!!! Beware

[Dustin Wilcox]

Just got done with an interview in which they attempted to spin things on chasers. Caught me a little off guard, but I think I handled it pretty well, still worry a tad as all it takes is for them to pull a couple words from a phrase and spin it on ya, I should have just caught on a tad quicker and said bye, instead I tried to put a positive spin on it, but who knows how successful that was. Though the way it sounded, I wasn't the first one this guy had talked to, and sounds as though he has enough (-) quotes to fill a page. Questions like, how close were you? Do you tape and drive at the same time? Why do you do it? Do you sell footage? How much is footage worth? Was there more than hundred chasers? Really all they have to do is read this forum (Hey AL ) and they can find enough negative material to fill a magazine. Really I thought yesterday was smooth, sure there were a few chasers dangerously close (myself included) but it was a rare instance where that could be done safely given road options and tornado motion.

 

[Jay McCoy]

Nowadays most media is out for "gotcha" journalism. If they can portray people as wreckless or dangerous it makes the story more interesting and "hard hitting". It can be a very bland story but they will do all they can to dress it up. Also they may have a hidden agenda. Rarely does the media do anything fair and down the middle. They all have an angle or agenda whether it be politics, a personal bias, or just trash journalism.

 

[Jason Foster]

We talk a lot ourselves about the "one day" scenario. Any clever journalist who knows how to look for different angles has likely come across this kind of talk on various forums, blogs, and websites from chasers, spotters, and non-wx folk.

Get use to it, and be prepared for it.

 

[Greg Stumpf]

Get use to it, and be prepared for it.

Or just avoid the media altogether.

 

[Darren Stephens]

At 8:40 am on Fox News Channel they are going to interview a husband and wife chase team. They didn't give any names...just wondering if this is the Petrowski's?

 

[Elinor McLennon]

It appears to be Sean and Katy McMullen.

 

[Michael Nicolaou]

At 8:40 am on Fox News Channel they are going to interview a husband and wife chase team. They didn't give any names...just wondering if this is the Petrowski's?

Saw a short piece on this family on the CBS morning show. It's Brandon Ivey (sp??) from thestormreport.com

Evidently he took one (or both not sure just woke up) of his sons chasing on a slow moving tornado and got some good footage.

Let the "I can't belive they put their precious child in danger" fest begin

IMHO the vid was shot from a very safe distance on a very slow moving storm that appeared very discrete. Just the type of cell I'dm love to show to my boys.

**Edit** - Could there be two storm chasing families out there??? Perish the thought!

 

[Kevin Walters]

All three of my sons have seen tornadoes while chasing with me. My youngest son was only three when he saw his first (and second) tornado. Obviously every situation is different and common sense should be exercised.

 

[Melissa Jablonski]

Yep, I got slammed by someone on an earlier thread for saying we don't trust the press maybe on this thread I won't . Some friends were made to look like total idiots by the press. I can't say it is fair to put all of them down though. Don't we have press members on ST I can't fault them.It depends on the person. Not everyone has a negative agenda.
Melissa

 

[Darren Stephens]

I've taken my kids on chases with me and I don't see anything wrong with it. I would rather teach / point out the pitfalls and dangers myself than have them learn it on their own.

 

[Greg Stumpf]

I've taken my kids on chases with me and I don't see anything wrong with it. I would rather teach / point out the pitfalls and dangers myself than have them learn it on their own.

Agreed. I believe it is a wonderful learning experience for my child. I like to expose her to "many things science" and storm chasing is one of them. We had planned our first overnighter this year, but the weather didn't mesh well with our schedule.

When chasing with my daughter, I tend to be a little more conservative for obvious reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed Brandon Ivey's video with his sons - he made it very educational for them, and even though they were within a mile of the "well-behaved" tornado, he managed to remain calm and collected throughout, and the family had a great time.

 

[Sean McMullen]

It appears to be Sean and Katy McMullen.

They did interview my wife, Katie, and I this morning however they used the wrong video. I believe they used Andy Fabel's video which didn't make us too happy but that's live television for ya.

 

[tom hanlon]

When talking to the press you need to understand that they most likely have a preconceived story that they are looking for supporting information for.

So.. the more stuff you say the more fodder for that "story" they will have.

If you think that you like what they are trying to present and you trust them, then talk freely.

Otherwise, and this is the most common scenario, say as little as possible that presents your side of the story.

Just repeat again and again,
" I love severe weather, it is important to be safe, I obey all traffic laws, never video while driving, report severe weather and save lives"

When they ask:
"have you ever been in danger"
reply
"No, I love severe weather, it is important to be safe, I obey all traffic laws, never video while driving, report severe weather and save lives"

When they ask:

"where are you from ? "
reply
"Ohio I love severe weather, it is important to be safe, I obey all traffic laws, never video while driving, report severe weather and save lives"

When they ask:

"Where do you park while observing a storm?"
reply
"Legally and safely I love severe weather, it is important to be safe, I obey all traffic laws, never video while driving, report severe weather and save lives"

--
Tom