In a message dated 1/11/2008 4:11:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
This modern generation seems to think everybody has to win. Cheat if
necessary but win. I don't feel that way. Winning isn't necessary but
competition is.
Great statements, but I think the "everybody wins" comes from the loser
parents who think their mediocre offspring should be anointed a winner. The
"level playing field" is a liberal idea that is designed to make everyone FEEL
good. Individual achievement cannot be tolerated because the losers might
feel bad. Keeping score usually results in the losers (feeling bad) while
they
should be encouraged to practice, learn and practice to produce better
results the next time. Individual achievement belongs to the US, collective
achievement belongs to the failed USSR.
Personally, like Chuck, I have been doing the life competition thing for
a very long time. Should I have asked for special consideration when I
finished less than first in my flight training class? Should I have quit the
program and looked for a different career? Of course the answer is no and
with
a bit of extra PERSONAL effort, I turned the less than perfect start into a
successful career.
So Chuck and I approach model soaring competitions with the same
philosophy. Determine the format, find a timer and give it hell. Sometimes
we
surprise ourselves and win a round or even a contest, but that is the
intended,
if somewhat unexpected, consequence. Occasionally, if you select the right
team mates, you can even win an award like the Pruss Trophy at the NATS
(thanks
Larry and Craig).
Finally, don't level the playing field for me. The seeded man-on-man is
a good format for the competitions we hold in the US. The format lends
itself to large and small contests with a minimum of personal and equipment.
Don't standardize the winches. Just tell me what they are, give me one
launch,
and start the contest.
Don Richmond
San Diego, CA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_www.hilaunch.com_ (http://www.hilaunch.com/)
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