Excellent observation. While the intent of this site has always been and continues to be to provide a forum for serious tropical discussion, a spot where newbies are free to ask questions and mets and other experienced weather folks provide insight and information, there have recently been some complaints/questions etc. brought to my attention. There are TWO had and fast rules: ONE: NO CUSSIN'. Everyone is abiding by this, so no problem there; TWO: No attackin'. We've had some minor as well as major activity in this area; the major ones have been sent to the graveyard...you know who you are and you should have probably surmised WHY your post has been deleted.

There are also a couple of "unwritten" rules the newer members may not be aware of, and perhaps need to be reiterated now. It might behoove some of the newer members to "go back" and read some of the discussion threads from 2004, particularly at the height of the "big four". We do NOT want to discourage anyone from posting, and everyone is certainly entitled to his/her opinion, it is STRONGLY recommended that long-timers and newbies alike to not "speculate" or "wishcast" about strength and landfall of future hurricanes, especially those that are not within 120 hours of any landfall. Such posts are irresponsible at best and could be dangerous at worst. If you feel you MUST predict 92L's landfall and intensity, for example, at the very least be prepared to back up your prediction with some kind of science; if someone questions this, it had better not be in the form of a direct attack on the poster.

Another unwritten rule is the posting of TWOs TWDs and Special Statements in their entirety on the main board. Not only is this unnecessary and wastes space, these are all available on the front page of every thread on the main board. Feel free to include a link or take select pieces of the TWO/TWD/STS to reinforce a point or ask a question. In the future, any full posting of these will result in their deletion.

Finally, try to keep the "off-topic" posts to a minimum. Often a post which begins "on topic" can quickly get off topic; discussions of animal behavior and their predictive abilities (on topic) can quickly lead to responses which get further and further off topic; they can also lead to direct attacks.

I realize that after 2004 (TSFH) and the extremely active 2005, people are justifiably on-edge. Lets all work together to keep CFHC the best and most informative hurricane site on the net.

Thanks and Cheers,

LI Phil

EDIT: I'm including a link to Site Usage Tips which should make your experience on CFHC even better. Please take time time to read through this as it explains the site's mission and some guidelines!