Chase topic minefields

[Ric Burney]

At the beginning of this thread was mentioned the list becoming a sticky or content in a new user email. Why not post the list in a FAQ along with links with each item that point toward some of the threads associated with that particular topic? That way new users could see for themselves what type of responses / answers their potential question could garner. A link to the FAQ could be included in a new user welcome email along with other helpful information about ST.

 

[STexan]

Is there a place on stormtrack where general [and current] road information and cellular issues can be shared? For example today I was doing some running around in OK and found a few noteworthy issues for the upcoming 2015 spring season ...

For instance, on 3/23/15, I found that Wilburton, OK has ZERO Verizon network available and had to get halfway between Wilburton and McAlester before I got a signal again. Not sure if there was an upgrade going on or what that day or Verizon just has no carriers there. And furthermore, the Mcdonalds there in Wilburton has a very weak wifi (could not browse on it)

Also, Wainwright Road that runs e/w and connects US-69 to US 62 (S of Muskogee) has a lot of really bad pot holes as of 3/23/15. It's drivable but use caution especially at night. Pot holes are where your right side tires would be and are scattered about every mile or so, and all the way from 69 to 62 (about 10 miles)

Also the dirt roads in eastern/central OK are all mostly "dry" and easily passable for all, except some low-lying areas are still muddy -as of 3/23-

Anyway this is the type information I have to share today and was wondering if there was an area where this type of [current] info could be posted. Thanks

 

[Paul Hadfield]

 

[Taylor Wright]

Might want to add "asking for donations" to this list...

 

[Dave Ragozzine]

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'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.

 

[Tim Paitz]

That's what the Bear's Cage section is for.

 

[James Wilson]

LOL quit holding hands ... Let them jump in clueless like everyone else did.

 

[Steve McQueen]

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.

 

[KMcCallister]

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.

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.

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

Steve...chase how you want. Just be careful and considerate and safe. All this chase minefield stuff is nonsense.

 

[Dan Robinson]

I don't understand the objections here. If you're a new chaser, don't you want to know what the controversial issues are before you make a fool of yourself as your first impression to the community?

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. I thought some newer chasers might appreciate knowing about these so you don't have to learn it the hard way.

 

[B. Dean Berry]

That's kind of funny, as I've been chasing since 1997. Since then, up to today, I have had rear-facing amber flashing lights on every vehicle I have chased with. I sometimes have a small Skywarn sticker. I have, at various times, had a weather station on my truck. I have been involved with a few local Skywarn teams, and even some Emergency Management Agencies with the aim of............protecting life and property. I have been involved in university met field studies which - shock - involved research and gathering data. I have *sold footage* which *monetized chasing* for me.

I should be the wide-spread subject of scorn and ridicule by those rules, and should have been for the past 18 years.

But I'm not. Most people have never heard of me, and most of those who have think I'm OK. I wouldn't know, because you almost never hear of someone by name in this hobby, unless you are a major problem or a living legend.

Dave Drummond, one of the (in my opinion) Living Legends of Storm Chasing (tm), is (or was?) on this forum, and he crosses a bunch of those hits off the list. People don't seem to think any less of him.

It comes down more, in my opinion, to your primary focus. If you have all that stuff, and your primary focus is indeed the weather, then you should be alright. If you have all that stuff, and your primary focus is looking cool and getting a TV show, well......you are either blackballed or you get a TV show - 50/50 shot.

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

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.

This has GOT to be sarcasm.

 

[Dan Robinson]

You guys are missing the point. Lightbars and flashing lights ARE controversial. Post a thread about it and see what happens. And I have amber strobes/reflectors in my rear window, and have for years. If you go overboard with those things, or run them full-time, or post a lightbar thread with shots of your blinding high-powered LED setups, don't expect praise and adoration.

If you don't care what anyone thinks, then do what you want. Just don't say no one ever warned you about what will happen.

 

[B. Dean Berry]

This type of middling stuff is what drives away newcomers. That's all I'm saying.