Regional threads - changes for summer?

[Polar Maritime]

I understand both sides of the argument, but I'm not here to argue over that, I just started posting in the general weather thread without giving it a second thought to be honest.

Anyway, I just have one concern, if the regional threads get combined to a suggested, e.g.'southern England' thread, and then we have a severe weather event, be it Summer or Winter, would the threads not fill up too quickly? It would get very hectic indeed. Just a thought!

 

I'm sure if this came into effect, during any "notable weather event" the threads would be re-opened to cover a wider area again.

 

On a side note...As Nick states, All we expect from members is for them to respect the relevant threads and rules set-out by Paul on this fantastic weather Forum, They are put in place to help everyone get along and things to run smoothly

Edited May 5, 2014 by Polar Maritime

[Cyclonic]

 I just have one concern, if the regional threads get combined to a suggested, e.g.'southern England' thread, and then we have a severe weather event, be it Summer or Winter, would the threads not fill up too quickly? It would get very hectic indeed. Just a thought!

That is where threads get closed in that section and new ones re-open, it saves the back log of posting/people unable to follow the events taking place etc and then the thread becomes clean again. Many times during the bad weather we had threads where closed due to the masses of posting in them, then new threads re-opened with a link provided for the new thread.

[A.J]

I understand both sides of the argument, but I'm not here to argue over that, I just started posting in the general weather thread without giving it a second thought to be honest.Anyway, I just have one concern, if the regional threads get combined to a suggested, e.g.'southern England' thread, and then we have a severe weather event, be it Summer or Winter, would the threads not fill up too quickly? It would get very hectic indeed. Just a thought!

it's a straightforward admin procedure to reopen all regional threads should a regional severe weather event occur during the summer months, and during the winter months, all of the regional threads are open anyway so there's no issue there

 

 

just to add, it's the hectic times where the forum team really earn their pay......

 

 

...hang on, pay?...what pay?........

Edited May 5, 2014 by ajpoolshark

[Mapantz]

If the regional threads are to be opened during any events, then that's fine with me. I was just under the impression that they would go completely, and the new combined one's would only exist. All good then!

[Bobby]

One proposal I'll put forward as a compromise for people to consider is to go with 3 regions: 1. Northern Britain (Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland), 2. Southern Britain (Midlands, Wales, East Anglia, Southern England) and 3. EIRE.

 

I don't see how Wales can be in the the same region as East Anglia, opposite ends of the country and often a different world in terms of weather!

 

Perhaps Wales/SW England, S/SE England, Midlands, N and E England, Scotland and Eire or something?

 

I can understand the logic of closing them for summer but I do like the regional threads, if something interesting occurs it's nice to pop in discuss it with the neighbours. Although they can be quiet for long periods if an exciting weather event develops they can light up. Seems a hassle opening and closing, opening and closing, opening and closing every time something interesting happens somewhere?

 

I read other region's threads too if there's action somewhere else, you can get more information on what's happening (reports etc) than in say the convective thread, if there's a storm.

[Neilsouth]

Ok, having looked at this I do agree with the fact that some prior discussion would have been reasonable, so as of just now the regionals are unlocked and will stay that way for at least the next 7 days. 

 

In the meantime I think we need to continue with the discussion in here, particularly with a view to using the larger regions as noted above, something similar or going withthe original plan to close the regions for the time being. Hopefully though this will take some of the heat out of the discussion and allow everyone to express an opinion without being riled up by the fact that the threads are currently closed. 

 

Hands up, I think it was a mistake to close without some discussion first and that's my fault for pushing it through fairly speedily, so apologies - it was done with the best of intentions but maybe in the wrong way. Hopefully now we can move forward from this point and come up with something that works for everyone though. 

 

Paul

 

I for one am no saint, I have caused my own fair share of problems.

