How Many Threads On Stormtrack Are 'New'?

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Mikel Shively makes a wonderful point....one that I had already offered to Mr. Den Hartog a month or so back, much like many newbies today, he took much offense to it and this is the problem.
To many newbies get offened when someone gives contructive criticism to them or tries to point them in the right direction. This is something I absolutely cannot stand and will not tolerate. After all, I have much more important things to do with my time than try to "teach" or help someone who will not listen or simply does not want to learn. I will leave that up to those that have more patience and can stand the bull****.
Mikel said it just as Shane Adams did, as I did and as many many others have....newbies should be reading more and posting less, most particularly about controversial issues.

First of all Lanny (and everyone for that matter) to be clear, my comment at the start of this thread was not directed at any one person (it was simply a general comment as a newcomer to these forums). Secondly, I will admit I over stepped my boundaries as a newcomer here by posting a controversial topic if that is not what is expected of newcomers to these forums (again, I refuse to call myself a newbie as that implies I have no idea what I'm talking about in regards to storms and chasing them). In my defense though, how is one to know that posting such a topic is not acceptable amongst the community until they make that mistake? Please realize I posted the topic simply because I thought it was an interesting topic to discuss - not to annoy or upset people. Again, since obviously this is what happened I apologize to the entire Stormtrack community and I have learned from my mistake..

With that said, I will continue to do what I have been doing with most of my time here and that is trying to learn from people who know more then I do - which I have (by reading many threads here as was suggested which is something I have been doing alot of since my first day here) and will discontinue sharing my opinion or starting many new (in particular controversial) topics here on the forum until I have earned the respect of my peers. I apologize again and I hope I haven't stepped on to many toes over the last few days here (believe it or not I really am not an a-hole).

Thank you for your time,
Jeremy

 

[Jason Boggs]

It's ok Jeremy. Sometimes we get upset at some of the topics brought up because they have been brought up time after time. You're new here, so mistakes will happen. Just read as much as you can, and discuss things that are important to you.

 

[Chris Nuttall]

What Jason said. Don't feel that you need to hold back. When a controversial topic that has been discussed repeatedly for several years is suddenly brought back up like it's "new," it's bound to stir up the angry feelings amongst those who have already endured the endless debates. It's more of a frustration thing because they finally thought the topic was put to rest. It's kind of like a nagging cold.

Indeed, a lot of this can be solved by using the search function. However, that is a common step that a lot of people don't do whenever they are new to a forum or don't post to it frequently. This behavior (lack of using the search or the resultant reactions) is not unique to Stormtrack. For example, I've been lurking around some Jeep forums doing research on some new tires. I have not registered for the sites, but I did not even have to use the search feature to find almost 10 different "What tires should I buy?" threads on the front page. On those forums, just like here, a lot of the long-time members got irate for so many threads being started that were rehashes.

One of the big gripes with having so many rehash threads is how the discussions can get broken up. On more than one occasion, we've had different threads either start or evolve into the same discussion at the same time. Then, we have a problem of where to post replies. Sure, those threads can be merged, but now imagine the same topic in 10 threads over the course of 2-3 years.

Like I said, don't worry about stepping on someone's toes. ST is too diverse. There is absolutely no way you'll be able to hang around this place for very long without making someone mad. Heck, you think you've got it bad being called a "newbie." Try being called a moderator.

 

[Lanny Dean]

First of all, I am thankful for experienced chasers such as Jason regarding topics like this one (and so should you be, Jeremy) As most know, I sometimes do not play well with others, I expect it is due to my allergic reaction to bullsh*t and the like.
However, there are people like Mr. Jason Boggs and others who, as I mentioned in the above post, have much more patience than I and are willing to give good sound advice during these type issues long after I have "given up".

Jeremy, in light of your statment regarding not being a newbie, let me explain why I have given you that reference or title, I will do so with the hopes that you will fully and finally understand.

First, you come on this forum informing everybody that you have been chasing locally for XYZ, (10 years plus). Problem is, no one knows you, no one knows your name. No one, not even some of the other chasers who live and chase in your local area have ever heard of you, this includes many many well know chasers who live in your state. Remember, this is actually a small community.
You bring no real resume to the table other than one basic event on your webpage. The old addage that even an old broke down clock is right twice a day comes to mind in response to that.
Someone who has been chasing for 10 years would certainly know and have met other chasers, even if they were or have been chasing on a local level. This is not the case with you. You have no affilation with your local NWS or Skywarn (after some inquiries) and nothing to really prove you have been in this thing we call a hobby, yet you say that you have been chasing for 10 plus years and act or come across as if you know everything there is to know about chasing (excluding being able to make your way through this forum)
Your lingo and actions certainly does not represent someone who has chasing for a decade or more.
The old addage, if it smells like bullsh*t... it probably is bullsh*t applies here.

