Clowns or Announcers?

[pathew100]

Originally Posted by Mark Rozitis

I do hope they bring back the mascot dance this year at waterloo and GTR, they had that back in Aim high and it was great video for TV and now that we are back on carpet why not?

Shouldn't be a problem as long as you have a decent field crash or two.

[Kate00]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what the emcee wears, so long as there is substance to what he/she is saying.

Take the most entertaining emcee/announcer team that I've seen (in all the events I've seen via webcast/live): Karthik and Paul Copioli. Neither of them have bright hair; Karthik wears his Delgado jersey, Paul some other jersey that I can't remember. Yet they are still extremely entertaining, keep the crowd pumped up, and are (from what I've seen) one of the most enjoyed/talked about teams.

While sometimes colour and accessories can be fun, I think that it can become a bit of a crutch for some emcees. While they are entertaining in a juvenile way, I find that stories, innovative introductions and other interesting facts much more so than someone dancing around in a silly costume. It holds my interest and gets me pumped up so much more. In watching some webcasts this weekend, I was disappointed by the presentation of the elimination rounds. I guess that comes from being used to hearing about all the connections between teams, about the history and things that make the individual teams special.

I guess I'm agreeing with the original poster. If you read what he actually says, he seems to be saying that some costumes seem to be a bit over the the top and distracting from what the actual message of the emcees should be. He's not saying "don't dress up;" what I read was that he's saying "don't sacrifice substance for style," and "I don't enjoy when the emcee looks extremely ridiculous all the time, I feel it brings down the tone of the event." He's not saying "emcees should wear event shirts and be serious and never wear stuff from teams and never dance," which is what most of the posts in here are arguing against. I find his view to be very reasonable.

[Steve W]

Kate, I wish that I had Karthik's memory. By the time I hit the field I have forgotten some of the things I wanted to say. He can remember things from 10 years ago. He is definitely a brighter mind than I.

[Steven Sigley]

Our Team loves Blair.

Just saying.


MC's that have energy and really talk and interact with the teams are the best, whether they act goofy or not.

Though I'll say it is more fun if they're running all up and down the field jumping on stuff.

One of my earliest memories in FIRST is of Blair hanging on the swinging rack in 2007 gesturing towards each alliance during the finals asking the crowd who they wanted to win.

[Tuba4]

Originally Posted by Steve W

Kate, I wish that I had Karthik's memory. By the time I hit the field I have forgotten some of the things I wanted to say. He can remember things from 10 years ago. He is definitely a brighter mind than I.

Amen to that. When I spoke to Karthik at Pittsburgh, he called me by name before I could re-introduce myself, even though we last spoke a year or 2 ago. He remembered regionals where we had spoken and people we had spoken about.

[Racer26]

Originally Posted by Kate Mosley

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what the emcee wears, so long as there is substance to what he/she is saying.

Take the most entertaining emcee/announcer team that I've seen (in all the events I've seen via webcast/live): Karthik and Paul Copioli. Neither of them have bright hair; Karthik wears his Delgado jersey, Paul some other jersey that I can't remember. Yet they are still extremely entertaining, keep the crowd pumped up, and are (from what I've seen) one of the most enjoyed/talked about teams.

While sometimes colour and accessories can be fun, I think that it can become a bit of a crutch for some emcees. While they are entertaining in a juvenile way, I find that stories, innovative introductions and other interesting facts much more so than someone dancing around in a silly costume. It holds my interest and gets me pumped up so much more. In watching some webcasts this weekend, I was disappointed by the presentation of the elimination rounds. I guess that comes from being used to hearing about all the connections between teams, about the history and things that make the individual teams special.

I guess I'm agreeing with the original poster. If you read what he actually says, he seems to be saying that some costumes seem to be a bit over the the top and distracting from what the actual message of the emcees should be. He's not saying "don't dress up;" what I read was that he's saying "don't sacrifice substance for style," and "I don't enjoy when the emcee looks extremely ridiculous all the time, I feel it brings down the tone of the event." He's not saying "emcees should wear event shirts and be serious and never wear stuff from teams and never dance," which is what most of the posts in here are arguing against. I find his view to be very reasonable.

+1 to the Karthik/Copioli camp.

Its a shame we'll be missing the new VEX Robotics CEO at Waterloo this year.

1075 has always loved the intros Karthik does. He has an incredible memory for the achievements of various teams.

Also, I will never forget the way he introduced us in eliminations at Waterloo 2009, I think it was, when he said we were trying to make a name for ourselves as one of the Canadian Elite.

[Molten]

I can sincerely relate to the thoughts of the OP. I admit I can get annoyed easily. Particularly by mascots, loud music(and loud cheering), the exaggerated costumes and the standing in the crowds. Yes, I've heard plenty about "hating fun"...but I just don't get any fun at all out of these things. I just don't. This really bothered me when I started FIRST(particularly while I was a student) but its just a part of the deal. They supply a great experience with the thrill of design and competition. The catch is sometimes you have to put up with some annoyances. Sometimes I don't like it, but I hold nothing against others that choose to have fun in different ways. In fact, if it helps them enjoy it and doesn't annoy me too much...I would encourage it.

[Edoc'sil]

Originally Posted by Kate Mosley

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what the emcee wears, so long as there is substance to what he/she is saying.

Take the most entertaining emcee/announcer team that I've seen (in all the events I've seen via webcast/live): Karthik and Paul Copioli. Neither of them have bright hair; Karthik wears his Delgado jersey, Paul some other jersey that I can't remember. Yet they are still extremely entertaining, keep the crowd pumped up, and are (from what I've seen) one of the most enjoyed/talked about teams.

