**FIRST EMAIL**/Invitation to Beta test the New Control System

[Greg Needel]

I thought I would just post a reminder out there about being respectful and understanding of the teams who were selected for this beta test. I am sure that all the teams chosen will do their best to bring the information to the community.

That being said please remember a few things.

• each team was selected for a reason, and why that may not be clear trust the people who did the picking
• While suggestions for things you would like to see are always good, don't get upset if it doesn't happen. Each team will have their own test plan and you should respect that.
• If you are on a team who was not selected for the beta test it doesn't mean you aren't capable, it just means you didn't fit this time. It might have been location, skill set, or a bunch of other variable that are unknown. Whatever the reason don't take your frustrations out on the teams that did get selected.
• FIRST is having teams selected sign a Non-disclosure agreement, which has the ability to limit the flow of information from beta teams to the public. Be aware that even if a beta team wants to tell you something they may be legally bound not to.

I am sure there are a few other things that teams should think about but ultimately it comes down to this. FIRST is doing us a favor by even allowing this beta test to happen, don't turn it into a bad thing. Lets try to avoid the saying: "no good deed goes unpunished" and leave the teams who are putting the hard work in for all of us with a good feeling at the end of this by not criticizing them.