Predictions of the site's demise turned out to be a BUST

That's right, a 'dry slot' seems to have sucked up all the moisture that was coming to rain on our weather-enthusiast parade. The site will live on in its current form but with new local ownership!

Here is a short Q&A to address the changes - or lack thereof - that come with this transfer of ownership.

Who are you and why are you doing this?

My name is Dave, I live in Minneapolis, and have been an avid reader of this site, Dr. Novak's twitter feed, weather.gov forecast discussion, and every weather modelling website I can find. While I do not participate in the comments I have for many years enjoyed the community and discussion that is unique to this blog, and wanted to do my part to see it continue. Since I have a background in IT I reached out to Bill who agreed to let me take over site admin duties while he steps back.

What is going to change?

Let's start with what is not changing: 

- The URL will remain the same

- The format of the site, comments section, and Blogger platform will remain the same.

- The 'site owner kicks off the thread, and the community takes it from there' model that Bill has adopted will not change.

Overall my goal is to change as little as possible. I do not fancy myself a weather expert nor do I consider this to be a typical blog, but more of a forum. You don't come here to read my posts, but to participate in the discussion.

So, while the author of the post for each upcoming weather event will be me instead of Bill, they will be short and sweet and only exist to facilitate the underlying discussion in the comments.

What do you want to see from this blog?

• 100+ comments in every winter storm / weather event thread. I feel this level indicates we still have healthy participation. 

• A positive community that can revel in our love of weather. I do not plan to take a heavy hand in moderation but I think there is a tone we should maintain and I will be on the lookout for 'trolls.' For example:
• Good Comment: "I think the latest NAM indicates the storm shifting south, meaning the metro will no longer be in the bullseye. Could lead to disappointing totals for most people."
• Troll: "This storm is a BUST! We are gonna have a BROWN Christmas and anyone calling for snow from this system was a FOOL"

So yeah, civility will be rewarded with a strong, engaged community, but obvious trolling that serves nothing more than making people feel bad and driving down participation will not receive much leeway.

Do you need any help?

I really took this over to keep it running, not because I want to make it mine in any way. If anyone would like to volunteer to make posts for new weather events, monitor comments for obvious trolling, or just tell me you think it's time to start a new thread for an upcoming storm, you can reach me at minnesotaforecaster@gmail.com

Thank you for helping make this site the unique community it has become. I hope we have many more winter seasons full of lively discussion ahead of us!