F3 Austin: In Praise of the Weaselbot

 F3 Austin: In Praise of the Weaselbot (Even If It maybe still hates Me)

By your Nantan (with Chatgpt assist for better reading)

Let’s talk about the Weaselbot.

Yes, that Weaselbot....the stats-keeping, star-giving, Slack-happy digital referee powered by PAXminer. It tracks your posts, your Qs, your streaks, and it even hands out cute little “Achievements Unlocked” like it’s a video game for grown men.

And while I love what it encourages....more consistency, more leadership, more community—I’d be lying if I didn’t admit… it didn't and sometimes I feel still doesn't love me back.

In fact, there was a stretch not long ago where I was out there posting regularly, Q’ing workouts, showing up in the gloom and still getting passed over like I was invisible. No credit. No stars. No glory. Even after the fact that I brought it to be apart of our F3 Austin Famm.

Much to the absolute delight of some of the PAX! 

And sure, I could’ve tried to fix it all and back credit me when it started showing me props again. But instead, I watched as the “leaders” of 2023 strutted around with their inflated stats, thinking they’d actually beaten me. (Spoiler: you didn’t. So go ahead and tuck that under your pillow tonight.)

Behind the Curtain

Here’s the deal: The Weaselbot relies on backblasts and the Q tagging the right PAX. Sometimes guys get missed. Sometimes a backblast gets deleted, but the data lives on. Sometimes you get double credit. Sometimes...like me...you get none. I am pretty positive it's happened to a lot of us and even know a few guys who keep personal logs to compare with the Slack stats just to keep it honest. (Respect.)

But let’s not confuse a Slack bot with the ultimate scoreboard. F3 isn’t about flawless tracking...it’s about showing up.

Freed to Lead… Not Freed to Die

Take last few weeks as an example.... Lightning storm rolls in, and a few PAX wisely choose coffee and connection over risking a workout under live wires. Some others found a covered pavilion and got after it. Both groups made a call. Both showed up. Both supported each other.

And yes, some Q's took the liberty to tag the PAX who attended the coffeeteria in a backblast. And yes, they got credit.

So if that rubbed you the wrong way, if it got under your skin that a guy got a "digital star" for posting at a coffee shop.....ask yourself what it is you’re really chasing here.

Stats Are Fun. Brotherhood Is Better.

Don’t get me wrong.... I love the stats. I love the cinderblock trophies. I love the gentle roastings and the friendly competition. You think you can beat me in total Qs this year? Bring it.

But don’t let the scoreboard steal the spirit.

We’re not trying to win F3. We’re trying to lead. To build each other up. To push forward with purpose, whether it’s through a beatdown, a conversation over coffee, or an encouraging word when life hits hard.

So keep tagging. Keep tracking. Keep showing up.

And when the Weaselbot inevitably snubs your post… just smile.

You’re in good company.

SYITG,

– Your (still uncredited) Nantan

F3 Austin