FairweatherComments2.txt Comment 1 I agree with the proposed

FairweatherComments2.txt

Comment

1 I agree with the proposed policy. The findings that setting rigid

guidelines in the technology rich environment is extremely counter-productive! The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

2 "To Whom It May Concern, I would like to comment on the proposed policy on

partnerships. On the whole it seems to be an acceptable document. I do not see

much in there that differs from the present operating environment of the NWS. The

first comment I would like to make is that I feel there must be a statement in this

policy that the maintenance and expansion of a robust network of meteorological

observation stations that provide this timely data collection and dissemination is

critical to the core mission of the NWS (promoting the safety of life and property)

and will remain a top funding priority, over and above the installation of any new

products or services. Additionally, I feel there must be a paragraph in this policy

that explicitly states that the NWS will not enter into any contracts or agreements

with a non-governmental entity to provide weather data collection or the issuance

of NWS approved forecasts or alerts. These goods and services must remain in the

full control of the NWS to assure dat quality and full and unrestricted access. It

is my belief that for-profit contractors will seek to provide these goods and

services to the government at the lowest cost to themselves. As a result the

quality and timeliness of the goods and services will necessarily suffer.

Additionally, a commercial entity would continually push to restrict access to

certain types of ""value added"" data/services to ""subscribers"". It has been my

experience that many of these ""value added"" data/services are nothing beyond what

the entity was contracted to deliver in the first place and is simply a way for the

contracting entity to make more money outside the contract. With regard to the the

wording of the proposed policy (policy wording within >>>> >>>>) ... >>> NWS will

promote the open and unrestricted exchange of weather, water, climate, and related

environmental information worldwide, and seek to improve global opportunities for

development of the partnership. >>> In the above section, there must be a provision

that equitable reciprocity from foreign weather agencies be guaranteed. We should

not be granting unrestricted access to our data to countries who do not grant us

equivalent access to their data. >>>> 8. NWS's participation in the weather, water,

and climate enterprise will be founded on the following principles: ... * No

surprises: Unless public safety or national security concerns dictate otherwise, NWS

will provide all users, including those in the private and academic sectors,

adequate notice and opportunity for input into decisions regarding the development

and dissemination of significant products and services, and their discontinuance.

>>>> Please define ""adequate notice"" - I would recommend defining it as ""a

period of time not less than 60 days"" and also provide a means by which

stakeholders can opt in to a notification system (e.g., e-mail list). >>>> *

Equity: NWS will be equitable in dealings with various classes of entities and will

not show favoritism to particular classes of partners or individual entities,

particularly those in the academic and commercial sectors. NWS will not provide a

service to a segment of the user community that cannot be provided to all similar

types of users. >>>> Please consider changing the last sentence from ""all similar

types of users"" to ""all users"". In its present context it may be construed to

restrict access to certain types of data or information by ""users"" who do not meet

a certain commercial or academic criteria. This conflicts with the ""full and

unrestricted access"" mentioned in a previous section. >>>> * Maintain and explain

the routine: When faced with requests for specifically tailored services, NWS will

make sure the customer fully understands products NWS ""routinely"" provides (e.g.

forecasts, watches, warnings and data sets) and the ability of private sector

providers to meet needs outside these routine services. >>>> In the above section, a

comprehensive web page and/or one-page letter with this information must be created

and maintained with regularity. Furthermore, if a request is made to the NWS for

specifically tailored services that the NWS considers adopting as a provided

service, the NWS should publicly disseminate such a list of such requests (including

the sector of the requestor) and allow for comments as per a previous section on

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""No suprises"". Lastly, I would suggest a statement in the policy that requires

NWS to compile a year end public document detailing efforts it undertook and/or

accomplished during the past year, and initiatives it plans to take in the upcoming

year in terms of adhering to this policy. The latter should be open to public

comment. Those are all the comments I have for now. Please feel free to contact me

if you have any questions regarding my comments and/or use of NWS services.

Sincerely, Karsten Shein Assistant Professor - Meteorology and Climatology

Department of Geography and Earth Sciences Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA

17257 http://www.ship.edu/~kashei [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

3 "I feel that any changes that make for better disemination of timely

information for use in the private sector is desireable, but should be offset by any

return flow of information from private sector to noaa. keep up the good work. The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

4 "As a private citizen user of NWS services, I object to the ""Fair Weather

Policy"" published on the NWS web site. I think it is a poor response to the NRC

white paper and a not so subtle move to the eventual privatization of the NWS. Its

main feature is a broad expansion of giving ""weather"" information and services to

private companies who have no liability for the accuracy of their information. If

people die as a result of ""company"" errors, they will not be held liable for their

actions because they will claim that the NWS was the source of their information.

Privatization of vital NASA duties and a subsequent corporate coverup and whitewash

led to the deaths of seven astronauts, Is NOAA set on the track for a similar

disaster ??? Rethink this policy. It is seriously flawed...... D. Meisel The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

5 "Thank you for the opportunity to comment. The ""bottom line"" of any

policy like this is to make sure that the general public, in particular the

taxpayers, are not ultimately driven to a ""pay for data"" scenerio. NOAA and other

governmental agencies associated with protecting the health and welfare of the

nation's citizens should not be placing important information in the hands of the

private sector for regurgitation to the public at a profit. Please keep this issue

in mind as NOAA moves through finalization of this and future policies. Again,

thank you for the opportunity to comment. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

6 "My comment concerns your two paragraphs as quoted below: IT'S ABOUT TIME!!

I was getting the distinct feeling that commercial entities were being favored by

the NWS. I could see the day coming when I would have to pay for any weather info

not provided by public broadcasters. You might, though, include something stronger

about obtaining and maintaining resources. I hope we don't get to a place where

users must provide their own very expensive resources to obtain and use your

products. This would favor large entities and stiff the public. So, thank you; and

let's get this done as soon as possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

""# Open information dissemination: NWS recognizes that open and unrestricted

dissemination of high quality publicly funded information, as appropriate and within

resource constraints, is good policy and is the law. # Equity: NWS will be equitable

in dealings with various classes of entities and will not show favoritism to

particular classes of partners or individual entit es, particularly those in the

academic and commercial sectors. NWS will not provide a service to a segment of the

user community that cannot be provided to all similar types of users."" The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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7 I believe anytime an agency of the government tries to become more efficent

they should do so. so long as the cost involved is not to DEAR. Joe Martie.. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

8 "To Whom It May Concern , I'm the DOT Bridge Inspection Supervisor for

Western North Carolina . I'm responsible for 31 counties . I have six two man crews

that are scattered throughout Western North Carolina . The weather reports which you

provide are very important to us all . In this area more real time reports will be a

blessing . Thank you all for your hard work . Mark Callis The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

