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Weather Related Organizations => AWEKAS => Topic started by: up10ad N9RJH on May 23, 2010, 03:37:39 PM

Title: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 23, 2010, 03:37:39 PM
I received the following email today from AKEWAS, complaining that my pressure is reading too low, and to that I have used one of my webcams to temporarily point to my foaling pen:

> Dear AWEKAS Member
> Your station is sending invalid values to AWEKAS Weather Network. One of our operators has disabled the following sensor(s):
> air pressure (wrong value: 991.4hPa )
> The blocking of the sensor(s) is for 24 hours and will be automatically removed at Mon, 24.05.2010 19:11 UTC
> Please check your sensors and transmission unit.
> If this mail is unjustified please contact us by mail at mail@awekas.at.
>
> The administrator has added the following note: Air pressure 10-12 haPa too low. On a weatherwebcam i expect landscape and heaven, not a mare and its foal.

My cam (one of two) makes it clear that it is only temporarily pointed at the mare and foal, and I'll be darned if some PWS compiler located 10,000 miles away is going to tell me what I can do with my personal station.

Mine is a Personal Weather Station, and a very professional one at that.  My viewers are local and regional, and they actually like watching the foals being born on cam each year.  It is one of the things that makes my weather site much more appealing to my visitors that other weather sites.

I'm not at all happy and have have pulled the plug on AWEKAS.  Your comments are welcome.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: sam2004gp on May 23, 2010, 03:55:11 PM
I am behind you.  =D>
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Downlinerz2 on May 23, 2010, 04:02:36 PM
    Good Job!!  =D> =D> =D>
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: lddaly on May 23, 2010, 04:10:07 PM
Good call!  =D>
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 23, 2010, 04:13:52 PM
As this settles into my brain I can't help but wonder why a site like AWEKAS, that relies on volunteers to freely contribute their data, would behave in such a manner.  As most of you know, I run USAWeatherFinder.com and, apart from requiring data from an actual weather station, I wouldn't dream of suggesting what is or is not appropriate content for any member site. 
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Axelvold on May 23, 2010, 04:18:12 PM
You are absolutely right Rick

I do not like their tone, it was a bit rude I think.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 23, 2010, 04:20:38 PM
You are absolutely right Rick

I do not like their tone, it was a bit rude I think.
Thanks for the non-US perspective Lars, I appreciate it.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Axelvold on May 23, 2010, 04:31:52 PM
Your welcome Rick

One thing that puzzles me is how could they be so sure that your data is incorrect?
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Weather Display on May 23, 2010, 04:43:23 PM
do take into consideration cultural differences
i.e people from Germany can be blunt and direct and to the point

but commenting on your web cam in that way does seem to be over the top
putting it as an interest question would be better I would have thought
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Axelvold on May 23, 2010, 04:48:37 PM
i.e people from Germany can be blunt and direct and to the point

Could not have said it better myself.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 23, 2010, 06:12:26 PM
It's not like you can't tell what the weather is like from the cam pic.  If its raining it shows, if its cloudy it shows, however, it doesn't show the wind speed very well.  :lol: So if my cam showed trees and maybe some of the neighbors houses because I lived in town, would that also be unacceptable?   
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: ocala on May 23, 2010, 06:13:04 PM
I would contact someone higher up at AKEWAS
From time to time we all can be "grumpy" so to speak and this may be one of those times. I have never heard of this before from them so it could be someone just had a bad day.
I don't send any data to them so I don't know how they interact with the public. I'm betting someone overstepped their bounds and needs someone to explain to them that what they did was wrong.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: lddaly on May 23, 2010, 06:38:42 PM
Your welcome Rick

One thing that puzzles me is how could they be so sure that your data is incorrect?

Good point Lars... Rick is getting thumbs up from CWOP.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: DanS on May 23, 2010, 07:41:44 PM
I received the following email today from AKEWAS, complaining that my pressure is reading too low, and to that I have used one of my webcams to temporarily point to my foaling pen:

> Dear AWEKAS Member
> Your station is sending invalid values to AWEKAS Weather Network. One of our operators has disabled the following sensor(s):
> air pressure (wrong value: 991.4hPa )
> The blocking of the sensor(s) is for 24 hours and will be automatically removed at Mon, 24.05.2010 19:11 UTC
> Please check your sensors and transmission unit.
> If this mail is unjustified please contact us by mail at mail@awekas.at.
>
> The administrator has added the following note: Air pressure 10-12 haPa too low. On a weatherwebcam i expect landscape and heaven, not a mare and its foal.

