Poll:What do you think the effect of G14 will be?

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

I still think it's ridiculous that FIRST plans to punish teams for doing the assigned task TOO WELL. I mean honestly, this game has started to tick me off a little bit. First they lock the bumper rules down enough to limit any major chassis innovation, next they punish teams for being good at what they're told to do?
I guess no skill goes unpunished...

I'm sure many will throw rocks at me for this, but I think you're totally missing the point. The culture WE are RESPONSIBLE FOR CULTIVATING according to our founder and national advisors dictates that we find ways to compete like crazy and treat each other well in the process. This game has most clearly represented that ideal. If you choose to pummel an opponent, then there is a corresponding consequence. That consequence may or may not happen often at events.

Secondly, the challenge we are given this year is different than in the past. If chassis innovation isn't it, then....I dunno ... maybe spending our time ensuring all teams can move well on this slippery surface might be a good use of our time??? Maybe looking into these cool traction control systems?? Maybe scheduling a few more outreach demos?

Sorry for sounding snide, but I see this whole thing as a wake up call. If we continue down this road and get too focused on our individual robots then we run the risk of caring too much about winning at the game which, in turn, leads to the same ills we have is sports and popular culture in general.

namaste,
kressly