9 "It would be correct to charge the private sector for data collected by NOAA

if the data is used to generate income. Entities such as the Weather Channel and

software companies that write programs using automatic updates to NOAA/NWS sites as

features should not get this information at no cost. Universities, schools,

researchers and other not for profit organizations using the information should not

be charged. Individuals who seek the data for nothing other than their own

information(ie. going on a picnic in 20 minutes and want to know if it is going to

rain) should not be charge. Their taxes helped pay for the information and shouldn't

be charged again. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

10 "Please remember the public, the people who pay for this service. I would

like to be able to access more of the service also. I do not understand why I cannot

have full access without going through third parties. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

11 "Paragraph 1 of the Proposed Policy identifies three groups served by NOAA:

Public (defined as federal. state, or local government); Academic (implying

association with an academic institution); or, private (defined as weather service

companies, consultans, etc.). A fourth major group is ignored, and it seems by

implication excluded. The seemingly excludedgroup is all individual citizen

taxpayers who want either simplified products or access to highly technical

information for any legal purpose. These people are the ultimate consumers as well

as the ultimate owners of all the data and employers of the service providers. In

paragraph 3 it states ""These policies are based on the premise that government

information is a valuable national resource, and the economic benefits to society

are maximized when government information is available in a timely and equitable

manner to all."" ALL must by simple definition include the aforementioned fourth

category. Best Regards, Gene Pharr [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

12 "I believe this policy is a good proactive issue. After all....cooperation

is very important in this day and time. D J RAY P O Box 296 Gardendale, Tx 79758

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

13 "If the overall impact of any changes proposed is a net reduction in costs

to the American Taxpayer then by all means DO IT! Otherwise, what difference does

it make? The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

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14 "THESE WEATHER LINKS ARE VERY IMPOTRANT TO ME AS A MARITIME OFFICER,ANY AND

ALL INFO IS NEEDED. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

15 "Please do NOT adopt the Proposed Policy on Partnerships. NOAA weather radar

in near real-time is an absolute MUST here in central Illinois, where tonight we

have a tornado watch. Just try to get the same up-to-the- minute info. on private

sector so-called WEATHER Channel (er, the COMMERCIAL Channel's) ""local

forecast""...almost always 45 minites or more out of date (i.e., when it's working).

PLEASE!! Keep provision of vital weather information in the PUBLIC sector. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

16 "The new policy provides no clear direction, as did the 1991 policy,

concerning the separation of public vs private competition. This is of concern

given the fact that the NWS is already in violation of the 1991 policy since there

are many examples whereby they are providing services and competing directly with

the private sector. NWS representatives in the webcast stated that it was not their

intent to broaden their scope into those services. If that is the case then they

should have no objection to stating so in the newer policy. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

17 "Good Day: I am a VFR private pilot (Piper Cherokee) with military (Air

Weather Service) training as a forecaster and observer (synoptic, radiosonde,

dropsonds, etc.) I cannot get a briefing from a forecaster anymore. A few summers

ago I was caught in the Smoke from Canadian forest fires (3000 ft to 9000

ft)returning from Cleveland to Washington, DC. I was not briefed on this. VSBY was

marginal VFR throughout the flight. The weather briefer said the flight would be

""VFR"", not marginal. The ADDS products that I use to look at flight conditions

are great, but I have no access to any such products once in the air except through

spoken radio. The planned ""two way"" ADS-B (acft to gnd) are very expensive, and I

have no room for such in my little plane. I can hear weather radio, but it no longer

has VFR info such as cloud layers (ceilings!) and restriction to visibility. I can

tune in a nearby AWOS, but by then, I am very close to the AWOS and ""in the

weather"" I want to know about before I get there. I can ask for A C assist, on an

""as available"" basis. I can call any nearby FBOs, but that is ""iffy"". I can quit

whining and ""take my chances"". I can stay home and leave the VFR skys to IFR

pilots and airliners. Perhaps I can get the high price ADS-B connectivity to my

tiny cockpit using a portable radio? (not planned) Well, how about I get a descrete

transponder code for my entire VFR flight, and the NWS weather radio stations

broadcast a subchannel digital feed I can dump into my PalmPilot Tungstin, or HP

Jordana, from a special Wx radio reciever with an RS-232 port on it. I would get,

via WX local radio stations, position reports, ATC info, hazards to navigation,

instant updates on special TFRs, ATC instructions, etc. What, no MFD? Probably not.

It will cost as much as my aircraft engine unless it is subsidized. I.e., I may not

be able to afford it. What do you think? Am I offering a good idead or two, or am I

just ""not with the program""? Michael F. Winthrop The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

18 "I am in favor of allowing the private sector like myself access to all the

information gathered by all agencies since it is tax dollars that fund the agencies,

I don't like being shut out of data that I can use on a daily basis. Thanks The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

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19 "Hello! As a final end user (i.e. a private citizen) and amateur

meterologist, I do not see anything wrong with the proposed new policy. I do wonder

however if the tens of thousands of amateur-owned and -operated factory-built

weather stations ought to be specifically mentioned in the policy. As the

technology advances the capabilities and accuracy of these factory-built stations

steadily climbs, while the cost of installing these stations continues to drop

rapidly. Many of these stations generate data that ends up being shared regionally

(nationally?), thus becoming part of the permanent record. Perhaps something should

be said in the policy that strongly encourages (requires?) periodic calibration

checks by amateur station owners. Does the existing metadata currently specify

details about amateur-collected data? As an end user, I would like to know if data

did NOT come from a professional source. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

20 "I support the NOAA's Comment on NOAA's Proposed Policy on Partnerships in

the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental Information. I

realize others are pressuring you to stop so that they can sell us the data, however

there is plenty of room for innovation by these companies if they wish to offer

value added product. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

21 the idea of combining these areas for the advancement of all is a splended

idea if the main intention is to improve communication between all! but my concerns

would be that the administration of such a plan would not serve the interests of all

three! who would be in charge of such an endevour and who would have what say in the

applications of such a partnership! remember that absolute power in the hands of a

few could spell trouble and have a negative impact on what is now a workable system!

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

22 "Greetings.... Recognizing our needs as well as our ability to meet them is

worthy of a policy all on its own. Our development as a nation sometimes happens in

small, un-noticable steps, and sometimes in giant leaps..(911 attack). We must have

permission to succeed, to better ourselves and our world. As a sailboat owner, I

depend on some of the technology that makes my life safer, more useful, and

convienent. As an emergency manager, I depend on technology to keep me informed and

manage life and death missions and the risk. Without interagency co-operation and

the availablity of accurate, current information and the tools used to capture and

manage it, the ability to mitigate a safe and predicted outcome becomes at risk.

