The media's (and the public's) misconception of FIRST

[Alex Golec]

Originally Posted by Dan Swando

So you have to spoonfeed to them about collaborating between students and mentors.
So you have to spoonfeed to them about Gracious Professionalism.
So you have to spoonfeed to them about inspiration of Science and Technology
So you have to spoonfeed to them about how FIRST is NOT @#%%@! BATTLEBOTS!
You have to spoonfeed to them stories of scholarships and leadership and problem solving.

Bingo. When you go to an interview, you have to fit in what should be said into the questions you're forced to answer. Three years ago I did my first interview, and in the back of my head I kept thinking "mention the $9 million in scholarships," "mention the sponsors," "mentors," "invite the viewers to watch and support the program," and so on. The media focuses on what they think is interesting, so you have to chip in what you find interesting to counter it.

But do keep in mind - any media attention is better than no media attention (restrictions and limitations apply...)

-Alex