Over the last few months I have toyed with the idea of creating a Facebook group with the hope of moving the discussion to a social media environment. It was here that I appreciated that Facebook and social media in general just is not a good place for a weather group if we want to avoid mediocrity.
The media and the weather have always had a rough time, when storms don't materialise as expected the media completely ridicules forecasters and all those who work in the meteorological field. I have the utmost most sympathy with forecasters, no matter the latest computers and forecasts models mother nature doesn't always play ball. That's what makes the weather so interesting for me.
But then along comes social media which absolutely amplifies that ridicule 100 times over. We are now bombarded by sensational crap on social media from so called reputable media outlets.
"626 mile wall of snow to bury the nation under 54cms of snow"
"Beast from Siberia will send the nation to stock up on food"
54cm, 626 mile... seriously accurate man!!
I've seen similar headlines in various European countries, so I can imagine the same critisism heads toward the weather forecasters there too when the headlines fall flat!!
I could go on with the examples, but it's unfortunate that 99% of the public will believe these headlines as they don't know any better. Then of course these "headlines" don't pan out as they expect and the weather forecast industry is one again ridiculed.
I hope to encourage members from the profession on this board in time, it would be a bonus to have some experts who are willing to share their experience and knowledge but who could blame them for shying away...... "no thanks it is not worth the moaning and complaining"! We shall see.
Back in 2005 when I ran a successful board in Canada, we had a number of meteorologists and climatologists on the groups who regularly participated answering questions, sharing forecasts and their thoughts on upcoming weather events.
Anyone else find the media and social media annoying when it comes to the weather?
The media and the weather have always had a rough time, when storms don't materialise as expected the media completely ridicules forecasters and all those who work in the meteorological field. I have the utmost most sympathy with forecasters, no matter the latest computers and forecasts models mother nature doesn't always play ball. That's what makes the weather so interesting for me.
But then along comes social media which absolutely amplifies that ridicule 100 times over. We are now bombarded by sensational crap on social media from so called reputable media outlets.
"626 mile wall of snow to bury the nation under 54cms of snow"
"Beast from Siberia will send the nation to stock up on food"
54cm, 626 mile... seriously accurate man!!
I've seen similar headlines in various European countries, so I can imagine the same critisism heads toward the weather forecasters there too when the headlines fall flat!!
I could go on with the examples, but it's unfortunate that 99% of the public will believe these headlines as they don't know any better. Then of course these "headlines" don't pan out as they expect and the weather forecast industry is one again ridiculed.
I hope to encourage members from the profession on this board in time, it would be a bonus to have some experts who are willing to share their experience and knowledge but who could blame them for shying away...... "no thanks it is not worth the moaning and complaining"! We shall see.
Back in 2005 when I ran a successful board in Canada, we had a number of meteorologists and climatologists on the groups who regularly participated answering questions, sharing forecasts and their thoughts on upcoming weather events.
Anyone else find the media and social media annoying when it comes to the weather?