Please encourage all our contribuators to continue developing and sharing the tools

and experience so that our sometimes stubborn and ignorant leaders will live long

enough to learn the ropes and maybe actually do a good job one day. Andrew McGregor

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov fairweather/"

23 "I partciularly support the following item: "". . . NWS recognizes that

open and unrestricted dissemination of high quality publicly funded information,

as appropriate and within resource constraints, is good policy and is the law.""

This recognizes the right of the public to access the information and services for

which they have paid. I hope that prices for your archival products can be kept low,

because I believe that many important research discoveries result from giving easy,

inexpensive access to a wide variety of researchers, both university and

entrepenurial. That said, I am troubled by the item that precedes it, "". . .

Unless public safety or national security concerns dictate otherwise, NWS will

provide all users, including those in the private and academic sectors, adequate

notice and opportunity for input into decisions regarding the development and

dissemination of significant products and services, and their discontinuance.""

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Many of the best ideas come from the NWS people who wor most regularly with the

data, and the clients for that data. Having heard many of my fellow Certified

Consulting Meteorologists complain about competition from the government, I see this

policy as likely to deter NWS innovation. I foresee endless complaints launched

about new products that obviously serve the general public's needs, but offend some

in the prvate sector. I hope my comments are helpful. Thank you for the

opportunity to express an opinion. Francis L. Ludwig, PhD, CCM Consulting Professor

Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Dept. of Civil and Environmental

Engineering Stanford, CA 94305-4020 phone: 650-366 5901 e-mail:

[email protected] The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

24 "Our taxes support NOAA. I oppose all efforts to transform the wholesale

public product of our national weather centers into a private commodity available

only to retail weather outlets. Unless private marketers resell a significantly

""value added"" weather product, they should not be allowed to repackage and resell

weather information at all. The roles of government should be strictly limited, but

the dissemination of timely and cogent weather information on demand, as needed, to

any citizen, is certainly one of them. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

25 "Dear Sir/Ma'am, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed

rule change. I use the products almost on a daily basis for activities as varied as

flight planning or bicycling to work. I have grown to trust the products produced by

the NWS and how to better interpret the information available. Also, as a former

government representative, I understand the employees of the NWS are dedicated to

serving the public as they have been entrusted by the public to provided the most

accurate and un-biases information they can with no hidden agendas or special

interest considerations. For this reason, I would ask that this agreement be

tailored to include a section that would address the sharing of data between NWS and

academia private companies at no cost to NWS. Also, any data received from the

before mentioned entities (academia and private companies) can be distributed to the

public at no cost when life or property are at risk. Lastly I ask that you please

modify section three as follows: 3. In furtherance of these policies, NWS will

continue to carry out all current and planned activities which contribute to its

mission, including collecting and archiving data; ensuring their quality; issuing

forecasts, warnings, and advisories; and providing unrestricted access to publicly

funded observations, analyses, model results, forecasts, and related information

products in a timely manner and at the lowest possible cost to users. Thank you,

Dan Guillaume The referring webpage:"

26 "To whom it may concern: Please keep the private sector out of the

government meteorological operations! The only exception should be for

University/College partnering done fairly and equally. Private sector interaction

results in double taxation: Vendors are driven to make profits off of government

products that are free to them. Working in the commercial TV broadcast sector, we

are often price-gauged for data from vendors. Another different instance: The AMS

has raised their Seal renewal fee from $70 per year 4 years ago, to $230 this year.

Their costs for issuing the seal have not risen. If the AMS government partnership

is furthered, they could charge us for using 'AMS approved' weather data.

Sincerely, John Fuller TV Meteorologist (25 years experience) The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

27 I think the policy statement is fine. I use the NOAA on line service a lot.

I do this because I feel that the commercial forecasters tend to slant their

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forecast to suit some purpose other than pure weather forecasting. Keep up the good

work. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

28 "It is essential, in my opinion, that NWS forecast information be made

available directly to the public thru such avenues as the internet and weather radio

broadcasts. I want to know that information I get from NOAA broadcasts and from NWS

website is the latest up to date information available. Secondly, I think that

commercially available weather information reflecting NWS forecasts should be

identifed as such. I should be able to know if commercially broadcast weather

information is reflective of NWS forecasts or if it is the product of a particular

announcer or non NWS organization. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

29 "I am in support of the proposed policy and hope that the three major

parties can work together in a way that supports and improves the services provided

to the community. We all benefit from shared resources and are grateful to those

who combine them in a way that helps us as a whole. Best regards for a bright

future, Luis Marroquin The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

30 "Ummmmm, guys - gals - those with, and those without PHD's... It just seems

to me, and old fat guy without any letters after his name or credentials, that the

best way to get along - is to not get along. What I mean, is to have you all form a

fourth agency, equally funded, staffed, and with one general manager from each of

the three area's. Make it the central clearing house for weather dissemination to

all three area's, and make sure it has all of the latest innovations in forcast

models, equipment, etc... Ohh yea, it must be automynous from everyone else as far

as control, politics, etc. is concerned yet given the authority to request, and get,

exactly what - or who it needs, to stay on top. Might be a pretty good idea to make

the appointments to the new agency short lived - like two years or so, and

non-repeatable. It is my opinion that three massive high pressure systems will

never come together in the publics' best interest in any other way. Not a criticism

of anyone at all, cause everyone does a great job at what they do. But shoot, nobody

wants to come in second, or be the last pup to the meal donchaknow. The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

31 I approve the policy only if it leads to better forecasting and information

gathering. I DO NOT want the private sector making a profit from the info that the

NWS disseminates. Such as dowloading the NWS servers and using it help their

paysites. They should link their sites to NWS servers. (Climate Data) The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

32 "Please keep my e-mail address confidential, i.e. for the purposes of this

communication only and no commercial (etc.) spam. I have only three comments, and

they are brief. The last thing needed are heavy regulations on how things are done

in this realm. It would kill the current forward motion toward providing the best

service. What's being done now is quite usefull and should be enhanced or expanded

prudently without limitations. The Canadians call their weather service

""Environment Canada."" You may consider renaming yourselves if you are expanding

IS functionality. In my area at least, there are numerous personal weather stations

of high or at least defined accuracy. They are severely underutilized in gathering

conditions and annual data. Seems like they would be at least as valuable as the WX

bouys floating at sea. You're welcome to look at mine:

http://home.earthlink.net/~creesesc/wxdata.html It uses the Davis Weather Monitor

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FairweatherComments2.txt

II hardware. Regards, Kris Harrison The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

