Let’s All Take A Deep Breath
I have tried to spend a little time this afternoon reviewing blog comments; I was pretty much off the grid this weekend, and busy as usual this morning with radio duties. Long time readers know the comments get a little heated during any mention of the word snow, complete with everybody from people looking for information, bringing their opinion to the table, constructive criticism, kind words, and of course, the trolls, haters, and know-it-alls.
Let me make a few points, and then, in the words of Forrest Gump, “that is all I have to say about that”.
*Open comments will always be a part of the blog. Media today should be a conversation, never one way. Having said that, we do not allow personal attacks, profanity, or people posting mis-information that can be harmful to the general public. Some comments go to moderation; sometimes based on our input, and at other times based on the automated comment filtering system we use. Moderated comments are posted as soon as we can get to them. And yes, some are banned due to multiple violations.
*One of our system administrators, Trey Nolen, made these comments concerning the “high traffic mode”, and I think you need to see it here:
“As one of the system admins, I’d like to address the high traffic mode comments. To avoid high traffic mode would require at least two additional servers, with corresponding increase in cost. Over the weekend, this server was pushing 100Mbit for several hours, which is the limit of the network card installed in it. The blog is based on WordPress, which can be scaled up through load balancing and distribution of the database, but these costs represent a minimum of 200% over and above what is in place now. High traffic mode was used minimally over the last few days even though the traffic in the last month represents 20% of the total traffic in the last 10 months – meaning we are averaging double the traffic. The peak of that traffic came in three days. Those three days represent the maximum traffic seen in several years. We also implemented a Live Chat section which does not shut down in the event of high traffic mode. People are welcome to log in to live chat and ask for whatever information they need. As for the majority of users, they need to be able to receive information as quickly as possible. You can think of it like you do a news cast — you watch the news, but you don’t have a forum on the TV. There are many active readers that do like to comment, and we do understand that and try to keep the use of high traffic mode to a minimum, but we do have to look out for the interest and safety of the majority of users who just need to get the latest information from the blog. Trust me, if it were up to me, we’d put it in high traffic mode and leave it there for the duration of an event – it would be much less work. Our staff has to monitor the server for usage and switch it over when needed (or not needed). But James and his partners have been clear that they want comments enabled as much as possible.”
*Do a search on “weather blog” on Google… and see who comes up first. Among the thousand of weather blogs in the world. Yep, our little weather blog that serves the people of Alabama and the southern U.S. The number one Google rank is due to the very high volume of traffic we generate, along with the active participation of our readers. We work long, hard hours on producing the discussions and videos here, and will continue to do so. We consider all you part of our “blog family”, and like any family, we have squabbles from time to time. You just have to forgive, forget and move on.
*I am honestly amazing by the number of people we serve here day in and day out… we are clearly aware of the responsibility that comes with it. Trust me, I don’t take it lightly. It is why I am up at 4:52 a.m. weekday mornings after getting home at midnight, and why we have 8 meteorologists here that can handle the load when I am handling other duties. Thanks for being a part of the family.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
For my part, I’m thankful to all of you who do the hard work and take the time to get it out to the public. I’ve quit looking at other weather sites for the most part, because I appreciate the straightforwardness with the information I get here. I have a lot of respect for folks who occasionally say “Hey, we actually don’t know for sure, but here’s what we’re thinking.” I also appreciate getting such a great deal on weather information. Since, you know, I’m not actually paying ANYTHING for it.
My hat’s off to you guys for your hard work. Thanks for doing the best you can.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
As always hats off to all of you at 33/40! There’s absolutly no guarantees with the weather and way too much negativity out there so hey folks if you don’t like the forcast go “old School”..stick your head out the window and see what’s going on the view will probably be better than where your heads at now!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I check this blog five times a day and never comment, I expect 99.9% of your (satisfied) readers do the same. Anyway, way to go guys, love that you make this resource available!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Im from north alabama but still check here daily for my weather needs. There is no other weather group with as up to date information and from as well respected mets anywhere around here. Period. Those of you closer by should be thankful that you have the best mets in the state serving your area. Most mets only can pass on info they have received from other sources such as the NWS and such. The ones here, have enough background and knowledge to understand the weather dynamics enough to make their own forecasts, etc. God bless you all.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
interesting comments
February 15th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I want to express my appreciation for the hard work and long hours given by the weather team at ABC 33/40. There’s a lot more at stake than just predicting the chance of snow…should school buses run, should people risk traveling to work, will older people living alone need assistance, should grocers stock more bread and milk (never understood that), etc. Quite literally in an extreme case, it is a matter of life and death. The weather team is “d—-d if they do, d—-d if they don’t.” I’d much rather err on the cautious side. I suspect that the people who do the irrational ranting when the forecast turns out to be less than accurate are the same ones who tailgate me when I’m traveling slowly and carefully on a snowy, and possibly icy, road. I wish those people would stay home…they’re what make our roads more dangerous than ice.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Even though I am in the Atlanta DMA, I come here to get the weather. I trust James and the gang to give me the best information regarding the weather. Good job guys.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
In my opinion James….You & your team deserve the “Nobel Peace Prize” not Obama or Gore. Thanks for all you guys do. Trey, thanks for the explanation. It is very much appreciated when someone takes the time to explain why or why not when something is available or in some cases not available. I have always been a why person….you learn a lot of information that way…; )
James, as I’ve shared with you in the past…when severe weather is here..NO WHERE IS BETTER than here or your team on TV. I’ve been through 2 tornadoes with my family in 1998 & 2008, and praise God we were safe…the house may not have faired so well…but that can be fixed or replaced…family can’t.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
As always, I appreciate everything 3340 does for us. The chatroom was hopping all evening. It did however, get a little mean there. My suggestion is to have a moderator there more often if possible.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
You guys are awesome! I hope you don’t let the ‘negative commentors’ get you down. They obviously have nothing better to do with their time. You guys do a great job. My family and I don’t watch any other news cast. Ya’ll are the best!