While sometimes colour and accessories can be fun, I think that it can become a bit of a crutch for some emcees. While they are entertaining in a juvenile way, I find that stories, innovative introductions and other interesting facts much more so than someone dancing around in a silly costume. It holds my interest and gets me pumped up so much more. In watching some webcasts this weekend, I was disappointed by the presentation of the elimination rounds. I guess that comes from being used to hearing about all the connections between teams, about the history and things that make the individual teams special.

I guess I'm agreeing with the original poster. If you read what he actually says, he seems to be saying that some costumes seem to be a bit over the the top and distracting from what the actual message of the emcees should be. He's not saying "don't dress up;" what I read was that he's saying "don't sacrifice substance for style," and "I don't enjoy when the emcee looks extremely ridiculous all the time, I feel it brings down the tone of the event." He's not saying "emcees should wear event shirts and be serious and never wear stuff from teams and never dance," which is what most of the posts in here are arguing against. I find his view to be very reasonable.

Dito on this he said what i was unable to articulate.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

There are a few students that are already interested in science and technology. These kids will most likely go on to be engineers, and can probably just deal with being treated like small children, as they like the robots.

There are some who are on the fence about going into engineering because they think its "nerdy" or "dorky". I am not sure how dressing up in a clown suit is helping to sway these students' perspective.

[Pausert]

For those of you who think these announcers are a detriment to the FRC program, where are the kids that turn away from the game? The ones who aren't captivated by the announcer and their show? I would assume that if the announcers weren't any good there would be an obvious lack of spirit. Right now, we all sit on CD and discuss/complain about the decibel level of events. I assure you thats because people are screaming in excitement, not in pain.

I personally enjoyed the announcer at Chesapeake, his coat and all.

[R1ffSurf3r]

Originally Posted by Tom Bottiglieri

There are some who are on the fence about going into engineering because they think its "nerdy" or "dorky". I am not sure how dressing up in a clown suit is helping to sway these students' perspective.

Most of the people I know don't view engineering as nerdy, but as something that is way over their heads, and out of their reach. Many think that they just aren't smart or complex enough for it. So in a way, MCs make it seem more fun and something not as far away as they may have previously thought.

my 2 cents

[KathieK]

I am married to one such "clown." Funny thing is, I was the former professional clown, not Jack!

"Jack in the Hat" wears a tie-dyed custom-made tuxedo with the FIRST logo embroidered on the back. And a top hat adorned with FIRST pins. He may look "clownish" to some. But he takes his job as emcee very seriously. He recognizes the importance and responsibility of the role. He volunteers as emcee at FLL, FTC and FRC events. His costume is his team uniform, so to speak.

Sometimes the colorful garb is what captures the attention of the media. Last year the clip of Jack made the local, regional and national news. We may prefer that they focus on other parts of the events, but if the media chooses to show a colorful FIRSTer, I'm all for it.

The music, team spirit, dancing, hair painting, etc. is what makes this different from just a science fair. I say, let's keep the clowns. But then again, I like clowns!

[Molten]

Originally Posted by KathieK

I say, let's keep the clowns. But then again, I like clowns!

Can we make a compromise of no mimes? Everyone hates a mime.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Molten

Can we make a compromise of no mimes? Everyone hates a mime.

No, hate is too harsh, more like petrified! *shudders

[Kims Robot]

Its an interesting day in FIRST when we have TIME to complain about the Announcers/MC's...

I'll agree there is more than one catch phrase that I cringe at when the volume is turned up way too loud at champs... but then again I can't stand Emeril's BAM!! either.

I didnt get a chance to watch a lot of webcasts this year, so I guess I missed the bizzare outfits, but I happen to know several announcers & MC's and my husband fills both roles at the Clarkson FLL/FTC tournament.

For all of you suggesting "go complain to the regional committee" I would say go a step further. Get to know one of these crazy announcers or MC's. Find them at a competition and introduce yourself... JOIN THEM FOR DINNER... I am constantly shocked at with all the fanfare they get, they often head off to dinner alone, eat at the hotels/whatever. Go get to know them. I've known Steve as long as I have been in Rochester, and he helped us get the Ruckus off the ground! We still joke that our friend's bathroom is still covered in hairpaint from the hours he spent doing his hair in the morning. And I wish half the guys I knew had his sense of style - he matches his HAIR to his shirt!! Most guys I know cant match their pants to their shirt! JonDarr has done FLR for the last several years, and is a phenomenal announcer, did anyone know he also works for NASA and has put together some amazing educational programs??

I'm amazed that we have such dedicated, excited role models all over FIRST that help Announce & MC our events. Sometimes they get a bit theatrical... Dave riding in on a motocycle, Blair rollerblading across the field... Woodie repelled from the ceiling... That these crazy engineers and scientists can grab a microphone and help us understand the game as well as be inspirational role models to our students is awesome. They dont have to go hire some washed up ex-football player to announce our games, we have REAL engineers running our show!!

Again, I haven't watched every event or webcast, so maybe I'm fortunate enough to have missed all the condescension, because in my 15 years I have never seen it.

More of a novel than I intended to write, and I will agree that we don't need to make this a show for 3 year olds all the time, but we do need to make it fun and exciting for all ages, not just those of us who are already entrenched and hooked. If loud music annoys you, bring earplugs, if bright hairspray annoys you, bring sunglasses, if enthusiasm for engineering annoys you, ask yourself why you are here.