33 "I agree and concur wholeheartedly with your proposal to make all

disseminated data avaliable to all interested parties without regard to their

personal, academic or commercial standing. This is a very positive move by

NOAA/NWS. Oh - I think ""Partnership"" should be defined as the NOAA/NWS

relationship with ""all"" users and not simply those with whom NOAA/NWS has

traditionally cooperated. I believe that, over time, you will be pleasantly

surprised by the information, feedback and applications resulting from this change

of policy. Respectfully, Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

34 "As a recent addition to the private sector, I believe that the proposed

Policy is appropriate and will generate much needed dialogue between the three

parties as to their intentions and aspirations. The momentum of rapid advancements

in the field of meteorology over the past one hundred years will continue into the

future. Partnership and cooperation between the three sectors will continue to push

us toward our mutual goal: to disseminate weather information to the general public

in a timely and accurate fashion. It is important that we keep this in mind to

prevent stringent guidelines and uncooperative members of the three parties from

slowing progress. I do not share the views of many employees of the private sector

who believe the innovation of new products by the National Weather Service (NWS)

will lead to the demise of many companies. Quite the contrary, I believe new

products will continue to foster growth and new ideas in the private sector that

will better serve their clients. In addition, the NWS will provide the public,

academic and public sectors with better products that will ultimately allow us to

create better weather forecasts. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

35 "The data gathered by NWS should be left in the public domain and the

current process of dissemination should be continued. The timely forecast maps,

radar reports and the ability to get a standardized forecast is invaluable to the

public. What to wear, should I leave the car windows closed, can I cut the grass

tomorrow, are all questions the web site answeres admireably. Private firms

frequently issue forecasts by a Meteorologist who is unfamiliar with the locar area.

Topography plays a role in the formation of Thunder storms and Tornadoes the two

most dangerous short notice weather phenomonah and NWS really should look into the

location factor. The two largest Tornadoes to strike in the Dallas Ft. Worth area

formed within a half mile of my home in Benrook, Tx. They formed above the head of a

small canyon downwind of a lake where the prevailing wind is somewhat focused. For

my two cents worth keep the web site as is and channel resources to improving on the

forc asting technique. A live doppler radar that can be localized by zooming would

be a great addition for rural families like my wifes father. I used a doppler radar

feed from a TV station to warn them that a severe storm was approaching their

location and later found out the storm had produced a Tornado less than an hour

before it got to them. In fact dust picked up by the Tornado was still in the air

when the storm got to them. The rural community has virtually no warning system

available on very short notice in fact the lack of local TV stations (fifty miles or

so away)is not terribly reliable as the coverage varies greatly from one station to

the other. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

36 "I often review forecasts and weather date for Northern California from the

National Weather Service, the Weather Channel and Accu Weather for the same period.

The Weather Channel is generally incorrect in their day 2 and day three forecast,

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and often give different data -such as current tempenture- for identical locations

for the current day. Accu Weather is incorrect on almost everything they provide.

It is hard to see how a partnership between NOAA and these(and perhaps others like

them) can do anything but lessen the current lever of service provided by the

National Weather Service. Remember; if it ain't broken, don't fix it. The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

37 "My primary concern is that the NOAA's policy will never include private

software, similar to the health care policy using index numbers copyrighted by the

American Chemical Society, where users are forced to pay monies to private copyright

holders in order to use government products. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

38 "I have three comments on the policy statement posted by the NWS on-line at:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php A) Comment on item 3 of Policy on

Partnerships in the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental

Information ""3. In furtherance of these policies, NWS will carry out activities

which contribute to its mission, including collecting and archiving data; ..."" The

above sentence should state ""3. In furtherance of these policies, NOAA and the NWS

will carry out activities which contribute to its mission, including collecting and

archiving data; ..."" NESDIS is the agency primarily charged with archiving weather

data, hence, the need to broaden the above statement. B) Comment on item 4. ""4.

To advance the weather, water, and climate enterprise, NWS will provide information

in forms accessible to the public as well as underlying data in forms convenient to

additional processing by others. NWS will make its data and products available in

Internet-accessible form to the extent practicable and within resource constraints,

and will use other dissemination technologies, e.g. satellite broadcast and NOAA

Weather Radio, as appropriate."" NOAA Weather Radio forms the backbone of an

all-hazard system and the policy should emphasize NOAA Weather Radio as a primary

source that anyone can turn to receive weather information. The policy should

include lanaguage already promulagated by the NWS, such as: NOAA Weather Radio and

the Emergency Alert System (EAS) use the same digital protocols, and NOAA Weather

Radio is the primary means for NWS alerts to activate the Emergency Alert System

(adapted from < http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/NWS_EAS_chg_impl.pdf >). C) Comment on a

caption listed under item 8. ""Equity: NWS will be equitable in dealings with

various classes of entities and will not show favoritism to particular classes of

partners or individual entities, particularly those in the academic and commercial

sectors. NWS will not provide a service to a segment of the user community that

cannot be provided to all similar types of users."" My question is whether the

above clause should be included in the policy? Exceptions seem to always arise. If

the above statement must be inlcuded, consider deleting the end of the first

sentence to get rid of the ""particularly those in the academic and commercial

sectors."" The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

39 "Dear NOAA and NWS Staff, This plan sounds like a great idea. I think the

focus on trying to address all user groups eqyually, and as well, the increasing use

of TCP/IP and the internet to address more and more of your services to the public

is a great thing and should be encouraged. You can level the playing field more

between which services you provide big business and the general tax paying public by

providing some sort of ""open source"" XML data set and services to everyone. You

might focus on very simple but highly structured and diverse XML strategies and

designs that address both public and private needs online, if need be, but where one

group may access additional specialized pieces on top of a common data set thats

shared among all groups concerned. XML and similar online data sets will allow you

to use that. I also recommend you put alot of energy and thought into how you will

be structuring any public data sets and formats online before you deliver them to

the public, so that a long term uni versality and ""Standards Compliance"" (see

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www.w3c.com) can be achieved among all groups sharing that data and possibly

exchanging it between software vendors and services. This includes schemas and

DTD's. When the next great data services technology comes along that replaces XML, I

would be prepared with a a good overall delivery backbone and data structure that

can easily grow into those next generation demands (wireless, alert systems,

satellite data exchanges, new analog format delivery, etc.) XML, itself provides you

the flexibility to grow and adapt to any need you may have data-wise, but its up to

the design group to make sure the structure you place on yourself in terms of node

names, heirarchy, data groupings, and web services is flexible enough to grow as

well. Finally, there is alot of people in the public sector...amateur weather folks,

who need more free, easily obtainable and reliable data from the National Weather

Service. Many of these people will drive the next generation developmnet of small

businesses based in part or in whole on your public sector data. So, make sure that

data is as widely accessible, fast, and adaptable as possible to those groups as

they grow. (I feel strongly you will see more public sector groups and individuals

focused on alerting systems using online data, so it needs to be reliable and fast.

