Real-time Chase Cases (virtual chasing)

Sometimes when I logon and initially look at the sections on the board I think, man I wish there was a new section to check out, but then realize there are probably new and interesting posts in existing sections that I haven't read yet, so I go and give them a "look/see".

I wonder if this is the reason we have informal polls and proposals to add new sections for "real time virtual chase cases" and another for "would you like to see a photography section?" being discussed in the last month or two in this section of the board?

Hopefully these ideas haven't been lost in the shuffle and are being discussed and taken into consideration by the folks who can make it happen. ;)
 
Even if you can't chase you can still participate in the forecast and now threads. Why should we split discussion on a current event into two separate areas? In a forecast thread you can say, "I would target here, because..." even if you aren't chasing. Later on you could say something like. "Based on an initial target of here, I would relocate to here because..."

I agree... I'm not sure what one would want to put in a virtual chase thread that you can't put in a FCST or NOW thread already. If one is just looking for a place to fire off a bunch of one-liner "OK, I'm relocating to **** right now!"-type post, then a weather chatroom is likely a better place than a forum. Otherwise, if you're posting about where you'd target, and why you'd target such a place, then just post in the FCST thread; if you're posting about ongoing weather, then post in the NOW thread. It's an interesting idea - don't get me wrong. However, I'm just confused as to why it's necessary when we have a FCST and NOW thread type as it is. Too many rules or thread types tends to lead to inactivity as it becomes complicated and slightly tedious to figure out where you should be posting. :)
 
Here is from the Target Area sticky on the Special Rules (violation of which can result in account suspension/deletion):
(3) Prohibited content. Users may NOT post the following:
* Weather bulletins and forecast images, except as brief excerpts, in moderation, and with an explanation of their meteorological relevance;
* Links without an explanation of their meteorological relevance;
* Noise: posts containing only exclamations, salutations, witticisms, or personal anecdote (e.g. "I sure hope we get a storm. Bye!");
* Content containing no information relevant to the topic.
* Non-weather content, including complaints about others posts. Use the "Report this post" feature at the top of a post to complain about improper content. We welcome suggestions but these should be made elsewhere (namely at Information Desk).
These rules are fine for experienced forecasters and help keep the quality of the Target Area posts high. David is focusing mainly on the Virtual Chase aspects of his idea. Others in this thread see it as a way to encourage those who are just learning forecasting or otherwise feel a lack of confidence for posting in the Target Area.

Specifically, I see the proposed area as being one where learners (and those less confident) WOULD be posting "Weather bulletins and forecast images" IN MORE than brief excerpts (as we have done with the Historical Chase Cases) and "with an explanation of their meteorological relevance" as part of the learning process. This would be in direct violation of the special Target Area rules, above. Those that wish to mentor might come in and point to specific features of the maps and explain "this is why I would go here" (for example).

Continuing to encourage posting in the current areas under the current rules will result in a continuation of the current situation, which is that many feel they should NOT post in the Target Area (either because they lack confidence in their forecasting abilities or fear running afoul of the Special Rules). The proposed area would not be bound by these Special Rules and would thus encourage more inexperienced voices to speak (and learn). It would also not result in a degradation of the Target Area from the current levels of quality.
 
I agree... I'm not sure what one would want to put in a virtual chase thread that you can't put in a FCST or NOW thread already. If one is just looking for a place to fire off a bunch of one-liner "OK, I'm relocating to **** right now!"-type post, then a weather chatroom is likely a better place than a forum. Otherwise, if you're posting about where you'd target, and why you'd target such a place, then just post in the FCST thread; if you're posting about ongoing weather, then post in the NOW thread. It's an interesting idea - don't get me wrong. However, I'm just confused as to why it's necessary when we have a FCST and NOW thread type as it is. Too many rules or thread types tends to lead to inactivity as it becomes complicated and slightly tedious to figure out where you should be posting. :)

I'd say the difference would be that the Virtual Chase Case would be more of a competitive game with restrictions (related to real chase issues) which would make it and it's outcomes different than simply posting a forecast. With VCC you would be limited by position and ability to reposition. Depending on rules, restrictions, game play ideas, etc the VCC could be quite a different animal from just posting forecasts. Plus I believe a lot of people that aren't that experienced as forecasters are probably a little intimidated to post their forecast in a strict highly moderated Target Area. A VCC would encourage more to participate and have fun.
 
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