Now, even in knowing all this, it's not a bad thing. Being a newbie is not a bad thing.
We all started somewhere and you have to crawl before you can walk. The problem is that you can not expect to come on this forum and demand respect from any of the experienced or veterans. It just will not work.
I have said it before, being a newbie is not a bad thing, in fact, it puts you in a position to really learn from those same people that you have demanded respect from. As Jason has said, read as much as you can and discuss the things that are important to you within reason. If you want respect, you have to earn it. You do not earn respect by coming in here with an "I am going to save the chasing world".....as Steve Miller has said, we have all seen "chasers" like you come and go....the above reasons are why they usually go.
There are many people on this forum who are willing to help you grow as a chaser, let them help you.

I hope this has helped to explain a little and if you need anything I will give it one more shot and try to help you as much as I can.

 

[Wes Carter]

When I started high school, I was a freshman. I got no respect. By the time I graduated high school I had gained some.

When I started my first job no one wanted to work with me because they didn't want to have to carry the new guy. After a short while, that changed.

When I joined the Navy I was a recruit. I got ZERO respect. When I got to my first ship, same thing. Six years later, different story.

When I went to work for a mining equipment company, I got no respect because I had never worked underground. That one was difficult, but after a while I was accepted and got along fine.

Several jobs between, same thing each time.

When I came to work where I am now, same thing. I was the new guy. I had plenty of experience in my field, but I had to prove myself again.

At 38 years of age I decided to start storm chasing. I had always wanted to. Two years ago I didn't feel like I was learning as fast as I should, so decided to join ST and interact for a while. Even though I've been a ST member for two years and chasing since 2006, I'm a noob. Why is that? Google my name. What do you see? Nothing about storm chasing. In fact, those Wes Carters ain't me.

I'm actually pretty damn happy to be a noob. Why is that? Because I figured out a while back that you don't find happiness in what others think of you. Unless they hate you bad enough to go out of their way to harass you or make your life hell, what does it matter? Find happiness somewhere else and do this stormchasing thing for fun. In my feeble mind, that opens up the whole world. As a noob, that means that you have a whole lot to look forward to. You don't have to complain about 'the good ol' days' being gone because you're just now getting into them.

At least that's the way I see it, but then again more than one person has told me I'm an idiot before and I'm sure someone reading this will think it also. I probably won't sleep more than 8 hours over worrying about it.

 

[Jason Boggs]

When I started high school, I was a freshman. I got no respect. By the time I graduated high school I had gained some.

When I started my first job no one wanted to work with me because they didn't want to have to carry the new guy. After a short while, that changed.

When I joined the Navy I was a recruit. I got ZERO respect. When I got to my first ship, same thing. Six years later, different story.

When I went to work for a mining equipment company, I got no respect because I had never worked underground. That one was difficult, but after a while I was accepted and got along fine.

Several jobs between, same thing each time.

When I came to work where I am now, same thing. I was the new guy. I had plenty of experience in my field, but I had to prove myself again.

At 38 years of age I decided to start storm chasing. I had always wanted to. Two years ago I didn't feel like I was learning as fast as I should, so decided to join ST and interact for a while. Even though I've been a ST member for two years and chasing since 2006, I'm a noob. Why is that? Google my name. What do you see? Nothing about storm chasing. In fact, those Wes Carters ain't me.

I'm actually pretty damn happy to be a noob. Why is that? Because I figured out a while back that you don't find happiness in what others think of you. Unless they hate you bad enough to go out of their way to harass you or make your life hell, what does it matter? Find happiness somewhere else and do this stormchasing thing for fun. In my feeble mind, that opens up the whole world. As a noob, that means that you have a whole lot to look forward to. You don't have to complain about 'the good ol' days' being gone because you're just now getting into them.

At least that's the way I see it, but then again more than one person has told me I'm an idiot before and I'm sure someone reading this will think it also. I probably won't sleep more than 8 hours over worrying about it.

I agree 100%
When I started as a correctional officer in 97, I got no respect from my co-workers or the inmates. That all changed after I worked there for a while and the inmates found out that I wasn't going to put up with their crap. I give them respect, and they give me respect, but they gave me respect once they learned what I was all about. It's all about learning not to overstep the boundaries on either side.

We have tough young officers that are new boots (newbies) there and they think they know it all. They learn real quick that they better pay attention to the officers that have been around a while. They either ignore the learning process and get their ass whipped or quit; or they take the advice and make a good officer.

Same here...you can ignore the advice and get hurt or make a bad name for yourself, or you can take the advice from experienced chasers and do well in this hobby.

 

[Danny Neal]

I agree as well. Hell, I don't even know if I have any respect around here, but that is not for me to decide. Actions speak louder than words. The more people you connect to; the greater chance you have of getting your name out there. I learned quickly when I first joined ST back in 06. I had been following since late 04-early 05 but never had the guts to join. I was still a teenager and was pretty intimidated to see the names "Tim Marshall" "Shane Adams" "Jim Leonard" etc posting. Those 9 years I was chasing before signing up essentially meant squat to everyone else simply because I was the "newbie" on the board. I could talk my game up all I want but fact of the matter was that no one here heard of me and I figured the only way to belong was to have my actions speak louder than my words. Again, I am not sure if I have gained an ounce from anyone, but I do what I love and I like interacting with people that share the passion I have. I don't think there is anyone here that wouldn't help you, it is just how you present yourself to others.

