather experienced students, mentors, and alumni, more time to find sponsors, more time to raise funds, and on a larger scale. i don't know of any rookie teams who made a few grand in the fall from hosting their own competition. rookie teams are usually struggling just to get a moving robot. i also personally don't think that rookie teams should submit animations, unless they have some already-experienced animators on the team. it's hard enough just doing the robotics competition, and starting animation in the same year seems like taking on too much at one time. they can try it if they want, i just wouldn't recommend it.