Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

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RBDnhm
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Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#1 Postby RBDnhm » Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:17 pm

I posted this as a new thread in response to issues on the 92L observations thread about not getting reliable information here.

I totally disagree with the comment about not getting useful information here, but as a new member of this forum and as the possibility of Dean became more of an issue for the Gulf I found it quite interesting to see that the postings by professionals seemed to become relatively much less frequent and the postings by others became much more frequent.

Is that normal on this site (a) for all hurricanes or (b) just those possibly headed for the Gulf?

[I suspect (a) so since most of us (including me) are freaking out about where we are going to go when we are the "target" of any model) and the professionals are sitting there quietly figuring out how not to post something that turns out to be wrong and wondering if any of the comments the others are making have any validity.]
Last edited by RBDnhm on Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:58 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#2 Postby flwxwatcher » Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:27 pm

RBDnhm wrote:I posted this as a new thread in response to issues on the Dean observations thread about not getting reliable information here.

I totally disagree with the comment about not getting useful information here, but as a new member of this forum and as the possibility of Dean became more of an issue for the Gulf I found it quite interesting to see that the postings by non-professionals seemed to become much more relatively more frequent and the postings by others became much more frequent.

Is that normal on this site for all hurricanes or just those possibly headed for the Gulf?

[I suspect so since most of us (including me) are freaking out about where we are going to go when we are the "target" of any model) and the professionals are sitting there quietly figuring out how not to post something that turns out to be wrong and wondering if any of the comments the others are making have any validity.]


I wouldn't say they sit there quietly. Pro mets make there point when needed. There is only so much you can add say between each advisory and if something does change they will bring any change forecasts as needed. In addition the Tropical analysis forum has alot of information and forecasts by pro-mets and is a good place to get storm forecast info.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#3 Postby weatherSnoop » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:07 pm

flwxwatcher wrote:
RBDnhm wrote:I posted this as a new thread in response to issues on the Dean observations thread about not getting reliable information here.

I totally disagree with the comment about not getting useful information here, but as a new member of this forum and as the possibility of Dean became more of an issue for the Gulf I found it quite interesting to see that the postings by non-professionals seemed to become much more relatively more frequent and the postings by others became much more frequent.

Is that normal on this site for all hurricanes or just those possibly headed for the Gulf?

[I suspect so since most of us (including me) are freaking out about where we are going to go when we are the "target" of any model) and the professionals are sitting there quietly figuring out how not to post something that turns out to be wrong and wondering if any of the comments the others are making have any validity.]


Might I add they are professionals and are quite busy with their "real jobs". They post here when then they can and all of us should be extremely grateful they take the time.

I wouldn't say they sit there quietly. Pro mets make there point when needed. There is only so much you can add say between each advisory and if something does change they will bring any change forecasts as needed. In addition the Tropical analysis forum has alot of information and forecasts by pro-mets and is a good place to get storm forecast info.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#4 Postby weatherSnoop » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:10 pm

My apologies, I did not mean to enter my comments into the text of flwxwatcher. I should not have attempted to use the quote.
Might I add they are professionals and are quite busy with their "real jobs". They post here when then they can and all of us should be extremely grateful they take the time.
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#5 Postby btangy » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:24 pm

There is a separate forum (Tropical Analysis) in which pro mets issue their own forecasts in their spare time and some choose to post their thoughts there almost exclusively.

While everyone's opinion is valued here, pro mets might be discouraged from posting in the layman's forum because of the sheer number of posts made. You can take 15min to create a really good post and see it buried in 2 pages of one liners in a few minutes. It's really discouraging. Something will need to be done in the future to make sure it just doesn't get worse and worse as more people find out about storm2k. I'm not blaming anyone in particular, and others have pointed out this problem as well.

I suggest that if a response is directed at a particular person's post that is more along the lines of a short comment instead of a addendum or a rebuttal that adds to the discussion, one should private message the person instead of using the forum as a chat room. One liners, in general, should be discouraged.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#6 Postby MCorder » Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:58 am

I'm a forecaster for the USCG, purely in the northern latitudes, so I don't have much to add to a tropical discussion....
I do have one question, how does one obtain the status of "professional met" on this board? Trust me, I'm not seeking that, just wondering. Is it number of post...an email sent to a moderator...how are the credentials earned?
I'm more of a tropical lurker than anything. :roll:

Thanks for any replies...