XML Web Services using weather data exchanges and alerts, for example.) Again we

love your services and keep up the great work. And keep going forward with internet

accessible data strategies to the public at large. Dont forget about the little guy!

Mitchell Stokely - Dallas, TX The referring webpage:"

40 "I think this policy will be very beneficial to the public, and as an

aviator, especially helpful. The availability of private sector companies to access

NWS data, and deliver it to me in a timely and convenient format, in near real time,

is a valuable and potentially life saving tool. Paul Fertitta The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

41 "I would like to see both sectors work together. The more people who work on

weather related subjects as a group could do nothing but improve knowlege of the end

result, INFORMATION!!! The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

42 "My primary concern is the availability of NOAA forecasts and

climate/weather related products to the general public. The quality of so-called

private sector forecasts has deteriorated significantly over the last 20 years (as

has almost all media). They are more interested in stroking presenters egos and

ensuring commercials are presented than in thorough coverage. Sincerely, James

Lindsay The referring webpage:"

43 This sounds like a good policy. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

44 Being a retired National Weather Service employee an also retired National

VP of Weather Service Employees Union...I believe after working for 35 years 38

years total time that all parties using the data that the NWS works up an sends out

online should have to PAY FOR THE DATA RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER

SERVICE...this would bring the cost to the government down an costs to National

Weather Service. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

45 "I'm not sure exactly what the proposed policy will do to NOAA weather

reporting and the wealth of information that can be obtained from NOAA. My comment

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is that I am not for the change if it will reduce the information I can get from

NOAA (& the NWS). What I mainly use is the NWS for personal reasons for boating,

flying (light aircraft) and land based activities. I also use NOAA information for

Great Lake water level information. My main source of this information is weather

radio or the internet. Thank you. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

46 "As a resident of FL's Gulf Coast, I rely on noaa and nhc to keep me

informed during hurricane season. Your websites are easy to navigate and very

informative, both in general, and for specific info. I would support any efforts

aimed at increasing capability and accuracy in forcasting storms, but worry about

the ability to perform the srevices so superbly provided if these partnerships

become a draw on noaa or nhc resources. please keep up the outstanding work, and

insist on funding to allow you to go forward. Thank You, Larry Folta The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

47 "It would be fantastic to have the wide array of tools currently offered by

proprietary companies and organizations in addition to those supplied by the NWS

made available at a single point that would be accessible to the general public. As

a SKYWARN spotter, it is extremely frustrating to require subscription service

weather providers to attain some of the data which could be made public. In example,

storm echo tops are one of the displays currently only available via subscription,

yet the source of the information is the WSR-88D radar sets operated by the NWS. I

don't believe that it is possible to provide too much data to the public, quite to

the contrary! Those who would seek information like storm echo tops, current

lightning activity or the VIL display are more attuned to the advanced products and

have educated themselves regarding the usefulness of the tools...providing they can

access them. Wireless laptops computers are now common among storm spotters/chaser s

for the current (most of the time) data that is being gathered through a variety of

sensors operated by the NWS. Decisions based upon the data provided that are made by

spotters/chasers can aid in providing additional lead time for issuing warnings or

watches based upon trained observer reports, the data provided to those in the field

should be as complete and up to date as possible. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

48 I encourage the various agencies to do just as outlined and overall I think

that the quality of work is good. I do wish that the local radars could display

higher detail images of the location of precipitation as some local TV stations have

this ability. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

49 "i am glad to be able to see this policy. i read it several times, and i am

not sure what to think about it, mostly because i do not have a context for

understanding it. my suggestion would be to have a preface (either as a part of or

separate from the policy) that explains in common english why the policy is being

changed, what the diffrence between the old and the new policy is, and what the

practical implications will be if the new policy is adopted and implemented. What i

am suggesting is to include something similar to the common language preface to

insurance policies, voter initiatives, and other simsilar document. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

50 "Restrictions appear restrictive, even for Domain Admin. jonb [email protected]

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

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51 "I am very interested in the new changes. The private sector has available

technology that contributes to a more precise reading of local conditions during

hurricanes and severe storms. In ecruing wind data for analysis after several

hurricanes and tropical storms that hit or moved close to southeast Massachusetts in

the last fifteen years,it was more than apparent that the private sector was not

only availing themselves of the latest technology but out in the actual storms

taking wind readings...the weather service for the most part disreguarded or

disputed private sector readings and therefore the historical record has been

obstructed in several cases,This was very obvious during hurricane Bob in

1991,Edouard in 1996,and Floyd in 1999. The historical record to this day fails to

mention that the shores of Lake Champlain and much of the higher terrain in western

and northern New England received hurricane force wind gusts as Floyd in 1999 moved

over New England which caused substatial vegetation,recreational,and in several

notable cases structural damage. In 1991,hurricane Bob caused spectacular

instantaneous bursts of wind in the area of the Massachusetts coastline along the

southwest shores of Buzzards Bay east just east of Narragansett Bay. The NWS in

Taunton,Ma. which actually received much lower winds being in a very weak sector of

the north- northwest eye barely concedes that winds were 40-50 mph higher in some

gusts only 20-25 miles away.....none of their personnel were in the outside exposed

areas that more ""efficient and dedicated"" storm watchers positioned themselves

in....Desk-top weather staticians need to be more involved or be braver in their

roles.In the 1950's and 1960's when weather technology was far less

sophisticated,there consisted of a much broader,completer record of peak wind gusts

in the many hurricanes that hit that region. Now the private sector has taken up the

effort and still is challenged,if not altogether disreguarded when private state of

the art wind instruments abound and are utilized. Also,when the private sector

actually reports seeing funnels and the NWS insists there is only straight-line

damage,we have another problem. I have actually been to a site where the NWS had

just left and they actually ignored walking/driving a short distance from the

inspection site and therefore completely ignored swirl damage on the ground. We all

need to redirect energy to building better partnerships to aquire a more complete

historical record. Respectfully submitted, Sarah BIshop Valentejn The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

52 "I FOR ONE TOTALLY AGREE AND RECOMEND THE ACTIONS SET FORTH IN THE PROPOSAL.