 

But what I've never liked is the general attitude of well I'm changing it, tough if it's done and it's a great idea because I think it is. Then everyone else must suck it up, it's the same with those annoying flashing weather news below the first post. Something that was put in, and some didn't like and some did but again tough it's staying. This really is a council mentality, you're the prime minister of the forum and the moderators are the councillors, the yes men.

 

When ever a decision needs to be made that affects the forum in some way, then a discussion should go ahead before hand. It's a community after all, let the community discuss. 

 

I'm glad you've unlocked them again and they should stay open, it does the forum no harm and everyone is happy. I visit the regional on a regular basis, it's a nice place that us locals can chat.

[Bluebreezer54]

I for one am no saint, I have caused my own fair share of problems.

 

But what I've never liked is the general attitude of well I'm changing it, tough if it's done and it's a great idea because I think it is. Then everyone else must suck it up

Victor...... Paul has conceded it was a mistake to close the regionals down so suddenly and has since re-opened them for the time being at least. Bottom line is it's his website and he can run it however he wishes. I am one of many who thought it was a wrong decision imposed too hastily, but Paul has at least admitted that and is reconsidering the options.

 

Personally I am very grateful for this website but it would be nothing without the many thousands of members who contribute. It would be a shame if just a tiny minority spoil it for the vast majority, and thats where I think the current problem lays.

[Jax]

Victor...... Paul has conceded it was a mistake to close the regionals down so suddenly and has since re-opened them for the time being at least. Bottom line is it's his website and he can run it however he wishes. I am one of many who thought it was a wrong decision imposed too hastily, but Paul has at least admitted that and is reconsidering the options.

 

Personally I am very grateful for this website but it would be nothing without the many thousands of members who contribute. It would be a shame if just a tiny minority spoil it for the vast majority, and thats where I think the current problem lays.

Amen to that.

 

The forum is a diverse ecology but still it is one that arose from a purpose and seeks to accomodate ( and mainly does that very well ), nothing could be 100% right all the time for all the people, balance is important in such endeavours.

[A.J]

I for one am no saint, I have caused my own fair share of problems.

 

But what I've never liked is the general attitude of well I'm changing it, tough if it's done and it's a great idea because I think it is. Then everyone else must suck it up, it's the same with those annoying flashing weather news below the first post. Something that was put in, and some didn't like and some did but again tough it's staying. This really is a council mentality, you're the prime minister of the forum and the moderators are the councillors, the yes men.

 

When ever a decision needs to be made that affects the forum in some way, then a discussion should go ahead before hand. It's a community after all, let the community discuss. 

 

I'm glad you've unlocked them again and they should stay open, it does the forum no harm and everyone is happy. I visit the regional on a regular basis, it's a nice place that us locals can chat.

actually Neil, it's a privately owned website and forum, something quite a few people don't seem to realise or remember......Bare in mind that membership of this site/forum is not a god given right...In theory, the site owners can do whatever they want with no notice if it so pleased them................with the greatest respect, please research before posting, as your post doesn't hold much credibility......

[dec10snow]

 Come on folks, we coped perfectly fine before the regional threads.

I couldn't help but notice this comment... Yes, people did cope without regionals before... But that was before! People coped without cars before they were invented, but now they're here, people get used to having them round, and it feels wrong without them.I think it's a good decision to keep the regionals open for the time being, although making the areas larger wouldn't be a bad call I'd suggest, especially when they get quiet!

[Reefseeker]

My views, for what they are worth, I like the casual feel of the regionals and while they weren't around for a day, wasn't quite sure where to go and certainly felt there was nowhere suitable for me to post. The vast majority of my 600+ posts are in the regionals as it's the only place I feel comfortable posting, which equals less participation for me personally when they are not around.

