Dean's Homework for 2008

[henryBsick]

FIRST needs to realize what it actually is becoming. In no lengthy amount of words: FIRST is expanding, but at what quality? I have seen many rookie teams just thrown together to the parent team can add another number to the list. The value of education and inspiration in these types of teams is very low, and mentors/engineers(if any) do the work. I think that as many claims as I can make would be a god way to go about it, but how about a recent event that we all saw. Thats right folks 2007 the FIRST Championship. Two landmark things popped out in my mind, take of them what you will: As soon as the physical competition was over, many many many people began to leave the Georgia dome. Next, as soon as Dean mentioned free tubes there was pandemonium on the floor. No attention was payed to those still speaking and recieving awards. The worst part of it all is this is Nationals. The teams there should be the top of the top in quality... what does that say about the rest?

I believe that these two things, in one way or another are indicators for the lack of actual respect for what FIRST is. Yes, the competition is a vehicle for the object, but for some teams that is all it is while no object is satisfied.

On a whole: FIRST is growing too fast and needs to concentrate on the quality of the teams involved. I remember it being mentioned in a homework of the past, but IMO no steps have been taken to fix this. Don't start a new team, help veteran teams in need. The goal of FIRST can be accomplished, but I don't understand the rapid rate that it is trying to be done at.

Starting to get into greivances of late,
-Henry Sick