[Robotgroup] New Subscriber! :)

[Leslie Filip]

John,


On 07 Sep 2007, at 8:45 PM, john at cozmicfunk.com wrote:

> I would like to add, that since I have been a friend with the
> robot group here in Austin for about 15 years or so, that I
> have seen some amazing things come from this group.

No question about that.

>> that it is not even a group specific to robotics.<
> As an artist and creator, I have also come to understand
> that modern Robotics is not just servos and code. Many
> disciplines are incorporated into modern robotics. And
> the group members here display those disciplines at
> every meeting!
>
> Have you been to any Stores lately? Just about every
> dept. store has a toy section with Robotic toys. Actually
> robotics is about tasking. Any product now that has a
> CPU in it is essentially a robot, and how many products
> including computers are in peoples homes that that have
> Processors in them? Too many to calculate.

These facts point to how common these technologies already are. It is  
my opinion that we should be applying what we know as a collective to  
a much more focused area, that which is closer to actual robotics,  
and not just anything that is vaguely related to robotics.

>
> Les I can understand what you are saying here, but I think
> this is way too critical to expect from a group that self finances
> its own projects.

It is important to note that The Robot Group charter says the entity  
exists to distribute funds raised by the group for the purpose of  
spreading arts and technology, or some such equivalent thing. This  
means the funds come from outside the group, not inside. The charter  
also did not even mention robotics until last year.

> Brooks made a very good point:
> You want to build REAL ROBOTs? Your going to need a rich friend .

Many people in the group have resources and tools which can be used  
as multipliers. That is, IF they are willing to share them.  
Transistors used to cost real money. Nowadays it costs not much more  
than the raw materials. Knowledge of how to do something has a high  
value. It allows us to make the best use of what we have.

>
> Being that this group is a democratic one (I think) and that
> the projects are self financed ones, I think this group does
> a very good job at demonstrating that it is a Robot Group!

A few robots are being built, but since there are many, many other  
things being built as well, I believe the group is misnamed. Why  
would you have a Chevy Club if it was generally about cars and other  
vehicles?

> Hey I am not even a Real member and I have a Robotic
> Prop for my indie dv movie that I made out of spare toys
> and model parts and couple of RC vehicles. It has been
> seen at meetings and even on the web for SXSW.
>
> Now If I could get the President to return any of my emails
> I might even have greater things to say! DOH
>
> JPF
>
>

Les

>
>
>
>  Leslie Filip wrote:
>> To Vern and all other concerned parties:
>>
>> Maybe "forewarn" was a poor but at least accurate choice of words. I
>> spent a year and a half going to "Robot" Group meetings, waiting
>> patiently as a new member for the robotics to begin, only to discover
>> at the first RoboRetreat that it is not even a group specific to
>> robotics. I was only, and I do mean ONLY, trying to let the new
>> person know right up front what I learned the hard way. I, too read
>> the web page and due to the name of the group, continued for a long
>> while to believe it was indeed a robotics group. It isn't.
>>
>> What would you have me do? Keep my mouth shut any time I don't agree
>> with the president or general direction of the group? Why not post
>> your concerns openly on the mailing list for all to see and debate?
>> Email me, call me an asshole, post it on the mailing list, but get it
>> out there.
>>
>> Take Care,
>> Les
>>
>>
>> On Sep 7, 2007, at 2:56 PM, Vern Graner wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Les:
>>>
>>
>> <censored>
>>
>>
>>> Thank you,
>>>
>>> Vern Graner
>>> President,
>>> The Robot Group Inc.
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE    | "If the network is down, then you're
>>> Senior Systems Engineer    | obviously incompetent so why are we
>>> Texas Information Services | paying you? Of course, if the network
>>> http://www.txis.com        | is up, then we obviously don't need
>>> Austin Office 512 328-8947 | you, so why are we paying you?" ©VLG
>>>
>>
>>
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>
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