Re: Why is anyone surprised at ref problems?

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

If someone said something that offended a person to the point of them wanting to anonymously post there disdain then I think it is something worth looking at.

If someone wants to make public their opinion, I think he or she should stand behind it. If someone sincerely feels afraid to speak out with a name attached, but still wants others to hear what he or she has to say, there is an established policy for anonymous posting.

If students don't have any power to resolve an issue like this, than FIRST has lost all its meaning in my eyes. FIRST is about the students, so I think a few people who should have influence are the kids.

FIRST is definitely about the students. On the other hand, it is not run by the students, and I think that is an important point. We mentors are trying to make the experience an inspirational one. What we do is obviously influenced by those for whom we are doing it. However, when a problem occurs involving a specific person, I believe it is much better to bring a relatively small group of dedicated adults to bear on the problem than to expect "the kids" to act to resolve it.

The students do not -- and should not -- have the authority to appoint or remove official FIRST representatives. There is much more involved in such decisions than can be -- or should be -- dealt with in a forum where all participants are permitted to speak without regard for credentials, experience, or special knowledge.

Again, I'm not trying to belittle the concerns. I'm just trying to point out that there are more appropriate avenues for addressing them. I trust that the appropriate people are hearing the complaints and that appropriate action will take place. I say this not because I know for certain that it is true in this case, but because I have seen it happen in enough other cases for me to have faith in the way FIRST operates.