My cam (one of two) makes it clear that it is only temporarily pointed at the mare and foal, and I'll be darned if some PWS compiler located 10,000 miles away is going to tell me what I can do with my personal station.

Mine is a Personal Weather Station, and a very professional one at that.  My viewers are local and regional, and they actually like watching the foals being born on cam each year.  It is one of the things that makes my weather site much more appealing to my visitors that other weather sites.

I'm not at all happy and have have pulled the plug on AWEKAS.  Your comments are welcome.

I don't know how they can complain about members sending inaccurate data. I submitted a suggestion about a month ago to adjust the temperature scale on my instrument page because it tops out at 104 F and we've been having days warmer than that. I was told it would be fixed and still today it's the same. So who is providing the wrong data (or masking it) here? Not me.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: kray1000 on May 23, 2010, 09:43:40 PM
If the link was submitted as a weather webcam and it isn't, then I'm with awekas.

As Rick mentioned, there is a [weather] webcam image on that page in addition to the foalcam.  There might be some merit to switching their positions on that page, although I'll admit that the foalcam is more interesting!
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on May 24, 2010, 12:26:24 AM
You are correct Rick. I am behind you 110%.

I am pulling the plug on them also. I do not want my data going to a place that treats someone like that.



Bob
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 24, 2010, 12:34:33 AM
While I'm unhappy at their behavior, I'm not asking for a boycott or anything.  However, I appreciate the support.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Axelvold on May 24, 2010, 01:02:09 AM
While I'm unhappy at their behavior, I'm not asking for a boycott or anything.  However, I appreciate the support.

Just say the word and we unplug the cable.  \:D/
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Mark / Ohio on May 24, 2010, 01:07:42 AM
...My cam (one of two) makes it clear that it is only temporarily pointed at the mare and foal, and I'll be darned if some PWS compiler located 10,000 miles away is going to tell me what I can do with my personal station...

I agree!
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 24, 2010, 04:23:39 PM
To their credit, AWEKAS responded:

AWEKAS Wetterkartensystem - Othmar Gattringer wrote:
>
> Sorry but this post was by one of our admin. The primary problem was you air pressure. It was to low. I think it was the absolute pressure not the relative.
>
> Cam is no problem! It can be hide…. (because its no weather cam)
>
> Best Regards
> Othmar Gattringer
>  
> AWEKAS Weather Map Network
>

I have written back to them as follows:


Othmar,

First, thanks for the response.  However, your admin needs a lesson in etiquette.

As for the cam, it is a weather cam, and does show if it is raining, foggy, cloudy, and lots of other stuff.  It is one of two cams and is only temporarily pointed at the foaling pen.  Mine is a Personal Weather Station, and a very professional one at that.  My viewers are local and regional, and they actually like watching the foals being born on cam each year.  It is one of the things that makes my weather site much more appealing to my visitors that other weather sites.

As for the pressure issue, interesting that you think my pressure is too low, CWOP says it is fine compared to nearby stations.  Anyway,  you guys need to remember that his isn't a a science experiment.  Most PWS are run as a hobby, and while we like to keep our information accurate, it may not always be in line with what you think it should be.  If you want to aggregate PWS data you have to expect some degree of variance.  Perhaps you should aggregate NWS or NOAA station data; but from what I've read on the subject, they aren't very accurate either, mainly because of (mis)placement in many areas.

I've made the decision to stop sending my data to AWEKAS and some other sites.  It seems that the receiving sites always seem to develop an attitude that I should be thankful that they allow me to give them my data, when in reality it should be the other way around.