IN A TME WHEN INFORMATION IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD UTILIZE ANY

AND ALL INFORMATION SOURCES AT ITS DISPOSAL. THEREFORE, I STRONGLY URGE THE

COMMISSION TO PASS THE RESOLUTION IN A TIMELY MANNER. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

53 "I have read much of the material on the ""Fair Weather"" proposal,

including comments by the weather industry front organization, CCAI, at http://

www.ccianet.org/press/00/0321.php3, in which they claim that government agencies

(i.e. NOAA) is ""unfairly competing"" against the private interests (i.e. weather

businesses). Such a claim is nonsense, of course, because the internet and cable

weather companies DO NOT create their own image data, they get it from NOAA and

repackage it. So they are consumers just like I am and they are not entitled to

special access to the images NOR should the public access to any of the images be

excluded so that these companies can make a profit on the backs of tax paying

citizens. The most likely target for supression by the CCAI clients would be the

TIMELY LOOPING radar images. This MUST NOT happen. I believe that NOAA will be

fullfilling its public obligations by leaving its ""National Weather Service""

websites running exactly as they presently are. They supply looping radar images in

a timely manner, freely accessible to the public in a browser NEUTRAL manner, and

that is what they should continue to do. So, regardless of what computer operating

system or browser you use you can freely access the latest weather images. By

contrast, Weather.com is advertizing a propriatary ""Desktop Weather"" application

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that serves only those using the Windows 98/ME/2000/XP platforms, and give no more

information than the NOAA National Weather Service websites give, except for the

ads, and except for the fact that only 75 cities have access. All the rest can go

fish. All this for $30 per year! These are giant steps backwards from what NOAA

is offering the citizen-taxpayer now. Any ""policy"" which forces NOAA to do less

than it is doing now is betraying the trust of the American taxpayers. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

54 "On the face, the policy looks great. It will be fantastic to get real time

radar and other weather information over the internet, rather than delayed

information. After all, we're paying for it, we should get it in the most timely

manner possible! Thanks for all the work you do. Yours is truely a good and

worthwhile organization! The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

55 "I suppport this proposed policy. This proposed policy can: 1) Greatly

enhance the ability of the NOAA, NWS, OAR and NOS to accurately provide real-time

and improving information that can be utilized to effect public SAFETY; 2) Improve

the ability of the public and industry to appropriately (via greater accuracy)

employ other activities that affect the economy - outdoor events such as music/art

events, boating and many other recreational activities that provide fiscal benefits

to cities, counties, and private businesses alike. 3) Because of greater

predictions, metrics, etc., all of these increase the quality of life ofr thew

American public, whether it be from a reduction in loss of life/injuries or an

enjoyable day at the beach or ampitheatre, which again has a large trickle-effect of

benefits in local communities and regions across the United States. Also, it

promotes an atmosphere of teamwork which will help improve our technological

advances and potentially open new resources/funding to continue our development as

we become much more technologically intelligent as we have the past 50 years!

Please enact this policy to the benefit of all people, not even just Americans...we

are truly one species on this planet, the better we understand our environment, its'

changes and how we affect it, the better off we all will be and our children. Last

- it might behoove us to look at if the USGS can affect such a policy in the

interest of public welfare also. Thank you. Todd M. Ravazza

Father/Husband/Surfer/Safety Manager The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

56 "The proposed policy seems to make a great deal of sense from my viewpoint

in the Transportation Maintenance Division of the New York State Department of

Transportation. I have managed many of this agency's efforts to acquire timely,

accurate weather information to support activities like snow & ice control and

highway repairs over the last ten years. I strongly support the recommendations

noted in the proposed policy and referenced material. Thank you. -Joseph F. Doherty,

P.E. Maintenance Div./NYSDOT The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

57 "I would hope that the current availablity of weather information from NOAA

remains at it's current high standards and is not in any way affected by private

for-profit business concerns. With the trend towards media conglomeration (ie:

Clearchannel,etc.)the choices are lessened and smaller communities are left out. I

can only guess there might be a certain number of entities that would like a

monopoly of weather information and would dare use the ""Get the goverment out of

competing with us...."" meaning FREE and open accesss to PUBLIC information. The

National weather service is an important source of information that affects the

safety and well-being of citizens of the United States and should continue it's

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stellar job. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

58 I don not believe the policy whould be changed. I have observed there is a

tendency for news organizations to exagerate the potential of storm threats for

commercial gain in an effort to increase their viewership. The referring webpage:

59 i did not even have a computer in 1991. how is this different from the

policy that was in place at that time? Chuck The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

60 "Hello, I'm very glad that your service is a free one, I have the weather

bug and am always appreciative of your forcasts, plus long range outlooks through

human input reading computer models. I would like to add my own input, via

observations that i collect through my own weather data from multiple locations. I

work in the town of Aloha, OR...and live in Beavertown, OR...which is only 5 miles

away. I am interested in (micro-climatology). I would like to be able to let

weather nuts like myself, as well as the weather service know that the readings they

take maybe completely different than what I'm seeing at my graveyard shift between

those locations. If I can be of service to provide weather stats, or provide

interesting happenings I get to observe because I work when everone's still

sleeping, then please let me know. I'll give a few examples... Last night the low

temp for Portland recorded to be 39OF... In Aloha, I had to scrape frost off my

windshield, it was 30 OF...such a descrepincy for a few miles away...I got the

chance to see meteors when the glance off the atmosphere and no one reported it

cause they were asleep, it snowed in Beaverton, but at the same elevation 5 miles

away, it's raining... Since I was 13...now 33... I've had weather instruments of my

own, I would appreciate knowing if my skills and observations would be of interest,

or where to go to post comments on such local weather phenomna. Thankyou again for

your continued climatology service and the freindly people that work so hard for the

love of weather!!!!! Sincerely, Garron. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

61 "I fully agree with NOAA's proposed policy on partnerships.As a geologist,

I'm for anything that helps to smooth the way for relationships in research,

education, ""use-of"" data, and anything else that might be helpful in the fields of

environmental science. We're all in this together! The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

62 "Sounds reasonable. Safety before ""Empires""! I say. Just look at the

decrease in aviation accidents in 50 years due to weather awareness and

availiability. Bill Retired FAA Pilot Weather Briefer/USAFR Crewmember/Pilot and

Aircraft owner. The referring webpage:"

63 "I full-heartedly agree with the proposal set forth, that the evolution of

technology allows for more rapid acquisition and dissemination of global data, and

the cross-over inclusion of all related entities in acting on and relaying of that

information should be boundary-free. - Caren Quisenberry The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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64 "The current distribution of weather information via the National Weather

Service works fine as it currently exists. The private media frequently make errors

in reporting weather information and/or insert their own views which may in some

instances prevent persons from taking necessary precautions during life-threatening

severe weather conditions. Therefore, I feel the proposed changes are unnecessary

and irresponsible. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

65 "I am the Director of the Delavan Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.

