Look at the Big Picture

[Zyik]

Most people involved in something like robotics are logical people. Wen we have an issue, be it with a rule, person, action, etc. we tend to complain. This is normal with anyone. Lately we've all had issues with some of the rules. So we complain. Yes, some of the complaining lately has been a little... over the top, harsh and the like. However, it's just words, just posts. We're not firebombing the FIRST headquarters or anything like that.

You're right, some of the complaining has been out of line, however, the GDC needs to know that we're unhappy with some of the rulings. Hopefully they'll change they're mind because they see how unhappy we are. If they don't, then we'll just deal with it.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Zyik

However, it's just words, just posts.

This seems to me to be the attitude that often develops when one is sitting behind a computer, hundreds of miles away from the person we are addressing. Many people will type things online that they would never say directly to the same person face-to-face.

Words can hurt people, often times far worse than violence can. To say that "it's just words, just posts" is a gross underestimation of the effect that words can have on people.

I agree that it is important that we express our dissatisfaction with rules that we feel need to be changed, but it is important to do it in the right way. If you really want a rule changed, the best way to go about it is to step back and attempt to review the situation from a third party perspective, then voice your complaints using specific reasoning that you dislike the rule and ways that it could be changed to resolve your issues.

Bringing personal attacks into the equation is not a good way to communicate your problem. Why would someone want to help resolve your issues if you're attacking them?

[Zyik]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

This seems to me to be the attitude that often develops when one is sitting behind a computer, hundreds of miles away from the person we are addressing. Many people will type things online that they would never say directly to the same person face-to-face.

Words can hurt people, often times far worse than violence can. To say that "it's just words, just posts" is a gross underestimation of the effect that words can have on people.

Saying something is "just words" isn't what I meant. Nothing is ever "just" anything. What I wanted to say was that it was words and debates, not irrational actions, that were going on.

We've all only just gotten out of build season, which as we all know, is highly stressful. We all need a bit of rest before we go onto competition. After that, maybe things will have blown over and settled down. I doubt anyone here will listen to that, as we're all far to into this thing.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Zyik

However, it's just words, just posts.

The written word can be a very powerful tool. The term, Gracious Professionalism, is used a lot in threads throughout the fora in ChiefDelphi during the year, from season to season. Those are just words. But they can become actions as discussed in posts written about how teams conduct themselves on the field, during competition, off the field, in the stands, as peers...

The thing about Gracious Professionalism is that it isn't a couple of words we can pull out when things are going well, when we've had enough rest, when we aren't concerned about the upcoming competitions, when everyone is just fine and dandy. Gracious Professionalism is a way of conducting oneself even when it's the end of build, people are on edge, there is a discussion regarding one of the rules in the game manual, and the first regionals/competitions begin very soon. How we conduct ourselves in ChiefDelphi doesn't come with an on and off switch, and Gracious Professionalism doesn't come with an on and off switch, either. There are appropriate words, tones, and attitudes that can be used when voicing concerns or frustrations and many of the posts that have been written this season and the past few days are lacking in these areas. Teams have spent a lot of money to compete in the FRC competition. It is a tough time economically for many. There are a lot of new aspects to the 2009 game. All of this can mount up and build into edginess and concern. Understanding that is not hard to do. However, even under difficult circumstances, we can work to communicate effectively, professionally, and with civility.

[David Brinza]

Perhaps some of the frustrations being expressed in regarding the battery ruling are due to the belief that the GDC is acting in a completely arbitrary manner. I haven't seen any posts trying to provide rationale for effectively penalizing teams for transporting batteries to events with the connectors attached. So, consider this:

If you shipped batteries in your crate with Anderson connectors attached, you are violating the shipping requirements (See Section 4.2.2). Batteries are to be shipped in the original packaging with foam covering the battery terminals to protect from shorting. This is a regulatory matter for safe transportation of dangerous goods - not something that the GDC created just to hassle teams. Anderson connectors clearly cannot be installed on the batteries and meet this requirement. If you transport batteries via air, they must be packed as specified in Section 4.2.2 (original packing materials, terminals protected, etc.).

Teams that properly ship batteries in their crate will need to re-attach the connectors at the event. Should teams who carry-in batteries to the event be allowed the advantage of having the connectors already in place? Just a thought...

If FIRST does not rescind this ruling (or make exceptions for batteries), there will be a lot of grumbling at the events. I don't like that there will be additional work to do on Thursday, but our team will comply. I worry that enforcement of this ruling will present more challenges to inspectors and other event personnel. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the level of enforcement will vary from event-to-event, which will cause even more frustration. Oh well...