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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#7 Postby WxGuy1 » Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:19 am

MCorder wrote:I do have one question, how does one obtain the status of "professional met" on this board
MCorder
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I think you send a PM to a moderator. If nothing else, you can PM a moderator to inquire about it.

Personally, I don't post a whole lot in many of the threads since there are still folks who treat this forum as a chat-room. No, not every post needs to be a 6 paragraph expose on every aspect of the current or anticipated situation. However, it's difficult (and annoying, admittently) to swim through numerous one-line posts, posts with nothing but a "Thanks!", posts with nothing but emoticons, and so forth. I know we all get excited from time to time, but it's tough to keep in touch with the forum when there's 15 posts being made per minute in an active thread, many of which are not particularly enlightening. Again, I am NOT saying that we should only post big in-depth, professional-level posts! Sometimes, however, there are posts that are not very likely to contribute to the topic, and that's not necessarily a comment on the member himself/herself! Storm2K has some wonderful members, and I know the intention is likely good 99% of the time. Everyone gets caught up in the action from time-to-time, but some folks seem to do so more than others.

I'm sure the moderators are doing as much as they can to keep the frivolous posts to a minimum; I'm a moderator on another active weather forum, so I know how it can be tough to keep things orderly and efficient when posts start flying and members get excited. I have a feeling that it may be beneficial to strongly encourage the use of the Private Message system when a member posts something that is targeted/intended for only one or two other members. Many times, this includes the posts that contain nothing but "That's what I was looking for -- thanks!" or "What's the link for that image?". Instead of adding activity to the forum, why not send a PM to the member instead?

Here's what I ask myself every time I post: "Will more than a dozen other members benefit from this or find this interesting?" If I think my information/post will be used by more than a dozen members, then I go ahead and post in the forums. If I think only a couple of members will interested in any particular post, then I'll just send a Private Message to those members. I think this helps keep the more frivolous information off the forum. This is NOT to say that people don't appreciate the sentiment involved in a "Thanks!"-type post. I know many folks on here are genuinely nice people, and they want to make sure the show their gratitude in the form of a "Thanks!" or "You're welcome!"-type posts. However, particularly when things are active, these posts tend to add to the pile and make it more difficult to find other relevant and useful information. :)
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#8 Postby storms in NC » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:00 pm

(Personally, I don't post a whole lot in many of the threads since there are still folks who treat this forum as a chat-room. No, not every post needs to be a 6 paragraph expose on every aspect of the current or anticipated situation. However, it's difficult (and annoying, admittently) to swim through numerous one-line posts, posts with nothing but a "Thanks!", posts with nothing but emoticons, and so forth. I know we all get excited from time to time, but it's tough to keep in touch with the forum when there's 15 posts being made per minute in an active thread, many of which are not particularly enlightening. Again, I am NOT saying that we should only post big in-depth, professional-level posts! Sometimes, however, there are posts that are not very likely to contribute to the topic, and that's not necessarily a comment on the member himself/herself! Storm2K has some wonderful members, and I know the intention is likely good 99% of the time. Everyone gets caught up in the action from time-to-time, but some folks seem to do so more than others.)

I have been a member for a long time. I had to change my name cause the board went down and lost everything. So I went with this one. Anyhows
This is the reason I quit posting when Dean became a cat 1 I think. It was very ruff trying to go thought a lot of Bull to get to some good posts. I know a lot are very young kids and I know they have to learn some how. But I think there should be a rule that would say NO ASKING WHERE IT IS GOING. OR IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LINK THAT SAYS IT IS GOING TO TIMBUKTU'S DON'T POST.
I got most of all my Info from my sites I have. I don't really need this board to tell me where it is at or going ETC. I just love this site.

But I do love to read from some one that know what they are really talking about. I am 51 and I have learned a lot from just reading.
There was a few post saying oh they got by easy. When they didn't even know how people lived down there. Now that made me very upset. Kids need to stop the bull writing and stop and read all the way though and then if someone needs a ask a question then ask. But Look first though the post to see it it has been asked. I know I am no way a pro and I do ask questions when I don't know the answer. I goggle a lot to see what I can fine first. But to me the board was out of control over Dean. But there is just so much you can do. I bet the MODS was pulling their hair out.
I would have been.

I will still read and may post here and there but that is it still School starts back.

You know you should have a storm2k for kids. That would be neat. Like 101 on maps ETC... and they would be learning a good way.

