Other names for FIRSTers

[Jessica Boucher]

I've heard the term "FIRSTers" used for years, but a few months ago I was talking about my involvement and the person I was talking to said "Oh, youre a Kamenite...thats cool."

Huh wha?

So, it got me thinking about the actual terminology for "the FIRST community: students, mentors, staff and volunteers". Is there an official term, or is "FIRSTer" just generally accepted? Does anyone actually use "roboteer" (a term given by Disney in 02)?

Has anyone else heard "Kamenite" before? Does "Kamenite" even translate well into the FIRST community, or is it a subsection of a broader community?

I've got a lot of questions, and I'm sure someone's got an opinion on them.

[Josh Hambright]

Another one that i've heard and used, is Lifer. Referring to someone who will be involved in FIRST as long as humanly possible. Often used to describe someone who went from first in HS, to college, and right on into the work force. The first Lifer i met was Chris Noble, formerly of team hammond, then boilerinvasion, and now on the RoboDevils.

[Billfred]

I've referred to them as FIRSTies (as opposed to FIRSTers) in the past--although I think that that's just my preference for adding -ies to the end of things.

[Amanda M]

You know, I've always called "FIRSTers" robot kids. I have my school friends and my robot friends. I should start using Kamenite, or something else like that. That way, when other teams visit I can just say, "Oi, mum! I'm off to hang with the Kamenites!" That sounds a lot cooler than, "Hey, mom! I'm going to hang out with some robot kids!"

hehehe... the joys of a perfect nickname.

[Warren Boudreau]

I am a FIRSTaholic.

[sanddrag]

I've called myself a roboticist.

[EddieMcD]

Well, I am the president of FIRST Freaks, Inc. (I so have to do something with that name), and then there's the Holy Order of FIRSTism (and I'd rather not get into that at the moment) of which I am High Priest.

Slightly more on topic, I've always used the term FIRSTer to describe FIRST kids (I mean, it's so gorram simple). However, the term FIRST-a-holic is out there (hi, my name is Eddie, and I'm a FIRST-a-holic). I've also been known to use various plays on the word robot (roboteer, the aforementioned roboticist). But what's simple (in this case, FIRSTer) will always roll off the tongue more often.

Last question: no, I have never heard the term Kamenite. However, I have heard of putting -ite at the end of other people's names, so it wouldn't surprise me if some people actually used the term (Neunites, anyone?).

Finally: wow, I can use a sci-fi reference to bypass the language filter.

[Marc P.]

Anyone remember the championship in 2002 when the guy from Disney called us all "Roboteers" (in the spirit of "imagineer" etc.)? I don't think anyone really knew how to react to that, there was a handful of people clapping and cheering, but the rest just stood there scratching their heads.

[Jessica Boucher]

I was also looking for was a discussion concerning whether all FIRSTers are Kamenites, and vice versa. Could a Kamenite be described as a Segway enthusiast? How about someone who loves the IBot? If they're not FIRSTers, are they still allowed to be called Kamenites?

On that level, are all FIRSTers Kamenites? For example, If someone can't stand Dean's speeches, but loves the competition itself, are they a FIRSTer but not a Kamenite?

[suneel112]

Two more names: A Fungineer?? (NO!), maybe an Enineering Wannabe (except for those who are Already engineers )

[Jeff Waegelin]

Originally Posted by Jessica Boucher

I was also looking for was a discussion concerning whether all FIRSTers are Kamenites, and vice versa. Could a Kamenite be described as a Segway enthusiast? How about someone who loves the IBot? If they're not FIRSTers, are they still allowed to be called Kamenites?

On that level, are all FIRSTers Kamenites? For example, If someone can't stand Dean's speeches, but loves the competition itself, are they a FIRSTer but not a Kamenite?

I would say that while Kamenites and FIRSTers could overlap, they are not necessarily the same. As you mentioned, someone who is a Segway enthusiast could be a Kamenite, but not a FIRSTer. All that it requires is that they are a fan and supporter of Dean Kamen and his ideas. So, yes, they are allowed to be Kamenites, in my opinion. The converse is also true, I think. I know several FIRSTers who really don't like Dean and his speeches, so, to call them Kamenites would be wrong, even though they are FIRSTers. Thus, your second point is also true, I think.

[JudyVandy]

Any 'roboholics' out there?

[tiffany34990]

Originally Posted by Marc P.

Anyone remember the championship in 2002 when the guy from Disney called us all "Roboteers" (in the spirit of "imagineer" etc.)? I don't think anyone really knew how to react to that, there was a handful of people clapping and cheering, but the rest just stood there scratching their heads.

i remember that so well- i thought it sounded sorta of funny and i still think it does

most ppl usually just call us the robot kids or robot ppl around my school and ofcourse the spammers but yeah it's all good

[Wayne C.]

How about "robonauts"?

[Scott Shaw 237]

I tend to just use robot kids or FIRSTers. But as for Kamenites, I have actually heard it used before and I think that as long as you love F.I.R.S.T. then you are actually a Kamenite. Yes, this is also true for segway enthusiasts and anyone also love Dean's inventions, but as long as they like F.I.R.S.T., i think that Kamenite could easily be used.