p.s. obviously those negative people listen to what you guys say as well, or else they’d be watching other news/weather casters.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I usually never post I’m always just the reader. I did, however, want to just say ‘thanks’ to the entire ABC 33/40 weather team. I know it can’t possibly be easy doing your job. So, I wanted you all to know that by my husband, myself & our entire extended family… you are all much appreciated and your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Like I said on FB, we were prepared either way….snow or no snow. Folks need to remember that the Blizzard of 93 was in March, so therefore there will be other chances for snow….I think Friday was enough for me, since we had alot of wrecks and stuff. Don’t worry, Spring will be here soon, and we’ll have to worry about things that can do much more destructive things. I do think the NWS did play this up a little too much, but as many have said before, plan for the worse. Or look at it the other way around, what if it was said “all were getting is flurries.” And ended up will 3 feet, many would be upset there too. Preparation is the key tool here and lots of caffine.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I soooo appreciate the work you all do. This place is an invaluable resource. Not only have I learned so much and it had piqued my interest in all things weather, but I have also learned how to keep myself and my loved ones safe during different situations.
You guys are the best. I sincerely thank God for you.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Well, as a person who grew up loving weather and forcasting (when there was little info or resources to bounce off of except local Mets daily weather forcasts during the nightly news), I must say this blog is right up my alley. I LOVE IT! Thanks for ‘weathering’ the word storms, James, and keeping us able to communicate our thoughts and feelings on the weather…regardless how it turns out.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
You guys rock! Thank you for all you do!!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I sometimes am not happy with inconveniences weather brings and sometimes not like snippets said here or there but I have to say that there’s a reason for being on the top of google search. You’re not only loved and accepted on a local level but at a regional and national level one as well. You are #1 with what you do. Better than outside Birmingham markets. I’m glad you consider me part of your family- makes me smile!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Thanks for all that you do! I check the blog constantly and wouldn’t think of looking elsewhere for weather information. The world will always have hateful folks out there, but it will also have appreciative ones who will never turn their backs. Thanks again, to the whole team, you all do a wonderful job!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I’m in North Alabama. Never even knew about this blog until my wife showed me on her Facebook (she’s a fan of the man, James Spann
). Forecasting snow in the Tennessee Valley portion of Alabama is ridiculously unreliable and it is no one’s fault. It just IS. People need to understand that meteorologists explain the weather and tell us their science-based predictions. Things don’t happen as planned in the natural world. HIV was discovered by scientists looking for something else in cancer research. Sometimes it exceeds wildest dreamss. The polio vaccine was tested on Jonas Salk himself, and his family, first before it was shared with the whole nation, virtually eliminating polio. And, often, it doesn’t snow much in north Alabama even when more snow is predicted.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY TWO CENTS. THE FRIDAY SNOW WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL. MY SON AND I PLAYED AND HAD MORE FUN THAN I CAN EVER REMEMBER. THE ENTIRE SCENE CHANGED FOR THE ENTIRE EVENING. I AM JUST A GOOD OLE MIDDLE CLASS GUY. I CANT JUST HOP ON A PLANE AND TAKE WONDERFUL SKI TRIPS AND SUCH IN THE WINTER. SO GETTING SNOW IN MY BACKYARD IS HUGE. I HAVE HEARD HOW JAMES TALKS ABOUT HOW PEOPLE GET AROUND HERE ABOUT SNOW AND I DON’T KNOW IF IT MAKES HIM ANGRY OR WHAT BUT ITS SUCH A BIG DEAL FOR US MIDDLE CLASS FOLKS AND I DON’T THINK ANYONE UNDERSTANDS THAT. GETTING A DAY OFF FROM WORK OR SCHOOL IS SO HUGE! DAY IN AND DAY OUT OUR SCENES AROUND HERE ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME. IT’S JUST NICE TO TAKE A BREAK FOR A DAY. I WISHED I HAD THE MONEY TO SHOOT UP NORTH AND GET TO SEE SNOW ON A REGULAR BASIS THEN I HONESTLY COULD CARE LESS IF WE GOT ANY OR NOT. SNOW, IS A BIG DEAL TO MOST OF US. SO, YES, WHEN A FORECAST CALLS FOR 2-4 INCHES AND WINTER STORM WARNINGS ARE UP AND THE BLOG IS JUMPING WITH POSTS FROM THE WEATHER TEAM TALKING ABOUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD SNOW EVENT AND HOW ITS LOOKING GOOD AND STUFF THEN YOU WAKE UP AND FIND NOTHING….WELL, ITS A LITTLE SAD AND I GUESS SOME OF US ARE JUST TRYING TO FIND A LITTLE JOY IN LIFE AND SNOW SEEMS TO DO THE TRICK. I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE GOING TO READ THIS THAT MAKE GOOD MONEY AND TAKE TRIPS EVERYWHERE AND YOUR NOT GOING TO UNDERSTAND THIS. IF YOU ARE LIKE ME AND LIVE FROM PAY DAY TO PAY DAY AND HAVE TO WATCH NICKEL AND DIMES THEN YOU MIGHT GET IT. I GUESS A GOOD ONE WOULD BE…IF YOU HAVE EVER CUSSED OUT A WEATHER MAN BECAUSE IT DID NOT SNOW THEN YOU MIGHT BE A REDNECK…LOL I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A BLESSED EVENING!!