We use the weather maps for severe weather. How is this going to change the maps

for tracking severe weather, and will this be real time maps, or how long will it

take to update the maps. Thank you Ron The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

66 "Does this new policy mean that I, as a private citizen, will no longer have

access to the tools I currently use on the NOAA website? I routinely check my local

radar loop at: http://weather.noaa.gov/radar//loop/DS.p19r0/si.kdox.shtml forecast

and my local forecast at: http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iwszone?Sites=:mdz015#t1

and http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/forecasts/MDZ015.php?warncounty=MDC035&city=Chester

I also enjoy browsing through the website reading about various special interest

subjects such as El Nino and hurricanes such as Isabel. In reading the Proposed

Policy I am a little afraid that I will no longer be able to. My first impression

was that private companies such as The Weather Channel are trying to limit access to

your website in order to protect their advertisers. Being a satellite television

customer, The Weather Channel does not meet my needs for weather information. Thank

you for allowing me express my concern. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

67 "I think it sucks. But based on that directive from OMB(?), what choice do

you have? Assigning equivalency between government and private sources of

information toward the performance of agency missions is just wrong. I notice all

of the nice satellite composites and analyses are gone. I think it's unfortunate

when such things are removed from free public use just so someone else can line

their own pockets. Were they really so expensive to produce, or is it even worse

than that - are they still being produced but restricted to other government

agencies? Anyway, keep up the good work, to the degree you're allowed, at least.

Chris The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

68 "March 13, 2004 To Whom It May Concern: While I am in no way a scientist,

I am a citizen, who relies on the National Weather Service for information and

checks your site regularly. I want to be able to trust the information that comes

from the NWS. Before addressing things that seem to be unclear in the new policy,

IÆd like to thank you for requesting public commentary. Again, I am not in politics,

just a citizen, so my reading of the policy is such that I have little context

regarding the ôfrictionö that the introduction to the policy discusses. ôà[private

sector] works with the NWS to communicate forecasts and warnings that may affect

public safety.ö The language ôworks withö is not clear to me. Does this statement

suggest that possibly, the Government would give some or all responsibility of

informing the public through private media outlets? Does this not happen already?

How does the Government benefit by working with the private sector to communicate

information? ôàproviding unrestricted access to publicly funded observations,

analyses, model results, forecasts, and related information products in a timely

manner and at the lowest possible cost to users.ö Who are the users? Will the NWS

site begin to have pop-up ads and subscriptions, like Carnegie MellonÆs old Weather

Underground has? If you charge ordinary citizens for the information that NWS

supplies, then why should citizens pay taxes that go, in part, to NWS? Are the

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users private companies, who will pay fees to the Government for their information?

I just do not understand this wording. ôNOAA recognizes the public interest is

served by the ability of private sector entities and the academic and research

community to provide diverse services to meet the varied needs of specific

individuals, organizations, and economic entities. NWS will give due consideration

to these abilities, within the bounds of its mission responsibilities as an agent of

the US government.ö The above section concerns me, because, as we know the FCC has

shown to be too much under the influence of private interests in the past year. The

precedent of how a partnership between business interests and Government agencies

that seems to have been set in that case, suggests to me that when a partnership is

established, the private interests really outweigh those of the people, whom the

Government is supposed to represent. Overall, the language of this policy seems to

consider academia and the private sector on an even plane (or even privileges the

private sector), but I question the wording. I think that at all costs, the

Government and academia should remain more aligned with each other and that the

private sector should be subordinate to the needs and work of real scientists. For

example, the following suggests that private business should have the exact same

access to information as academia has: ôNWS will be equitable in dealings with

various classes of entities and will not show favoritism to particular classes of

partners or individual entities, particularly those in the academic and commercial

sectors. NWS will not provide a service to a segment of the user community that

cannot be provided to all similar types of users.ö The use of information by

scientists and businessmen are completely different, aimed at different ends.

Treating them the same does not make sense to me. The very next point in the policy

makes it sound as if the NWS will operate like a business: ôMaintain and explain the

routine: When faced with requests for specifically tailored services, NWS will make

sure the customer fully understands products NWS æroutinelyÆ provides (e.g.

forecasts, watches, warnings and data sets) and the ability of private sector

providers to meet needs outside these routine services.ö The NWS has ôcustomersö?

What I do not see in this policy is an interest in science and scientists, who

should be given budgets that help them to do their work as they see fit and to

disseminate information as they see fit; they should not have to negotiate, make

deals with, or entertain the interests of the private sector. If private companies

play a role in their work, fine, but having a policy that builds the private sector

into the roles of the Government is disturbing to me. Furthermore, the policyÆs

repeated emphasis on ôunrestricted accessö to information is extremely

disconcerting. Like I said above, I am not a scientist. However, I respect what

scientists do, and I would worry about what would happen if their work became

compromised by interests that are not theirs. I see this policy as opening the door

to such a compromise. Thanks for asking for input! I do appreciate the work of the

NWS. Sincerely, Elizabeth Rich The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

69 "Private meteorology companies would like the public to pay them for weather

info. This desire threatens the safety of the public and the meaningful thus

effectiveness of NOAA. The more you give away, the more you'll regret it in the

future. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

70 "I am encouraged with the apparent change in philosophy by the NWS

concerning control of information gathered by tax payer funded resources. I am

concerned, however, that the focus will be on discerning this information to the

academic and meteorlogical business communities. There is a wide base of private

citizens to whom weather and meteorlogical activities are an avocation. I do not

wish to find any of the information available to me, a private citizen, via the NWS

at the present time to become unavailable due to any change in policy to make

information more available to private companies and academic circles. I would not

mind having more information available to me, but I do not wish to see less

availability. Thanks for providing the forum to offer feedback on this issue. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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71 "Very good idea. As a retiree living in a rural area, NOAA radar is my best

source for the location of weather events. Please continue and expand the available

information. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

72 "As a radio weathercaster/producer, I think the proposed policy will do a

great deal to eliminate the rediculous and shameful disagreements between certain

members of the private sector, and the NWS over supposed competition between the

two. I have always believed that private forecasters can best make a profitable

living by creating high quality, tailored products for customers, and not by trying

to reduce or degrade the public service aspect of the science of meteorology. I

think that any private sector company or individual who has to rely on eliminating

so called government competition does not belong in the business in the first place.

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

73 "Pretty good, but there should a clearer statement that NWS exists to

provide a public service above and before assisting education or private enterprise.