In common with many others, I have nothing to contribute in the MDT due to no weather knowledge at all, although I visit it several times a week. I thought about the general weather chat thread, but as members of the SE thread may have noticed, I tend to add something to my weather reports, be that some pics, a comment on the drive to or from work, etc. I could change my behaviour but this would reduce how frequently I post substantially. I like a community where people can contribute weather and the odd bit about their lives if they wish. Being in the SE thread, I am well aware this can lead to some difficulties and trolling behaviour, and I would not want to think that the well-behaved majority end up paying for the bad behaviour of the minority (and believe me, most of us know who they are). Finding a relaxed place to read and post is why I like regionals as they have evolved. I would seek out something the same if they were not around, or not post.

Frankly, I was less concerned with my posting and more concerned about the loss of some of our great regional posters, in particular JP and Tamara, but also Perfect Storm, Captain Shortwave, Miguel and the like of our younger members plus a few others. They post deliberately in the regional thread with the regional thread audience in mind. Re: for example, JP's daily updates, where would they appear? I would also miss the regulars - you know who you are - many of whom truly embody the positive spirit of the regionals very well.

Finally, I wonder how this may impact site traffic. Without the regionals, I won't visit other threads as a direct substitute, I will simply visit the site less and for a shorter amount of time. Therefore keeping some form of informal posting area is important, IMHO, even in a bigger geographical area, as per Paul's earlier guidelines (which are helpful), as this will keep the non-weather expert/those less weather focused, somewhere to feel at home. Of course this is a private company, however part of its market position is inevitably derived from the strength, dynamism and competence of the community, who inevitably in return feel some sense of ownership of Netweather. This is why this type of discussion/consultation with stakeholders is so important, and so is keeping the regional threads in some form or another, outside of the 'extreme' weather episodes.

Edited May 5, 2014 by Reefseeker

[Neilsouth]

actually Neil, it's a privately owned website and forum, something quite a few people don't seem to realise or remember......Bare in mind that membership of this site/forum is not a god given right...In theory, the site owners can do whatever they want with no notice if it so pleased them................with the greatest respect, please research before posting, as your post doesn't hold much credibility......

 

Privately owned yes, but it's still a community and it's the community that keep you going. Where would you be if nobody purchased a subscription?  You can have the best shop in the world, but with no customers, you'll close. 

 

Edited May 5, 2014 by Victor Meldrew
Perhaps you need to refresh yourself with the no-sniping comments Paul's made recently?

[Paul]

One thing to add at the moment and that's to say this isn't about 'business decisions' so to speak - it's about what is best for the community, and has always been about that. 

 

VM, I know you like to see things as black and white, but in the real world they're not. You can't please everyone all of the time and so therefore to make any changes, updates or additions it's a fact of life that someone is likely to be disappointed. If we waited to get 100% satisfaction when doing anything on the community we'd never even have upgraded from the software, layout and features we used on day 1 some 11 years ago, as many people loved that and didn't like the change - until the majority got used to it.

 

I'm all for listening, hence the discussion we're having now and certainly don't have a like it or lump it attitude but at the same time I'm realistic enough to know that no matter what we ever do or don't do, some will be pleased, some will be not that bothered and some will be disappointed regardless.

[Neilsouth]

haha OON, I thought'd you'd retired

Thanks for that Paul

[Bluebreezer54]

....... it's a privately owned website and forum, something quite a few people don't seem to realise or remember......Bare in mind that membership of this site/forum is not a god given right...In theory, the site owners can do whatever they want with no notice if it so pleased them......

 

With all due respect AJ  I think most regular members and posters are well aware of this and respect the fact. Newcomers may not realise and perhaps should be forewarned ?

 

I have the greatest respect for all the folk who put their time and effort into keeping this website going, but  please don't lose sight of the fact it's a two way street. Without the members who contribute the site would be a pretty barren place.

[Paul]

I have the greatest respect for all the folk who put their time and effort into keeping this website going, but  please don't lose sight of the fact it's a two way street. Without the members who contribute the site would be a pretty barren place.

 

Which is pretty much what I said below the post you've quoted and responded to, and has been said several times. Can we maybe move on and actually discuss what people think of the suggestion to widen the regions etc?

