Knee-jerk Reactions

[Audrey2Katrina]

Disclaimer: This is NOT the official view of ANY of the mods or Admin of S2K, It is strictly an expression of an opinion, and while obvious parody is employed it is definitely NOT aimed at any individual (s).

Hey, this is a weather board, and if we weren't all sort'a weather freaks we wouldn't be here; but I have a little to say about all the extremes I'm seeing. Maybe it's because this will be the first hurricane season I'm experiencing from a S2K perspective; but I just don't understand those who really tend to do a knee-jerk at the slightest sign--in EITHER direction.

Someone sees a littel puff of clouds somewhere, and we get things like: (disclaimer: strictly parody, satire, and hyperbole!--to make a point only.)

THIS COULD BE THE BIG ONE!!!
OMG LOOK AT THIS!!!
New Orleans is gonna be under 100 feet of water!!!
This thing could be a Category GOOGLE in the next 24 hours!!!
It's the end of CIVILIZATION!! --okay that's enough of that! but I hope the point is made.

On the other extreme we have the enthusiasts who are too quick to cut bait and run.

This thing is DOA !!!! (even while areas may be under hurricane watches!)
Hurricane Zygote... pffffft !!!!
Why is everyone overreacting to this little Cat 5 heading for NYC????

Look, I'm not out to stifle anyone's enthusiasm for these things that can be so beautiful and so deadly at the same time. Get excited about 'em, follow 'em, and discuss 'em.. chart 'em... but avoid the typical "knee-jerk" of instantaneously predicting Armaggedon, or the party-pooper who instinctively scoffs at anything less than a Cat 5 bearing down on a major metro area. And PLEASE don't wishcast. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating. There are some of us still trying to recover from near total ruin, be it consequent to Katrina, Rita, Dennis, Wilma, or what-have-you. Try to keep that in mind when cheerleading for some of these things.

Please follow the "announcement" the Mods made in AVOIDING all the "I agree" and "Exactly" posts, as they really don't contribute to a discussion. If you have something to say, then SAY IT. There are some extremely articulate and VERY weather savvy people aboard. Read what THEY have to say, share your enthusiasm tactfully and enjoy the ride.

Okay, probably said too much already, certainly didn't mean to pontificate, and if I've offended any, please understand that no offense was intended. I just think a little tempering down on the "extremes" out there would help make a fantastic forum--even better!


A2K

[Sean in New Orleans]

I agree...the tropics are interesting, but, the bottom line is we are discussing science on this board. This isn't about overly exaggerated opinions, drama, or a "sneaky, inside," joy to see the destruction of any place..whether it be a low populated area or a major US metropolis. The tropics are interesting, and offer much to teach us about meteorology and this science. We are blessed to be here and be able to have and utilize the tools we have at our disposal...imagine if this was 100 years ago. After what I, personally, went through last year, and several million more did, as well, it's quite rude to be dramatic and it is downright insensitive. It's also disrespectul to the science we analyze every day on this board. Let's keep it real, intelligent, and sensitive to those that are still on their knees from last season..

[WxGuy1]

I agree... Unfortunately, if you go through the various Alberto threads, you'll see that about 2 of every 3 posts is far from "scientific", with a myriad of posts like "Wow, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens", "Check out the new satellite image", "Oops, sorry -- didn't see that" or other sort of "one-liner" post. This forum has the potential to be very beneficial given the diversity (geographic, academic, etc) of the membership, but the signal-to-noise ratio can become unbearable at times with the plethora of one-liners, irrelevant, or uninformative posts. Folks should make more use of the Private Messaging system if they don't think their post will be informative to the rest of the membership (e.g. if their post is directed at a single person). It's great to see that the Storm2K mods and admin team are making a concerted effort to try to reign in the noise, however. It's equally as nice to see other members of Storm2K concerned about the content of the board, while trying to do what they can to make Storm2K be the best it can be.

Part of the problem is that many people speculate about the forecast, current intensity, etc, of the situation without presenting any substantive, objective explanation or evidence. Such speculation can catch on and spread, and the next thing you know you see a thread about "I heard someone say that this one might strengthen from a 40kt TS to a Cat 5 storm in 2 hours and hit downtown {insert metro area}. What do you guys think?" I'm certainly not saying that every post needs to be a 5-paragraph, highly-detailed analysis, but I just think some people should try to resist the urge to hit the "Reply" button if the information in their post won't be beneficial to the Storm2K membership. Just my 2 cents.