I wish you the best.  Thanks again for the response.
--
Rick Heming                                       



Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Weather Display on May 24, 2010, 06:11:09 PM
maybe the thing with the barometer is due to you being at high altitude and is the old altitude vs sea sea level barometer reading, maybe they are comparing to sea level barometer adjusted readings, when at high altitudes, an altitude adjusted barometer reading is better (adjusted for 24 average temperature etc)
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 24, 2010, 07:17:58 PM
I don't know.  There isn't any config choice for barometer that I see in the WD panel to set up AWEKAS.  VWS has choices but not WD that I see.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: weatherforyou on May 24, 2010, 07:21:44 PM
I've made the decision to stop sending my data to AWEKAS and some other sites.
Including PWSweather.com?  I hope not.   :-(

We have never had an attitude like you describe.  We're here to serve personal weather stations and always have been.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Weather Display on May 24, 2010, 09:47:21 PM
you can set in WD in the CWOP setup to use the altimeter adjusted barometer for all WD data
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: tomcj2 on May 24, 2010, 09:59:22 PM
If I stopped dealing with every company that had an employee that had ticked me off at some time, I would be on my own with no source of food,water, entertainment and transportation.  Somebody screwed up, give them a break.  The second time they pissed me off would be a different matter.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 24, 2010, 10:11:54 PM
If I stopped dealing with every company that had an employee that had ticked me off at some time, I would be on my own with no source of food,water, entertainment and transportation.  Somebody screwed up, give them a break.  The second time they pissed me off would be a different matter.
I understand your sentiment and you are right.  I'm just a bit weary of sending data and then being chastised for minor issues.  Its just easier this way in this particular situation. 
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 24, 2010, 10:17:17 PM
Including PWSweather.com?  I hope not.   :-(

We have never had an attitude like you describe.  We're here to serve personal weather stations and always have been.
No, you have always been very appreciative and reciprocal with data sharing.  I appreciate your business model in that regard.  Thanks.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: offroadjosh on May 24, 2010, 10:52:25 PM
Wow they sure where rude to you! I would to have pulled the plug!


Josh
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on May 24, 2010, 11:05:22 PM
While I'm unhappy at their behavior, I'm not asking for a boycott or anything.  However, I appreciate the support.

Boycott or no boycott, they aren't getting my data any longer. I sure as heck wouldn't like to be treated that way, and don't like it when friends are either. And, a "Sorry but" reply just doesn't cut it in my book.

I've got your back my friend.  =D>


Bob

Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: SoMDWx on May 25, 2010, 11:44:29 AM
Curious, what did you do /how do you stop data from going over to them?

Jim
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 25, 2010, 11:52:37 AM
Curious, what did you do /how do you stop data from going over to them?
Since I use WD to send my data to them I just turned off the switch in the AWEKAS WD control panel.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: SoMDWx on May 25, 2010, 02:36:00 PM
Thanks... Since I use VWS, they already had a link to my data2.csv file for them to grab...Not anymore.... I have locked them from my site via the htaccess file...  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 25, 2010, 02:44:33 PM
Again, I'm not asking anyone to stop sending their data to AWEKAS.  Sharing your information with any other site is a personal decision and should be made based on your needs, experiences and relationship with each site individually.  It was just time for me to stop being so generous and whittle down my sharing to a fewer number of relevant locations.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: SoMDWx on May 25, 2010, 02:47:48 PM
Rick,
  I understand what you are saying. I agree that we shouldn't stop sending data to other organizations but like you said, how many sites is too much and when something like this is done to a fellow enthusiast then a message must be sent. BTW, what services are they offering me and everyone else? I send free data for what?
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on May 25, 2010, 03:41:41 PM
Curious, what did you do /how do you stop data from going over to them?

I just changed the file their system looks for to something else.  ;)

One thing I could not find on their system is a place to remove your account.  ](*,)


Bob
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: SoMDWx on May 25, 2010, 03:47:50 PM
Yes, I too did not find anywhere on how to remove the account. Well a lockout will be sufficient enough...
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on May 25, 2010, 05:47:22 PM
...BTW, what services are they offering me and everyone else? I send free data for what?
Good point!  By the way, take care of things down there Waldorf and La Plata way.  My old stomping grounds.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: SoMDWx on May 25, 2010, 09:41:03 PM
Haha... Growing by leaps and bounds.. You know several years ago La Plata got wolloped by an F4 tornado..... They have rebuilt and it looks great...