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Thank you for all of the advice. I have taken Skywarn classes (as recently as Spring of 2007 or 2008 in North Mankato, MN at South Central College). I did not register at the end though so I suppose there would be no record of me being there. In any case though, there really is no way to prove I have been chasing storms locally for the time I specified - even if I posted pictures because I never really caught a good clear picture of a tornado until this past season (several funnel clouds but really those could be from anytime and anywhere). Even this year when I chased alot of different places (including June 7, 2009 in southeast Nebraska/northwest Missouri where there were ALOT of chasers, I did not personally meet any of the chasers as I was busy chasing and observing the storms). In any case though, refer to me as a newbie. Maybe I am a newbie compared to most people here and really I suppose it doesn't matter as I am just here to learn (and maybe get to know some people who share similar interests as me).

 

[Tony Perkins]

It's pretty simple to split a newbie into two categories: The newbie to the activity, and the newbie to the community. Just because someone hasn't plastered their name on the internet or been social for 10 years doesn't mean they haven't been doing the activity for 10 years. In that regard, it's good to know the community well before diving into community issues, like regulation, behavior, etc. If you look at being a newbie from that standpoint, it may make you feel a bit more comfortable.

Keep chasing and doing what you love.

 

[Shane Adams]

When I started high school, I was a freshman. I got no respect. By the time I graduated high school I had gained some.

When I started my first job no one wanted to work with me because they didn't want to have to carry the new guy. After a short while, that changed.

When I joined the Navy I was a recruit. I got ZERO respect. When I got to my first ship, same thing. Six years later, different story.

When I went to work for a mining equipment company, I got no respect because I had never worked underground. That one was difficult, but after a while I was accepted and got along fine.

Several jobs between, same thing each time.

When I came to work where I am now, same thing. I was the new guy. I had plenty of experience in my field, but I had to prove myself again.

At 38 years of age I decided to start storm chasing. I had always wanted to. Two years ago I didn't feel like I was learning as fast as I should, so decided to join ST and interact for a while. Even though I've been a ST member for two years and chasing since 2006, I'm a noob. Why is that? Google my name. What do you see? Nothing about storm chasing. In fact, those Wes Carters ain't me.

I'm actually pretty damn happy to be a noob. Why is that? Because I figured out a while back that you don't find happiness in what others think of you. Unless they hate you bad enough to go out of their way to harass you or make your life hell, what does it matter? Find happiness somewhere else and do this stormchasing thing for fun. In my feeble mind, that opens up the whole world. As a noob, that means that you have a whole lot to look forward to. You don't have to complain about 'the good ol' days' being gone because you're just now getting into them.

At least that's the way I see it, but then again more than one person has told me I'm an idiot before and I'm sure someone reading this will think it also. I probably won't sleep more than 8 hours over worrying about it.

Wes is exactly what I was talking about in an earlier post (or thread, I can't keep up anymore) when I mentioned chasers are the people who just start chasing one day, and then a few years later you actually hear about them. The name "Wes Carter" never came to my attention until a while back when I started noticing his occasional posts on here. Nothing boisterous or overbearing, just normal, every day, "I'm participating in this thread" posts. And then I learn he's been quietly chasing a few years on his own. IMO, that's a chaser.

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

I agree Shane and that's exactly what I originally intended to do when I joined here. Then things changed when I mistakenly angered people here and my credibility was challenged. However, I plan to fly under the radar from here on out. Thank you (and everyone who tolerated my ignorance) for your time and efforts in pointing me in the right direction.

...sigh - is it Spring yet?

 

[Paul Hadfield]

However, I plan to fly under the radar from here on out.

Don't do that man. Would be easy to just bow out and fade away, some people might even like that but what's the point of a community if we allow ourselves to be censored by peer intimidation? Be yourself, contribute often, have fun and keep it real. Everything else will work itself out, it always does.

 

[Steve Miller]

Don't do that man. Would be easy to just bow out and fade away, some people might even like that but what's the point of a community if we allow ourselves to be censored by peer intimidation? Be yourself, contribute often, have fun and keep it real. Everything else will work itself out, it always does.

Agreed! Get in here, contribute and learn. Just tread lightly for a little while and you'll be fine!

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Sounds good and will do guys...I look forward to learning what I can so I'm even more prepared for 2010

 

[Robert Dewey]

Jeremy, don't be afraid to speak your mind. If you post a ridiculous thread and people get bent over it, let them cry it off... Just don't get offended if people don't agree with you.

Just from what I've seen here on ST over the past 5-6 years, it's apparent that some decide that recognition / having your name known, credibility, community conformity, DVD sales, and pretty pictures on a website are critical to success... while others believe that personal opinions and experiences are more important. It's up to you to decide what's right for you.

Personally, I'm not into the whole "community" thing. I'm on ST for one thing - share useful information. If people don't recognize my name, I don't really care. My life experiences are my own, and I don't need the almighty recognition in order to enjoy them. Hell, if I was constantly worried about what the "community" or l33t chasers thought of me, I wouldn't have committed "community suicide" multiple times