Don't forget how controversial it is when somebody "chases just to see the awesomeness of nature and to hang a few pretty pictures of it on the wall". Yeah, that gets them steaming.
That was my thought exactly, you beat me to the post Skip!I love how the thread outlining controversial topics immediately fell into one of the controversial topics. We should have taken bets on which one it would be.
This raises an interesting point. There are a lot of new threads started that pertain to topics that have already been discussed. But I think that reflects both the nature and the limitations of the discussion forum format.Valid point. In that case, we need to add an entire volume associated with the science of meteorology, including topics such as
-what is a dryline
-what is a supercell
-why do supercells split/move right/move left
-what is a derecho
-why do tornadoes form
-what gives supercells rotation
-where can one typically find the dryline
-what does lapse rate have to do with forecasting severe weather
-what is pressure
-...
-...
-...
This list could go on for a few hundred entries.
[sarcasm]Valid point. In that case, we need to add an entire volume associated with the science of meteorology, including topics such as
-what is a dryline
-what is a supercell
-why do supercells split/move right/move left
-what is a derecho
-why do tornadoes form
-what gives supercells rotation
-where can one typically find the dryline
-what does lapse rate have to do with forecasting severe weather
-what is pressure
-...
-...
-...
This list could go on for a few hundred entries.
I've found that knowing some of the local cops, fire fighters and other officials helps. Having some sort of report and credentials comes in handy when you're on public roadways too. "But I'm filming stuff for science!" doesn't fly. LE will not care what you're objective is, if you're blocking traffic or causing problems; they'll either ticket you or tell you not to do whatever it is that you're doing. This happened to me a few times but most of the cops in my area know me, as do many fire fighters. They rarely are bothered by me because they know I'm not a mindless drone with a camera.Another one to add to that list, Dan.
A Storm Spotter, or Skywarn Magnet isn't going to deter law enforcement from harassing you. I'm sure there are a few LEO's out there that if they suspect you're storm chasing, they will harass you and a little Skywarn Magnet isn't going to help.
I have been on this forum forever. I don't believe it is unwelcoming. However, like all large communities, it certainly has it's routine and predictable sources of strife. It is a hobby full of some very passionate and opinionated people. The topics on this thread aren't any banned list of topics as much as simply a list of things that draw out the strong opinions from some people. I would encourage anybody new to stick around. This community would only benefit from new people.I am new here and have to say that this appears to be a less than welcome environment. I may need to find a less uptight group of weather enthusiasts that still recognize that there is a 1st Amendment. Throughout my life I have run into people who have done something for a long time and don't want to give any ground to the new guy. That is the vibe I am getting.
This has GOT to be sarcasm.If you do any of the things listed in the original post, you're going to be an object of scorn and ridicule to the entire chasing world, not just on Stormtrack.
...as it should... If you come here wanting to puff your chest with a 105 LED light bar and a dozen Skywarn stickers - you're in the wrong forum. There are plenty of Facebookology groups where you'd be far more welcome.This type of middling stuff is what drives away newcomers. That's all I'm saying.
This is such a false and broad brush statement about something that you admit you are new to. See some storms, post pictures and reports here, get involved in some discussions, have a few disagreements, it's a part of life. I think you'll learn that it is not as uptight of a place as you think. Don't run and become immediately offended, like everyone seems to do these days. I think if you were to simply get involved on this forum you would recognize that it is a fairly welcoming environment as long as you have some common sense.I am new here and have to say that this appears to be a less than welcome environment. I may need to find a less uptight group of weather enthusiasts that still recognize that there is a 1st Amendment. Throughout my life I have run into people who have done something for a long time and don't want to give any ground to the new guy. That is the vibe I am getting.