Came home for a visit ...

[meaubry]

So, this weekend I decided to take a trip “back home”. I’m sure everyone has done that some time in their lives, or will (if you haven’t yet).
You see, a very long time ago - the team I was part of for 14 years (Team 47 Chief Delphi) created this wonderful website. In 1997 / 1998 time frame, we decided the collective community of FIRST would really enjoy the opportunity to share ideas, discuss robotics, learn all kinds of interesting things from each other – you know what I mean?

In the beginning, the rules were pretty loose. Don’t say anything mean, or hurtful. Try not upsetting each other by making false accusations. No cursing. No discussions or suggestions about hacking. We liked the concept Dr. Woody Flowers speaks of, when he says that thing about “making your Grandmother proud”.

I gotta tell you though, when I went back home for a visit, I was little disappointed in what I read.
Seems like there are a lot of people that would rather tear down each other, and find things that are wrong – rather than discuss what is good. Since when is finger pointing, making accusations, and questioning anyone’s motives and integrity - something that FIRST is about? Since when has it gotten so easy to find fault with each other?

Too bad – those folks are really missing out on a wonderful opportunity to meet as a community and inspire each other.
All this time, I thought the program was supposed to be about inspiration and recognition.
But, then again – what do I know?

I hope the next time I get a chance to “come home”, the guests of the community are more like what we had expected they would be when we opened our arms, and welcomed them in.

Retired Team 47 member,
Mike Aubry

[santosh]

Originally Posted by meaubry

Seems like there are a lot of people that would rather tear down each other, and find things that are wrong – rather than discuss what is good. Since when is finger pointing, making accusations, and questioning anyone’s motives and integrity - something that FIRST is about? Since when has it gotten so easy to find fault with each other?

I suppose I agree with almost all of your post, I think that some of this is a little over hyped (no offense). Also I think without discussing things that may be wrong with an idea or design, we cannot fully advance forward properly.

[JaneYoung]

Thank you for this reminder, Mike.

I spent a couple of years browsing Chief Delphi. A post requesting help prompted me to sign up but I didn't respond to the post because Beth Sweet did. I've always 'blamed' Beth for my finally joining the Chief Delphi community. Another reason that was happening simultaneously, was a post made by Kathie Kentfield about the NEMO forum. I wanted to learn more about that so - I also spread some of the 'blame' Kathie's way, too. Both reasons were to offer help or to receive help. The keyword was help. Not assistance, not support, not anything other than - help.

Since joining CD, I've found a community of wonderful people who offer advice, suggestions, help, support, and wisdom in all of the areas that strengthen FIRST teams. The community meets in the home, Chief Delphi, and I've often envisioned its welcome mat. Very large. Very deep. Room for many people with varied interests and opinions, but with common goals and dreams. The welcome mat is worn down with care but is not careworn. It may be a little crowded every now and then as folks carefully wipe their feet to enter the house, Chief Delphi, but, as the crowd thins, the mat is still there, ready to welcome those who approach with help or asking for help. And support, advice, friendship, sharing of knowledge and understanding. That is how I have always envisioned CD's welcome mat as I try to wipe my feet with care, each time I enter.

We are guests and should not take that for granted or forget that, no matter how hot the topic or strong the disagreement. We are also welcome to take the heated argument outside where it belongs when it is no longer a discussion of value - when we talk at each other, not with each other. We can all work a little harder to remember this.

Thanks again, Mike - please "come home" more often, you are missed.
Jane