[cmdebbie]

I agree which is exactly why I only post very late at night when there are very few on the board. During the day, i know my amateur self has nothing to add; therefore, I just read and soak up all of the wonderful information! Thanks Storm 2K!

[flightpath]

I can agree with some of what has been written here but not all. Some people do go overboard naming threads and making predictions here but isn't this the proper forum for that? Go up two forums if all you want is science. A lot of people have made donations to the site and should be allowed to have as much fun is allowable under the rules. As you can tell by my post count I am mostly a reader, and I must say I have observed quite a bit of snobbery here by posters who have a holier than thou/smarter than you persona. Relax people, this is the internet -know what you are reading - pay attention to the forum you are in - have fun.Now, nobody start crying here because this post takes aim at no one in particular - just my .02

[cycloneye]

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic ... 32&start=0

Above is the thread that southerngale made about this theme.

We as moderators are trying our best to make things run the most smoothly possible,but I understand the enthusiastic members that are gloating when something develops in the Atlantic basin.Even some are routing the system to go to their area with persistance.I never haved seen the importance of a one sentence post without bringing any data to back that up.Please cooperate not posting those one word or sentences.Also some only post only emoctions like this one .What important information we will get from that?

Let's have good discussions about the systems and track them this season without getting to those one word,one sentence or emoctions things without any substance.

[beachbum_al]

I agree and when you have real honest questions you have a newbie that jumps on you for you being a wishcaster. I know that I don't know everything about the weather and I might ask crazy questions but it is because I have no clue and I would rather ask the question instead of just going on like I know what they are talking about. Referring to the thread when the computer models changed to the West.

[msbee]

I could not agree more.
truthfully, storm2k was a lifeline for me during past seasons.
I always knew I could get up to date information and forecasts from well seasoned pros and well informed amateurs here.
This season I feel reluctant to even look at storm2k. there is so much ..I am sorry... "junk" posted.
I have to call it that because that is what it is. JUNK!
I have no problem with "newbies" asking questions..that's what we are all hear for..to learn.
It's the "OMG, look at this" sort of posts that are making me nuts.
Quite frankly, it is turning me off.
I have neither the time nor the patience to weed through all of that to get to and find what are the truly legitmate and thoughtful posts.

[sunny]

It's the "OMG, look at this" sort of posts that are making me nuts.
Quite frankly, it is turning me off.
I have neither the time nor the patience to weed through all of that to get to and find what are the truly legitmate and thoughtful posts.

BINGO - I am SO with you msbee.

[Audrey2Katrina]

should be allowed to have as much fun is allowable under the rules.

Precisely-- See Cycloneye's post referring to Southerngale's thread.

A2K

[Ixolib]

I could not agree more.
truthfully, storm2k was a lifeline for me during past seasons.
I always knew I could get up to date information and forecasts from well seasoned pros and well informed amateurs here.
This season I feel reluctant to even look at storm2k. there is so much ..I am sorry... "junk" posted.
I have to call it that because that is what it is. JUNK!
I have no problem with "newbies" asking questions..that's what we are all hear for..to learn.
It's the "OMG, look at this" sort of posts that are making me nuts.
Quite frankly, it is turning me off.
I have neither the time nor the patience to weed through all of that to get to and find what are the truly legitmate and thoughtful posts.

No doubt, S2K is not the board it used to be. A definite and obvious change that started taking place around Aug/Sep of '05.

[Regit]

With all due respect to those who are bothered, there is a board on S2K for scientific and expert posts. This isn't it.

[Audrey2Katrina]

I don't think we're referring to scientific and expert posts. Comments and discussion are more than welcome. It is the tendency to knee-jerk "extremes" that I referred. I reiterate what was announced about THIS thread by a moderator of it--and with all due respect, they DO lay down the ground rules:

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=85432&start=0

Not trying to dampen anyone's spirit; but temper the extremes of some of the posts... as well as remind a few who seem to have failed in keeping up with the announcements which all "should" read when admin/mods post them.

A2K

[Regit]

I don't think we're referring to scientific and expert posts. Comments and discussion are more than welcome. I reiterate what was announced about THIS thread by a moderator of it--and with all due respect, they DO lay down the ground rules:

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=85432&start=0

Not trying to dampen anyone's spirit; but temper the extremes of some of the posts... as well as remind a few who seem to have failed in keeping up with the announcements which all "should" read when admin/mods post them.