[lassie23]

Wider regions sounds good to me! Not sure how you'd do it though!

Edited May 5, 2014 by lassie23

[Flaked Queen]

Hi first off I do think there should have been a regional vote but also kind of agree as most ppl are out enjoying the summer than to post .. If not there are other forums to post on and when the forums get busy ( normally winter for snow ) re open it ? To be fair it must be hard moderating the forums when ppl have a private life to be getting on with and if the regional forums are quiet frees up more time for them .

Edited May 5, 2014 by Nick L
Removing the bit you knew would be removed anyway

[Bluebreezer54]

Which is pretty much what I said below the post you've quoted and responded to, and has been said several times. Can we maybe move on and actually discuss what people think of the suggestion to widen the regions etc?

When you say widening the regions Paul what do you have in mind ?

 

I would say the best option would be to carve it up into countries. One forum each for Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England.

[Flaked Queen]

With all due respect why remove it when ppl are skirting round the problem ?!? Deal with the problem then there won't be any problems .... After all shouldn't ppl know the truth ?

[Nick L]

With all due respect why remove it when ppl are skirting round the problem ?!? Deal with the problem then there won't be any problems .... After all shouldn't ppl know the truth ?

 

This is a discussion about what format the regional threads should take over the summer. That is all.

[Flaked Queen]

This is a discussion about what format the regional threads should take over the summer. That is all.

No that's not all ty !As clearly like Paul said it was PARTLY to do with what happend in the forum !

Considering this is meant to be a debate about the future of the Regional thread this summer, perhaps it would be a good idea to allow people to express their views and then counter those views if you feel the need, much better than editing things out that don't suit you. I have personally experienced a post being completely unjustly edited today in the Regional thread and I'm not impressed. This Big Brother stuff is becoming a real switch off already!

Clearly only allowed to say what some want to hear :/

[Hairy Celt]

When you say widening the regions Paul what do you have in mind ?

 

I would say the best option would be to carve it up into countries. One forum each for Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England.

 

That would get my vote, selfishly because it retains the Scottish thread intact.

 

With all due respect why remove it when ppl are skirting round the problem ?!? Deal with the problem then there won't be any problems .... After all shouldn't ppl know the truth ?

 

The truth? Is there a conspiracy? I think we should all be told what dark, evil mysteries are hidden in NW Towers...

(Lol, never mind, I think there's more likely some paranoia here I'm not bothered about!)

Edited May 5, 2014 by Hairy Celt

[knocker]

When you say widening the regions Paul what do you have in mind ?

 

I would say the best option would be to carve it up into countries. One forum each for Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England.

 

If it's absolutely necessary I would think this the best solution. The south west/central thread already stretches from the SI nearly to London anyway. I would just add Cornwall to the list of countries to keep a Celtic block, so to speak.

[Paul]

I am getting sick of certain people attempting to dictate what the team should or shouldn't be doing on the forums - there is a core of people who in recent times seem to think they are at liberty to contact the team with pretty sharp and ott messages demanding action against against people they apparently don't like or equally taking some sort offence when similar action is taken on their posts or their friends posts. It's ridiclous - the team are volunteers, we all do our best for the community, strive to be fair, reasonable and polite and don't deserve to be talked to like some sort of online servant, ignored or frankly disrespected like this.

 

This is a thread about the future of the regional discussions, nothing more or less - if a team member decided to edit or remove a post because someone is straying way off topic and likely to derail the thread than that is entirely their call. 

 

If you're unsure about anything the team does, feel free to pm them, me or any other member of the team and ask for an explanation as to why they have taken the action they have (although in the case of edited posts a message is usually left anyway, and 99% of the time a pm would be sent otherwise or if the post is removed anyway). What is not acceptable is to then mouth off in the thread, throw silly accusations, conspiracy theories and the like and generally derail things any further. I'm pretty astounded by the way some people are carrying on, and have been carrying on in places like the SE thread of late and it has to stop, and stop now.