I have know Brent when he was just 13 I think. But the way he would post you would have thought he was a pro at times. Never acted up or put bull on the board.

Okay I am off my box now. I will be reading most of the post here. It is like going fishing.LOL

Everyone have a good day and happy posting.

Deb
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#9 Postby jeff » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:18 pm

I started posting in the pro met section where the post stay toward the top for more than a minute. It takes a lot of time to write a detailed post and to have it blown back 5 pages in less than 20 minutes because of 1 line posts defeats the point and purpose. That is my take. Also pro mets have much to do when there is a hurricane threat to the Gulf of Mexico and ALT coast and may not have the time to make post...it is better to not post anything than to post something only half researched or analyzed.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#10 Postby RBDnhm » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:32 pm

After posting the question, I pondered it a bit - it makes sense that pros are busy answering client/viewer questions and not posting frequently and the rest of us are busy posting to get our own questions answered. It is interesting to note which pros are logged on at the various times also.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#11 Postby Wthrman13 » Tue Aug 21, 2007 3:48 pm

I read way more than I post, but I echo the other comments here about getting frustrated at posts that get quickly buried under pages of one-liners before anyone gets a chance to read it. (Sometimes the posts are even only one word, such as "Agreed"). I don't know how many times I've attempted to answer someone's question in a thread, only to watch it get buried, and then see the same question asked (sometimes by the same person) 4 pages later because no one could read the previous post. I know that I could PM the person who asked the question, but many of these questions are very good and I would like to have others see the question, answer, and subsequent discussion (after all, that is one of the purposes of this forum). This is not an ego trip on my part, but I sincerely enjoy being able to contribute in this manner. I've also learned quite a bit from others on this board, so it's a two-way street.

Nevertheless, I enjoy this forum, and being able to contribute and answer questions. I've even met other meteorologists on this board that I probably wouldn't have otherwise, and it's good to have discussions with them.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#12 Postby tolakram » Tue Aug 21, 2007 4:08 pm

Personally I'm extremely disappointed with the 'official' discussion threads. In my opinion people need to be locked out or posts deleted if they aren't on topic. Maybe we need a Hurricane Model, Hurricane Discussion, and Hurricane Chat threads with only chat being loosely moderated?

I want to learn things and my questions have been lost in the sea of useless replies, off topic comments, or complete quotes of images just to add an exclamation.

:)
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#13 Postby Downdraft » Tue Aug 21, 2007 4:42 pm

I would also have to add that this is the first year I've actually seen pro's argued with by posters. That never happened before and if I was a pro why would I waste my time trying to explain science to someone who only understands passion. I also started a thread entitled "We've got to do something" and many posters felt even one liner posts had a legitimate right to post, (which they do.) Once a storm is named I switch to the pro section or the NHC frankly, I don't have time to read 20 pages of nothing to find one significant post of merit.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#14 Postby mf_dolphin » Tue Aug 21, 2007 5:37 pm

Welcome to our challenge as staff. I can't even tell you how many posts were deleted and warnings issued in the last week. The wrnings are logged and some people will begin to get suspensions. Maybe that will bring a little sanity back. We're trying our best but it's a tough job when there 600 people on-line.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#15 Postby storms in NC » Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:00 pm

mf_dolphin wrote:Welcome to our challenge as staff. I can't even tell you how many posts were deleted and warnings issued in the last week. The wrnings are logged and some people will begin to get suspensions. Maybe that will bring a little sanity back. We're trying our best but it's a tough job when there 600 people on-line.


I know you all did your very best last week. But hey look at what you said 600+ people. You have a hard job on your hands here. I give you a good hand . Keep up the great job.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#16 Postby tolakram » Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:10 pm

So is reporting posts a help, or a hindrance? I was on a binge for a while but started feeling like I was creating even more of a problem reporting too many posts.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#17 Postby RBDnhm » Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:31 pm

Perhaps my initial comment was the result of not being able to find the needle in the haystack; there may have been lots of needles but the stack was huge.

Despite the number of comments though, this board surprised me with the speed with which some people (maybe moderators?) will insist on a reason for a comment/prediction, though. There is an obvious effort to limit frivolous entries.

I appreciate this site very much; I just hope it is a while before I have to follow it again carefully to help decide when to shut down an office and move the family out.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#18 Postby mf_dolphin » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:01 pm

RBDnhm wrote:Perhaps my initial comment was the result of not being able to find the needle in the haystack; there may have been lots of needles but the stack was huge.