A2K

I wasn't referring to your post, actually. I was referring to replies complaining about the non-scientific data in this forum. I was pointing out that this isn't the forum for it anyway.

[Audrey2Katrina]

I wasn't referring to your post, actually. I was referring to replies complaining about the non-scientific data in this forum. I was pointing out that this isn't the forum for it anyway.

Clarification appreciated!

A2K

[Steve]

Just wait until you get a wobbling top storm again and view the wobble wars based off of Infrared Satellite. You'll quickly learn who to ignore.

Steve

[swimaster20]

I usually try not to respond to threads like these but I think I want to put my $0.02 in. I agree with the people here who say the board isn't what it used to be. Since I have joined in the late part of 2004, I see a lot more posts/topics that really have nothing to do with gaining information about the current storm/storms. A couple of examples off the top of my head just from this past weekend are: "New Orleans Better Get Prepared" and the one that Alberto was a "nothing storm." Also, the posts that occur when a tropical storm forms that go like "OMG it's going to _____ " is very aggravating to read, and also cosumes bandwith for the site. Another thing that some of the "new" members are doing is being extremely rude, which is something that used to not happen here. One example from this past weekend I can say is that a new member was bashing a pro-met and a more established member for spelling "trough" "trof", and that new member was down right mean doing it. Now, I see no problem having members who aren't pro-mets give opinions/predictions etc., but not silly, nonsense posts that are not relevant to the topic. Having said all this, I still love coming to this forum and learning new things and getting info, and I hope I can continue to do this for a long time.

"swimaster20 steps off the soapbox"

[Hyperstorm]

I can't agree more with the original poster of this topic and others. If the people that came in here in 2004 and early 2005 are suprised by this, imagine about the people that have been here since 2003 and even 2002. To me, it started to change in 2004, with 2005 being quite different.

Moderators have said it...Quality VS Quantity. This is not a chatroom. It is a message board. If you have something to say that would not interest the rest of the board, PM the poster. I think we should eliminate the tropical cyclone categories next to the user name. That way, people would stop worrying about their status.

I sincerely hope and pray the administrators are not falling toward having more members, regardless of their quality posts, so that they can have more people for donation purposes...

[fci]

Thank you Swimaster for your opinion which puts out exactly what I wanted to say:
- This is the forum to conject ones opinions even if they are not necessarily scientifically based, posters should at least state WHY they are stating what they are.
For example; I'll state an opinion which is based on my entire lifetime of following storms and what I recall usually happens (like SE Fl having very little effect from Alberto).
I do not have a scientific background which should not preclude me from stating my opinion. It does not belong on the Tropical Analysis forum where the Pros regularly contribute.
It is well appreciated when Pro Met comes into this forum to express their thoughts and I relish those and NEVER question their opinions.
Ask them for clarification and further opinions; YES!

I wanted to smack the newbie who questioned the spelling of "trof".
What a waste of time and an embarrassment!!
Comments like that chase away the Pro Mets who are an INVALUABLE part of S2K who we rely on to guide us through storms.

To see Air Force Met (one of the most incredible Pro Met posters on this board who has provided us vital information for all of the storms and has the patience to reply to us when we have questions) have to explain abbreviations to this newbie, is a waste of his time and efforts!

Stepping off of the soapbox......

[bvigal]

With all due respect to those who are bothered, there is a board on S2K for scientific and expert posts. This isn't it.

With all due respect, there is a CHAT section of S2K for those one-liners.

Barbara, I'm with you!! Great post!! I wore myself out Saturday trying to read the TD1 threads, but they were growing faster than I could read. Finally, after a few hours, my eyes just began to glaze over. The day was gone with nothing accomplished.

Maybe some sense snobbery on here. I sure don't mean my comments that way. There is so much more I hope to learn here, and expect to.

And yes, pay or not, all here should certainly feel the right to contribute in whatever form they choose (providing not breaking the rules). But, if most just want the whole board to be a "chat" set down for posterity, because the more thoughtful posters leave, then one-liners and keyboard brain regurgitation is certainly the way to do that. And, if it really is time for that change to take place (i.e. majority rule, etc.) I'm certainly willing to concede I'm outvoted and gracefully shut up.