February 15th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I love this blog and Really am glad you guys keep us updated. People need to Realize you give us a FORECAST, which is just your best guess according to data you see…there is no way you can always get it right and HELLO people, we live in Alabama, you should be use to unpredictable weather! Better safe than sorry, and I know I Had to go to work seeing how I work at a hospital,and I was more cautious driving thanks to you guys! Keep up the good work*
February 15th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
I am a proud “weather wienie” and weather is my only addiction. I love this site and hate when folks seem to take forecasts and predictions as a personal attack if it does not go just like they want. We could not possibly hope for a better staff of Mets. I have lived in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana and Alabama; and there has never been a group of Mets anywhere I have been who even come close to the guys and gal here at ABC 33/40. I greatly thank you for what you do, your dedication to feeding our addiction and also for putting up with us. I know putting up with us amateurs and some of our under-educated statements has got to be hard sometimes. We love and appreciate you guys more than most of us will ever be able to express.
Trey and the other behind the scenes folks, I would also like to tell you how much we appreciate the hard work you do to keep this thing running. This is not something that has to be provided through ABC 33/40 so I hope that everyone will consider that before loosing their cool.
As I always say, “The anticipation and being able to talk about the possibilities of snow and other weather events is half the fun. Thanks again.
Rockyj
February 15th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I heard a piece on NPR last week that pointed out that weather forecasting was part art and part science. You use the science, but it is partly an art. In the 50′s and 60′s Birmingham usually got measurable snow about every other year enough to close the schools. Sometimes it would hang around a couple of days. Today, we rarely get snow that lasts more than a few hours. I do not know why that is. Maybe the growth of Birmingham and the increase of asphalt and concrete has changed the weather patterns. We are now an Urban Heat Island. I do not know if this makes a difference of not. Anyway, my approach is to basically ignore predictions of snow and go about business as usual. If the roads are icy, then stay off of them, but don’t spend so much time worrying about it two or three days in advance. The fact is that these days, it is a pretty good bet that snow is not going to be an issue around here. The folks who predict the weather do better if they downplay any chance of snow. They will be correct more often if they say “No snow” than if they try to predict it using the models. Clearly the models have a problem when it comes to predicting snow in Birmingham.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
If someone older than about 8 gets worked up because it doesn’t snow, he or she doesn’t have much to worry about.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Have you guys considered setting up a subscriber type blog. One where anyone can read but to comment you have to be a subscriber. Shut down the option to subscribe during high traffic times. I notice most of the time it’s the same folks commenting. But during “events” random people post stuff like “how much snow for anytown?” Read the BLOG!!! That way, your regular readers will still have all the options that we normally have and the information would still be available to your fair weather readers (fair weather meaning storms, snow, tornadoes and hurricanes). I don’t know what all that would entail, but it’s just a thought.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Well, it has been difficult times in the economy for everyone. I see it everyday in my job. As James says, let’s take a deep breath. This winter weather has been unusual for Bham. Maybe heating bills are high, etc., but spring is almost here. I am thankful i didnt have to drive to work. My husband did go to UAB and taught class, did research and we thought of UAH often this weekend.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
My college dean of chapel staff is sending a team here to do a Habitat for Humanity house! I look forward to seeing them, maybe making some chili, etc.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Somebody help me out, please
When the blog goes into “high traffic mode”, I can’t get to to the live weather chat. I assumed that was one of the “advanced features” that were not available.
When I would click on it on the left sidebar, it would just refresh the blog page, not take me to the “live chat Here” with the direct link.
I was on chat and got knocked off, but couldn’t get back on as long as the blog was in “high traffic mode”. What was I doing wrong? Is this a firefox feature (I just thought of that. I wasn’t using IE)
Thanks everyone for your continued dedication to this community. I’ve lived in several “big cities” and nothing comes close to the weather team here.