Despite the number of comments though, this board surprised me with the speed with which some people (maybe moderators?) will insist on a reason for a comment/prediction, though. There is an obvious effort to limit frivolous entries.

I appreciate this site very much; I just hope it is a while before I have to follow it again carefully to help decide when to shut down an office and move the family out.


We do have our haystacks that's for sure but rest assured we'll try to make it easier to find the needles. We have a superb group of ProMets and some really fine amateurs as well.One feature that may help with the chaff is the Friend/Foe feature that you can find in your User Control panel. If you add someone as a foe (don't like the term but that's what they call it) you put their posts on ignore. The staff memebers are designated by Green (Moderators) and Red (Admins) and also have badges under their name for identification. If there's a problem, just look for them and either report the post or drop them a quick PM.

Tolakram, the "report post" feature is very usefully since it flags the post for the staff. We're fairly short staffed right now and have a tough time keeping up sometimes.
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#19 Postby caribepr » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:05 pm

Dean has been an interesting storm to watch, concerning S2K. Across from CV, then...BAM...it's coming to ______ where ever someone was making the guess that might affect them, with bolding, quoting one page posts (that might have been good ones - to say, I agree!). I noted in one post that there did seem to be more concern for the islands this year than I've seen since joining, and I personally (along with my fellow islanders) appreciate that. But this is not just about the islands. This is about storms in general. However....let me be specific and just talk about Dean.
How many years does it take for people who have been on this site for YEARS to be prepared and not freak out about something 10 or more days out? I expect that of many in the public who are only interested in what they see on TWC or some other news but, my goodness! By now, I've seen the same people going nuts way too much Those who have actually been impacted by some horrific storms add sanity voices, but they are not heeded. Preparations for many still seem to be a last minute issue (and that is written by someone without a lot of cash, ok, a serious lack of much cash, so sorry, I don't buy the *I'm too poor* thing. Buy all year, a can at a time! Fill water jugs all year! Batteries, etc. If I can do it, you can too).
Once it *seemed* there would not be a US hit....the rubbish subsided...suddenly we had a lot of very good information we could actually read and digest without a flood of garbage, mets got to be heard, tracking was discussed in a reasonable, intelligent way with (usually) some good back up links. And those who were *in the REAL path* were the most calm of all, though no doubt terribly concerned.
We post and we post on this issue, and the mods work their butts off to keep it clean...there is a chat area, a discussion area, a recon area, etc. etc. and still....some people post in any area they feel like saying whatever crosses their brain at the moment, to the detriment of the whole board.
This post will not stop them, I know that by now. But...as I say, it's been interesting. Those who defend their one liners, arguments with pro-mets, ridiculous emoticon posts with that old line, HEY!! This is a weather forum! We should be able to discuss what we like, how we like, in any WAY we like, whenever we like...I seriously invite you to my little island when a big one is on the way. I'll find you a place to stay, show you around, give you an idea of what we go through each year, trying to get information about a place 1000 miles minimum from where you are freaking out about, without a plan or a clue what you sound like. If you aren't 80% ready in June (I say 80% because plans need flexibility, and they should have that built in, I'm talking basics)...please...BE QUIET .
and...as someone else said, they google for information of some of the questions they have before asking a pro met or the board in general for more clarity on an issue. If you are on this board, you are on the internet. Did a storm ever hit ____ category before? GOOGLE it!!!! Are you in a flood zone? GOOGLE IT. What was the last storm that ever tracked like the current one? GOOGLE it! Did _____ ever happen because of _____? GOOGLE it! Or whatever search engine you use (or don't use). THEN and only then...if you have tried to find the answer, and cannot...ask here. But unless it impacts your life during a critical time...could you ask sometime between Nov 30 and June 1st?
I should but won't apologize for the long post. We still have a long way to go...and if ONE person who does the above gets something that might change their board behaviour out of this...good.
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Re: Pro Mets & Posting Frequencies

#20 Postby mf_dolphin » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:11 pm

We do run into this issue every year and especially on the first storm. It's gotten to be a right of passage and not a good one. We are trying some new stuff this year with the active storm sub-forum and with the threat area threads. Hang in there with us and we'll see if we can't re-train some people. If not then some will get a short vacation from the board.
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