Farewell, Chief Delphi.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Stay.

Edit: "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering
can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
Helen Keller (1880-1968)

To second what Jane has said, here's another good quote:

All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. -- Walt Disney

Craig,

If you choose to leave then 'they' have won. I understand the feelings (PM me for my political issues I've faced in the last 4 months) but to leave only strengthens those who do not understand what GP really is all about.

GP is a code which is lived by, not a yardstick to measure others by.

I'm sorry if some have tried to judge you (using 'GP' as their yardstick ... again PM me about this, I know how you feel) but now is the time to stand up to 'them', because it's easy to be a leader when things go right, but it shows the true mettle of a leader when you feel you are being tested by those you have respected and looked up to.

CD is a place for discussion of ideas, even ones that are not popular. If you do choose to leave I will miss your posts and your skills and FIRST will have lost a good person. It is my hope that you reconsider.

[Joe Matt]

Oh come on guys, he's moving on with his life. Despite what some people have thought, this is healthy and good. It's not good to stay around leeching off that once great feeling of competing in HS. I wish Craig all the luck in the world and I know he will do great things and make engineering more interesting and inspire others, with or without FIRST.

[gblake]

Originally Posted by Joe Matt

Oh come on guys, he's moving on with his life. Despite what some people have thought, this is healthy and good. It's not good to stay around leeching off that once great feeling of competing in HS. I wish Craig all the luck in the world and I know he will do great things and make engineering more interesting and inspire others, with or without FIRST.

Joe - When I read his swan song message, I get a different impression - Blake

[thefro526]

Craig, You will be missed. Your CAD drawings have helped me understand some of the most complex systems in FIRST. I've always looked up to you because you were one of the very few to challenge people here. And you did it in such a way that was professional beyond anyone I've ever met our age. You've also been one of the very few to challenge the politics of CD and FIRST in general. We all see it happen and we let it happen. I've seen many of your posts labeled by others as UN-GP and I think that they're fine and they're within the what is right on the topic. But they must be read throughly to be understood. I'm sad to see you go, you will be missed by many.

[Molten]

First off, I hate to see you go. As stated above, I think that a break is healthy if that is what you are after. At my high school, I was the best draftsmen for two years. There was only one in the school I considered my equal in skill. You, however, have always been my goal. I would love to compete against you in CAD despite my certainty of defeat. It would just be an honor.

Secondly, I can't think of a single thing you have said that was the least bit GP and I would like to defy anyone here to find me a post worthy of a red dot.

In my opinion: If you aren't willing to get attacked for your opinions, then they aren't very strong opinions and are not worth having.

WARNING: Any of you that thinks that you can control GP by annoying any who disagree, know that there will always be another that appears where the other has left. Know, that though you might have gotten rid of Craig, I have no intention of letting his ideals leave with him.

Anyone who wants, give me red dots. I've worked hard to earn them. I've been careful to make sure my every word was kind. Making sure to make no enemies. I will not be doing this in the future. In the past I've let annoyances slide, but this is the last straw. I, for one, take your attacks upon Craig as attacks upon the community and myself. I will not forget.

You and I have never met, but I am certain that if we went to the same school, we would have been good friends.

[Schnabel]

In reply to everyone who is relating this to dots, just a reminder, that's all they are, dots. They have no power over your attitude, personality, or beliefs.
Craig, I am going to miss you. I have always looked up to your points of view as you have brought in some interesting ones that have made me think. I wish you would stay, but if you feel this is what you need to do then this is what you need to do. Just remember, don't let that 5% of people ruin the other 95% of us.

[fimmel]

you will be missed. your perspective on FIRST and the things that are involved with it are ones i look up to. ive been in situations where the lack of knowing what GP is has gotten to a point to where im moving on im with you in your fight and someday it will get better.

best wishes

...forest

[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by Molten

Anyone who wants, give me red dots. I've worked hard to earn them. I've been careful to make sure my every word was kind.

Making sure to make no enemies.

I will not be doing this in the future. In the past I've let annoyances slide, but this is the last straw. I, for one, take your attacks upon Craig as attacks upon the community and myself. I will not forget.

I know for a fact that many people do not see eye to eye with me (take my views on GP), and I couldn't have said it any better.

You will always make enemies whenever you post because not everyone agrees on the same things.

Don't change for anyone.

Pavan.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Pavan Dave

You will always make enemies whenever you post because not everyone agrees on the same thing.

I'm not of the belief that this is the intent or purpose of Chief Delphi. It is a place for sharing knowledge and information, perspectives, and humor. In the process, it has created community.

Sharing opinions can present different perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences. The opinions can be presented clearly and appropriately and the threads do not have to spin themselves into ugly exchanges and rudeness. Each poster can bring respect to the topic, whether agreeing with it or not. And, people can refrain from posting and keep their thoughts to themselves if they have nothing of value to contribute or are intent on flaming. That can take a little will power and self-control but that's ok, too.

If I receive red reps, I consider the source, decide if I I feel I merited them, and move on. I do that with green ones as well.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Pavan Dave

Don't change for anyone.

I'm confused by all the "Don't change" posts in this thread.
Maybe "change" is exactly what is called for in this situation. Either self-change, or a change of scenery.