Jim
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on June 01, 2010, 06:04:10 PM
I've got your back my friend.  =D>

Bob
Bob,

The replacement flags for my pole arrived today along with the gold anodized ball for the top.  Oh, and the package of (http://anniestreasuretrove.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/smarties.jpg) 

Thanks! 
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: mackbig on June 02, 2010, 07:29:02 AM
Ahh, so that's why you dont have "real" Smarties in the states.

(http://www.nestle.ca/NR/rdonlyres/F0904FA4-4069-4F59-BA59-6302ABEB5FBA/0/SmartiesHeader_Apr10.jpg)

We call those Rockets, a staple for handouts at halloween time.

Andrew

Bob,

The replacement flags for my pole arrived today along with the gold anodized ball for the top.  Oh, and the package of (http://anniestreasuretrove.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/smarties.jpg) 

Thanks! 
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on June 02, 2010, 07:35:56 AM
The replacement flags for my pole arrived today along with the gold anodized ball for the top.  Oh, and the package of (http://anniestreasuretrove.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/smarties.jpg) 

Thanks! 

My pleasure.

Fly them proud and enjoy!  ;)


Bob

Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on June 02, 2010, 07:41:47 AM
Ahh, so that's why you dont have "real" Smarties in the states.

(http://www.nestle.ca/NR/rdonlyres/F0904FA4-4069-4F59-BA59-6302ABEB5FBA/0/SmartiesHeader_Apr10.jpg)

We call those Rockets, a staple for handouts at halloween time.

Andrew


Wow!

Never even knew those things existed.  :???:

Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: mackbig on June 02, 2010, 08:14:32 AM
They are very similar to m&m's...  Here is a brief side by side compare... what did we do before the internet???  :-k

http://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/head_to_head_smarties_vs_mms/

Andrew


Ahh, so that's why you dont have "real" Smarties in the states.

(http://www.nestle.ca/NR/rdonlyres/F0904FA4-4069-4F59-BA59-6302ABEB5FBA/0/SmartiesHeader_Apr10.jpg)

We call those Rockets, a staple for handouts at halloween time.

Andrew


Wow!

Never even knew those things existed.  :???:


Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: hewy on March 22, 2012, 12:41:32 PM
I think A boycott of AWEKAS should be considere ,I too have experienced the same arrogant snotty "were never wrong attitude"
I'm in battle with them right now and it's not the first time
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on March 22, 2012, 12:57:46 PM
I stopped giving them "MY" data a long time ago. Screw'em if they want to be that way.
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: racenet on March 22, 2012, 01:01:44 PM
They are very similar to m&m's...  Here is a brief side by side compare... what did we do before the internet???  :-k

http://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/head_to_head_smarties_vs_mms/

Andrew


Ahh, so that's why you dont have "real" Smarties in the states.

(http://www.nestle.ca/NR/rdonlyres/F0904FA4-4069-4F59-BA59-6302ABEB5FBA/0/SmartiesHeader_Apr10.jpg)

We call those Rockets, a staple for handouts at halloween time.

Andrew


Wow!

Never even knew those things existed.  :???:



Hey Andrew.

Forgot all about this thread. Had the chance to try the other Smarties, when a friend went to London and brought back a bunch of different candies. I saw those in the batch and just had to give them a try. Yeah, just like M&M's, except not as good IMHO. Good though.


Bob
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: mackbig on March 22, 2012, 02:05:25 PM
Bob,
I prefer M&M's also, but Smarties will do in a pinch.

Andrew

Hey Andrew.

Forgot all about this thread. Had the chance to try the other Smarties, when a friend went to London and brought back a bunch of different candies. I saw those in the batch and just had to give them a try. Yeah, just like M&M's, except not as good IMHO. Good though.

Bob
Title: Re: AWEKAS being a bit rude and intolerant?
Post by: Axelvold on March 22, 2012, 03:35:37 PM
I think A boycott of AWEKAS should be considere ,I too have experienced the same arrogant snotty "were never wrong attitude"
I'm in battle with them right now and it's not the first time

What are they complaining about this time?