[Robotgroup] Robotic Accomplishments (was: New Subscriber! :)

[Def Egge]

At 23:26  2007-09-07, Les Filip wrote:
Vern,

These are all wonderful projects. There is no question about that 
at
all. However, you are missing the point.

The problem I have is that many (not all) of these were built in
isolation or near-isolation, not by the group as a whole. It is my
opinion that this is the equivalent of a bunch of individuals doing
their own thing and then taking it to show-and-tell.

OK, Les.  First you object to The Robot Group, Inc.'s use of the term 
'robot' in its name.  Then you protest the use of the term 'group' in 
the name.

I have to place the burden of proof upon you.  Can you demonstrate 
that the Dallas Personal Robotics Group, the Seattle Robotics 
Society, the Twin Cities Robotics Group, the Chicago Area Robotics 
Group, and other - non-academic, non-entrepreneurial - groups are 
primarily focused on group projects in favor of individual projects?

If so, the follow-up exercise is to initiate a preliminary 
investigation into how this is accomplished.  Does there exist some 
generous deep-pocketed benefactor who provides financing and space?

I know that
people work together and help each other, but how much of this
knowledge is really getting spread around like it should? Observing
the design and building process is how people learn. It also helps
greatly to have active mentors who are interested in walking a 
newby
through the newby's ideas and provide assistance without taking 
over
their project.

Les

How do you propose that the lessons learned from projects developed 
in "isolation or near-isolation, not by the group as a whole" be 
"spread around like it should"?

I presume that the statement about mentoring is intended as a 
constructive criticism (if so, I agree).  You are not hinting that 
anyone's project was taken over by their mentor(s) are you?


-- 

All the best....

Mike