You either need to:
-Learn to deal with the conflicts you're in.
-Change to avoid the conflicts.
-Move on to somewhere where the way you are will cause less conflict.

Either way, some sort of change is important. Craig has seemingly chosen the 3rd option.

Social interactions sometimes result in conflict. Some of these are positive conflicts, some of them are negative conflicts. "I'm sick of fighting with people so I'm leaving" is not a constructive solution; it is just a way of playing a martyr.

It is possible that none of this is your fault. If that is the case, then great... move on. The rest of us will shrug, and life will go on.

A wise man once told me: "If you continually find yourself in negative conflict with people, they probably aren't the problem, you are; it is probably a good idea to change the way you approach your social interactions & the way you communicate."

Something you are doing is causing these conflicts and maybe some self reflection could help you understand why. This is an opportunity for self-improvement.

I don't believe "beliefs" are usually the problem. It is rare that someone makes enemies of enlightened people because of their beliefs. Most of us are capable of "live and let live" philosophies. Disagreements happen, but they are often very constructive. Negative conflict (in my experience) stems primarily from problems of communication.

You don't necessarily need to change your beliefs for the benefit of others, but perhaps you can change the way you express them.

If you find that you can't fit into the community, and you won't change to fit, then maybe leaving is the correct solution. Maybe you will find some place where you do fit in.

Good Luck with whatever you're doing.

-John

PS - A farewell POST is just a cry for attention; not a farewell.
You don't want to leave, and I bet you're probably reading this right now.

What sort of attention do you want? If you'd like to message me I'll be happy to talk things over with you.

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by JVN

A wise man once told me: "If you continually find yourself in negative conflict with people, they probably aren't the problem, you are; it is probably a good idea to change the way you approach your social interactions & the way you communicate."

I think something I noticed about all the bad relationships and situations I have been in my life is that the ONLY thing that remains constant in them is
MY PRESENCE...

Thanks for the insight John.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by JVN

I'm confused by all the "Don't change" posts in this thread.
Maybe "change" is exactly what is called for in this situation. Either self-change, or a change of scenery.

You either need to:
-Learn to deal with the conflicts you're in.
-Change to avoid the conflicts.
-Move on to somewhere where the way you are will cause less conflict.

Either way, some sort of change is important. Craig has seemingly chosen the 3rd option.

Social interactions sometimes result in conflict. Some of these are positive conflicts, some of them are negative conflicts. "I'm sick of fighting with people so I'm leaving" is not a constructive solution; it is just a way of playing a martyr.

It is possible that none of this is your fault. If that is the case, then great... move on. The rest of us will shrug, and life will go on.

A wise man once told me: "If you continually find yourself in negative conflict with people, they probably aren't the problem, you are; it is probably a good idea to change the way you approach your social interactions & the way you communicate."

Something you are doing is causing these conflicts and maybe some self reflection could help you understand why. This is an opportunity for self-improvement.

I don't believe "beliefs" are usually the problem. It is rare that someone makes enemies of enlightened people because of their beliefs. Most of us are capable of "live and let live" philosophies. Disagreements happen, but they are often very constructive. Negative conflict (in my experience) stems primarily from problems of communication.

You don't necessarily need to change your beliefs for the benefit of others, but perhaps you can change the way you express them.

If you find that you can't fit into the community, and you won't change to fit, then maybe leaving is the correct solution. Maybe you will find some place where you do fit in.

Good Luck with whatever you're doing.

-John

PS - A farewell POST is just a cry for attention; not a farewell.
You don't want to leave, and I bet you're probably reading this right now.

What sort of attention do you want? If you'd like to message me I'll be happy to talk things over with you.

Awesome Post. Really, everyone should read it entirely.

[Steve W]

John, as always you exude maturity well beyond your years. You also had the courage to say what I was afraid to. Thanks for bringing your thoughts forward.

[John Neun]

Wow, John (VN), nice post! I don't know Craig, but he is obviously somebody who has spent a lot of time and invested a lot of effort in FIRST. While your comments may seem harsh, in my experience they ring very true. I hope Craig takes you up on your offer for discussion.

(OK, my opinion of JVN is NOT unbiased!)

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by JVN

Maybe "change" is exactly what is called for in this situation. Either self-change, or a change of scenery.

...

A wise man once told me: "If you continually find yourself in negative conflict with people, they probably aren't the problem, you are; it is probably a good idea to change the way you approach your social interactions & the way you communicate."

Something you are doing is causing these conflicts and maybe some self reflection could help you understand why. This is an opportunity for self-improvement.

...

PS - A farewell POST is just a cry for attention; not a farewell.
You don't want to leave, and I bet you're probably reading this right now.

JVN is a very wise man. I knew that before this post, but this post certainly reinforced that for me. The first point he made that I've quoted is definitely good food for thought for all of us reading this post. The second thing I've quoted is also a very good point. It made me think about myself, and I think this thread has brought up a good opportunity for self-reflection for all of us. Finally, after reading this thread about seven times, I'm going to agree with JVN on his PS note. I was thinking nearly the same thing, but he phrased it better than I could have.