FSU gone? edited for content...TM, It's Back!!

[Derek Ortt]

As most know, I am on the other side of this issue and do not believe that model data should be released to those not in the field, due to the potential of misinterpretation, but thats just my view and not a popular one here

The Superensemble, I believe, is a commercial product and that is why it is not released

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

I love weather and hurricanes derek. I understand the models enough not to be tricked. Why take it away from every body. Its not fair

[TampaFl]

From the famous site:

Notice: Florida State University has mandated effective 24 May 2006 that no real-time weather forecasts relating potentially
in any way to hurricanes are to be disseminated by faculty or students at FSU.
Consequently, this web page has been shut down UFN.

The authors of these web pages realize the value of these pages, do not agree with the decision, and are working hard to overturn it.

Yikes.

A contact email and phone number to register complaints will be posted
here soon.

Something does not look right here. Is this a hoax??? What does UFN mean? Also you would think that a university of that caliber would already have a phone # & or e-mail address to lodge complaints, etc.. when an annoucement of this magnitude is announced. Any members out there have any contacts at FSU that they could verify what is going on? Thoughts and comments welcomed.


Robert

[Texmedic]

UFN=Until Further Notice

R

[brunota2003]

Well I really dont think that Mark would post misleading info/hoax...and it is down...probably for good unless complaints come...

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

I guest we better find a new site to look at models.

[TampaFl]

I guest we better find a new site to look at models.

Any ideas???

Robert

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

I'm at the lib for a hour today, In only got 10 minutes. In all my links are on my computer at home. So I can't give any...I hopefully when I get back I will get some links out, This is wrong!

[tgenius]

Wow.. and I just asked about the FSU Superensemble a few days ago and this happens?

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

There is still models around...I we pay the tax dollars so the nws to work. So we are owners of the nhc/nws/noaa. If the goverment takes it from us then they will be voted out.

[MWatkins]

As most know, I am on the other side of this issue and do not believe that model data should be released to those not in the field, due to the potential of misinterpretation, but thats just my view and not a popular one here

The Superensemble, I believe, is a commercial product and that is why it is not released

I am going to speak in generalities here because although I am responding to your post, I am responding in general.

As I have said before that type of thinking is in my opinion dangerous. Also, it goes against everything the science of meteorology stands for. In order to view internet models you have to :

1. Log on to the internet
2. Know where to go
3. Know how to open a model
4. Find the right map
5. Find the right run time
6. Find the representation of the cyclone on the map

Also, people who are saying that now weren't saying that when they were using the internet to look at models before they were in school...and while in school.

That statement is also inconsistent with many websites who take it a step further and produce their own forecasts and publish them on the web for all to see, maps with skinny lines and all. If someone were to use initials very similar to the NHC it would be even more of a public "danger of misuse".

Personally, I stopped doing that years ago for that very reason. It is my opinion, putting out maps with lines on them is a far greater threat to the untrained person than any models, but I do not forsee owners of these respective sites stopping that practice any time soon.

MW

[artist]

I don't know if this is what you all are looking for but it has models here -

http://weather.unisys.com/satellite/
as well as this site -

http://www.eglin.af.mil/weather/tropics.html
and this -

http://www.meteo.psu.edu/~gadomski/ewalltropatl.html

[Aslkahuna]

Yes, NOAA/NWS/NHC are part of the US Government but FSU is not so unless you live in FL and FSU is state funded and not private you don't own it.

Steve

[JPmia]

I think there is nothing wrong with having this information on the Internet. The idea that publishing this information creates a liability is VERY weak. Florida has a well established policy of "Government in the Sunshine" as long as it is not proprietary i.e., FSU Superensemble. Mike you made a very good point. Please feel free to contact these folks below and express your thoughts.

FSU Meteorology Department Chair:

Robert G.Ellingson
Meteorology
College of Arts and Sciences
ellingson@met.fsu.edu

President of FSU: (Always good to go right to the top!)
Thomas K. Wetherell
President
Office of the President
wetherell@mailer.fsu.edu

[rjgator]

Typical FSU behavior.

[Texmedic]

Typical FSU behavior.

Well said sir...

R

[terstorm1012]

How's University of Florida's graduate meteorology program? I don't think I'll be applying to FSU now.

This doesn't seem right, personally. It sounds like someone has a bug up their butt there over something. Maybe liability, perhaps, and one of the products was theirs, inhouse, but the rest something seems fishy. Then again I'm not a Florida resident so my taxes don't support the institution.

Eh, I'll use Penn State's model site. I'll post it when I find the link again. I have a tendancy not to bookmark them, lol.

[bvigal]

Just great! The only one that numbers ALL lows, and provides core-analysis, now gone.

I wouldn't blame the university. It's no doubt their insurance provider putting their foot down, an "either you do this or we won't provide coverage". Get used to it folks, pretty soon it will be ALL the universities who's weather sites you love to peruse. And, you can't blame the insurance companies, either (not exclusively), because they are reacting to the exponentially-growing... what word should I use... "mushroom cloud" of insane liability judgements. It's the same reason why you go to the hospital and they know what's wrong with you, and could treat you right away, but they MUST order $3,000 worth of tests, anyway, mandated to protect them from lawsuits.

I've said it before. It no doubt makes me appear to be carrying around a soap box. But, I've tried to explain just how broad-reaching this problem is, effecting EVERY single American in MULTITUDES of areas of our everyday life. We need TORT REFORM NOW!!!

[SouthFloridawx]

I just tried to go to the cyclone phase page and this message appeared. I saw a different one earlier.

Notice: Florida State University has mandated effective 24 May 2006 that no real-time weather forecasts relating potentially
in any way to hurricanes are to be disseminated by faculty or students at FSU due to liability concerns.
Consequently, this web page has been shut down UFN.
The authors of these web pages realize the value of these pages, do not agree with the decision, and are working hard to resolve this issue by friday.
Thank you for your patience.
Bob Hart

[Regit]

There is still models around...I we pay the tax dollars so the nws to work. So we are owners of the nhc/nws/noaa. If the goverment takes it from us then they will be voted out.

Actually, that's not right. The government is allowed to own private property. The most notable example is roads. They are the private property of the state. The state grants you the privilege to use them. You have no right to use them. The same is true here. Even if the models were totally controlled by NOAA, they could take away the privilege.