azskyman wrote:Good idea.... You might want to set up a simple questionnaire to verify the degree too.
I hate to say it but I have come across a number of people who refer to themselves as professional meteorologists who are not degreed or do not work full time in the field.
You bring up an interesting point..and a pet peeve of mine..
What am I?? No, I'm not a "degreed professional meteorologist"; in fact, I've never attended college.
Does that automatically make me a "weather weenie"? I don't think so..
I've studied meteorology and researched severe storms and hurricanes since age 12....almost three decades. I didn't just spend those years looking at spectacular photos and learning stats. I am an accomplished forecaster....if anyone doubts me, just ask a few folks at Wright-Weather.com
Last summer I was bored and entered two forecasting contests...against both professional and amateur meteorologists. I won both by a wide margin...so wide in fact I felt badly for the others. Am I the best forecaster in America; and does that qualify me as a "professional meteorologist"??
No way!! I'm not even the best forecaster at Wright-Weather (IMO Dave Tolleris aka WxRisk.com, JetStreak aka Mike, HawaiianWx aka Robert Ballard NWS Honolulu, AJC3 aka Tony Cristaldi of NWS MLB and many others are better). However, professional meteorologists do e-mail me for advice and information from time to time.
One veteran NWS forecaster told me last summer I knew more about tropical meteorology and past hurricanes than most on his staff.
The article regarding "Tropical Systems in June" I wrote and sent to ticka1 yesterday for the June Storm2K newsletter came from my head....I didn't have to look in a book for those stats and information. I can tell you every major hurricane to strike the U.S. since 1871, and in many cases tell you what made them happen...WHY hurricanes such as Andrew, Camille, and the 1935 Labor Day hurricane were so intense (and am the same regarding severe storms and tornadoes...my true love in meteorology).
I'm not posting this to boast or brag...that isn't my intention. My point is that when you study and research a subject for many years..anything, you tend to become very good at it. Does that qualify me as a professional meteorologist? No it doesn't, even though I know in my heart I could do a more competent job than many I see on tv...both on local tv broadcast affiliates here Atlanta, and at the Weather Channel network.
I'm not trying to offend anyone...but when I'm labeled as a "wx weenie", and even an "amateur" meteorologist, it is always very offensive to me, and I'll freely admit it.
Sincerely,
Perry L. Williams aka JetMaxx