We got to do something!

[southerngale]

I like this place just the way it is. If time limits, age limits or stricter rules about what you say in the threads came in play I would probably not be posting very much in TT. I know that a lot of people just come here for the information, but this is also a place for people to DISCUSS. If all you want is the real information without being coated in personal opinions/conversation about a storm then I suggest going to the NHC website. JMHO

Nobody is suggesting there shouldn't be discussion.

What the staff has talked about in this thread isn't anything new, either.

[Derek Ortt]

I think some here misread my post totally

I said an age limit for TROPICAL ANALYSIS. Kids do not need to be involved in those discussions, but they can read and learn (I NEVER posted on a forum until age 18, yet I was able to learn just fine by LISTENING), while those that have a TRUE NEED for the information (note, I did not say desire but need), can get the information and they can ask the necessary questions that may help them take the appropriate actions. It is just a matter of priority, IMO as those under 18, almost alwasy are not the ones making the important decisions.

That said, EVERYONE should be able to post in Talkin' Tropics. This compromise should be able to suit everyone

[Normandy]

Well, I think a lot of the posts during big time intesification events tend to be the:





or the best,



I think posts such as these should be kept to a minimum, even if we are stunned and dumbfounded at the force of mother nature.


Also, posts like these usually are shown when a major hurricane is making landfall.





or



Again, we all feel terrible for people going through these events, but much like the last point I think stuff like this (especially when done two and three and four times in a row) tend to make things get confusing.

I think if we take care of posts like these and the three word posts, well be straight.




^Also, to help Derek's point...
Its likely a good idea for the simple fact that the adults can IMMEDIATELY go to a topic where pro mets will always be there to answer their questions, rather than posting in TT and having to go through pages and pages to get a good answer.

[Opal storm]

I really don't see where the 18 age limit came from. Are there "kids" trolling the TA forum? No.

[Normandy]

^Its not a trolling issue, its making people who need information to make decisions when faced with a hurricane to have a place to ask questions to qualified professionals and get answers very quick.

[Opal storm]

^Its not a trolling issue, its making people who need information to make decisions when faced with a hurricane to have a place to ask questions to qualified professionals and get answers very quick.

And people below the age of 18 never make those decisions?

[Normandy]

^Well, generally no. Most people under the age of 18 live with their parents (IE in high school). There are exceptions of course, but for the most part no, 18 year olds don't usually make tough decisions.

[Derek Ortt]

how many people under 18 years old make the desicion to put up shutters or evacuate? Very very few, if any as those are made by the parents or guardians

[Opal storm]

Still, people making those types of decisions should be relying on what the NHC and their local officials say during the event of an approaching storm, not the TA forum. And like somebody else already mentioned, somebody could easily lie about their age. IMO it's really not a great idea.

[CajunMama]

Some teenagers are more mature than some adults. Why should they not be allowed to post in TA?

Again, i believe this all boils down to respect and cooperation between everybody.

[jinftl]

Don't we have a section called "Tropical Analysis" that is set aside for ProMets? Haven't had a post added to that section in a day...

[CajunMama]

TA allows members to post but they cannot start a thread in there. Only those approved are able to start a thread.

[jinftl]

Isn't that essentially what some folks are asking for...a place where there is a focus on expert analysis/discussion/posts?

[Derek Ortt]

it's not only a question of maturity... it's a question of time as well.

In a threatening situation (especially Miami or Pensacola), my time currently is VERY limited (I am sure the other mets have limited time as well). The reaosn why I have been asking for e-mailed questions if so I do not have to go through the general comments (which do appear in TA as well... like some stating their opinion which could go into TT), and can promptly reply to those wanting inportant decision making information (and yes, I do get those). If those could go on the board without the fluff, it would be better as others who have the same question would receive the appropriate answer as well. JMHO of course

[WindRunner]

There are some very intelligent people under 18 who know a lot about the weather. An age limit is one of the worst ideas, IMHO.

I was gonna stay out of this thread, but That idea set me off. I am 17 and I have been complemented a few times by members for forecasts, however few, that I made last year. I have to agree with wxmann_91 that the age limit is rediculous.

Though I understand where Derek is coming from, I'd have to go against him here. The TA forum is so rarely used that setting an age limit would probably somewhat decrease its usage throughout the non-landfall times . . . and most of the people that do bother to go over there during the busier times make only constructive posts, while the ones that would be more worrisome stay in the ever-hectic and impossible-to-follow TT.

And again, there is a good group of under-18 people around here that have considerably more analytical power than some of the older group. To be honset, I'll be getting my bachelor's in met by the time I'm 18, and will probably be able to produce a professional-level analysis before then . . . which shows that age isn't everything in this field . . .

[artist]

Congrats on that WindRunner - what an accomplishment!

[Downdraft]

I think the answer to the Tropical Analysis forum is to let the approved posters to the forum decide the rules. It really is their forum to use and if they feel they want some restrictions in there than it's between them and the Staff. I have no problem either way but I don't want to see pro's go away like some have because they get trashed or tied up in a forum where they are posting as a favor not a requirement.

[Chacor]

There are some very intelligent people under 18 who know a lot about the weather. An age limit is one of the worst ideas, IMHO.

I was gonna stay out of this thread, but That idea set me off. I am 17 and I have been complemented a few times by members for forecasts, however few, that I made last year. I have to agree with wxmann_91 that the age limit is rediculous.

I like this place just the way it is. If time limits, age limits or stricter rules about what you say in the threads came in play I would probably not be posting very much in TT. I know that a lot of people just come here for the information, but this is also a place for people to DISCUSS. If all you want is the real information without being coated in personal opinions/conversation about a storm then I suggest going to the NHC website. JMHO

1. Time limits kills the point of a "discussion" board. IF there's a limit between posts it should be no more than 30 seconds.

2. An age limit is ridiculous. I'm 18 later this year but a fair few of us under-18s make useful posts. I would not like to be chased away - from ANY forum here - for being under 18.

[Blown Away]

If you take away the smilies, -removed-, panicing, wobble wars, it's going to Texas vs going to Florida comments, etc. this board becomes the "Tropical Analysis" forum and there is nobody chatting over there. This forum is educational, very informative, but most importantly it's fun. Be careful what you wish for.

[JonathanBelles]

If you take away the smilies, -removed-, panicing, wobble wars, it's going to Texas vs going to Florida comments, etc. this board becomes the "Tropical Analysis" forum and there is nobody chatting over there. This forum is educational, very informative, but most importantly it's fun. Be careful what you wish for.

If we didn't have a little fun, we wouldn't be sane. I do think we need to tone a tiny bit down on the repetition and -removed-. I do wishcast, but I am going to try not to, and I have never put -removed- into any forecast.