Public money should provide benefit to the public (i.e. taxpayers and private

citizens) first. For example, this means that cutting funding for NOAA weather radio

stations in order to collect more data for the Weather Channel would not be

acceptable. Thanks for the chance for input. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

74 "I am not sure what the policy means, just keep it free like it is now, on

the net. Thank you The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

75 "I have read the Policy in detail. While I do not claim to understand all

the legal-ese involved in it, I did notice that the roll of the private sector was

primarily 'communication' and the roll of the NWS was 'observation' and

'prediction.' My concern is that once the Policy is adopted, the private sector can

cry 'foul' for the NWS making data and predictions publicly available on their

website, because the public distribution of data and predictions is supposed to be

the private domain. I am in staunch opposition to any policy that may interfere

with the NWS conveying unbiased and uncluttered observation and prediction

information directly to the American taxpayer. The NWS website, and all the

information available on it, is one of the finest examples of how a government

funded organization can meet and exceed its duty to the public. It was unclear

whether the æPolicyÆ will increase or decrease the NWSÆs ability to continue to

provide this kind of service directly to the people. If the æPolicyÆ decreases the

NWSÆs ability to provide data to the public, unclouded with pop-ups and

advertisements and other sorts of media bombardment, then it should not be adopted.

Otherwise, it seems fine. -Robert Campbell Civil Engineer and Recreational

Sailor. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

76 Wouldn't it be benificial to all said parties to be able to pool their

knowledge and collected data together for the good of all? The referring webpage:

77 There can be only 1 voice for severe weather. This should rest with the

NWS. More than 1 voice invites misinterpretation of the intent of the warning to

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the general public by adding sensationalism to the warning for the purpose of

gaining an audience for profit. It also weakens the foundation of the issuing

location and confuses the general public on where to go for information. For 2

(myself and my wife) we absolutely disagree with the thinking of the proposal. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

78 "Increasing the scope of certain functions of the NWS will only add to the

amount of work needed to produce that particular product. Tensengrity suggests the

best way, this word which I believe has to do with the sharring of stress between

all members of particular system, I think would best apply. This is best done by

free and easy transfer of information. More simply, I suggest looking at a

biological system as a guide for the development of the NWS, such as an animal organ

and how it relates the whole organism. The biggest thing this shows is that there

has to be a - free - flow of information between the parts, as well as specific

functions for all the systems pieces. NASA for instance has experimental data that

comes from GOES satelites that produces artificial skew-t log-p aerosonde charts for

places like Raleigh NC, where I live that could be added to the Greensboro and

Morehead City real balloon tests to enhance or perhaps compare with while making

forecasts. The Oklahoma University produces grid sizes for certain weather products

less than 20 kms, productions like this could add or at least be intergrated into

the picture that NWS meteorologists use to make forecasts. The one complaint I have

personally heard is that there is to much information and it takes to long to get to

all of it, so try to synthesize differing pieces of information into a more concrete

model, and give the meteorologists the quickest way to the widest range of data. A

hierarchal graphical map database where one idea like convection leads to an array

of sub maps each with its own maps, or perhaps live data, from that. A map databse

branched like a tree root system, or multiple root systems. Human beings being

visual creatures can read a map many times faster than a log of numbers so perhaps

continual research and ""product testing"" of new more powerful maps would be

helpful. Increase the amount of automated systems for collection, would also be

helpful. What if every mile highway mile marker had a solar powered temperature

guage that transmitted that information to the next mile marker that in relay passed

it to a node for collection? Say put this with a simple humidity dectector... This

would greatly help the differing weather models output. Main point is for the NWS

to be better there has to be competition to succeed, better free flow of information

between the parts, and easier access to what is already available. Thank you for

letting me air my comments, good luck! Stewart Alexander The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

79 "In reading between the lines of the reasons for the proposed new policy I

must question the intentions of the entities causing the ""tension"". I do not know

what these ""tensions"" are but I can imagine. I am fortunate enough to log-on to

the NWS site at least once a day to plan my business and personal activities based

on the data I receive and I rely exclusively on your services for this. I also tune

into local and national broadcasts mainly to confirm why I rely on your service for

accuracy. This is not to say that the broadcast media does not provide a valuable

service. For those who cannot directly access your services on-line it may be their

only access. As for Academia and Private entities I have no first hand knowledge.

One could argue that I profit from the data that I receive from your service but I

do not profit from ""resale"" of that data in any form. If the ""tensions"" that

are mentioned are caused by entities that profit from the ""resale"" of your data I

must register my objection to any new policy that would accomadate them if it costs

the public one penny more to establish and maintain this policy. I further suggest

that your agency consider a fee for any data that is used for ""resale"". I am sure

this would cause some real ""tension"". I, for one, appreciate the accurate and

timely service you provide. I oppose any policy established that adversly affects

the operation of your agency in any way, shape or form. Thank you, Duncan Lamb

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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80 We have every faith in NOAA and its proposal! We have followed your

organization for 40 years and we believe in your organizations judgements and ideas.

We support your efforts and will continue to do so in the forseeable future. Thank

you for being so accessible and for producing a vehicle of such complete information

in an exceptionally easy format. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

81 "Being a weather enthusiast for many years, I find the idea of limiting or

even prohibiting satellite data to the general public(ie weather enthusiasts) both

uncalled for and unfair. My tax money pays for these satellites and the people who

monitor them and their data. I also think there are other alternatives such as

mirror servers or repeat loops in crucial situations such as landfalling storms or

severe weather outbreaks. This would help with bandwidth issues. I think everyone

with an interest in weather who chooses to use these satellites has the right. It

would be a big blow to the weather enthusiasts and Skywarn community to prohibit us

from this data. I belong to a weather enthusiasts web site Storm2k.org and we hope

that these satellites and there data will always be available to us. Thanks for your

time. The referring webpage: http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=442882"

82 "dear NWS; regarding partnerships in providing weather data. in our home,

we visit NWS .gov sites on a daily basis. it is the first thing we do in the

morning, to decide what activities we will be pursuing- based on our weather

forecast. in the past, we did try to use private websites, but in recent years we

check your .gov site almost exclusively. our preference for the .gov sites, is that

they are faster, we like the narrative style with complete explanations, that we

feel are trustworthy. at times we have found that the private websites do not have

the same information, and that causes us to mistrust them. also, the privates do

decide what information they feel is most useful to the public and edit accordingly.

we want access to all the information that the NWS makes available, and then we will

decide. by using NWS information direct, we are as up to date as we can be. thank

you for this opportunity to comment. keep up the good work. curt The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

83 "Any process that potentially gives more timely weather information to the

public is of substantial benefit to all. While many private weather forecasting

firms exist, most exist to serve specific needs and those needs would not be

threatened by a more open and proactive policy by the NWS. As a pleasure boater, I

have personally experienced situations where more timely weather information would

have been of great value. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

84 "Your proposed Policy on Partnerships disregards the most important

Partnership that NOAA has. That between you and the final recipients of the

information your systems gather, analyze and predict. The information available on

the various NWS sites is *by far* the most complete weather information available

from any source. This policy opens the doors for the private sector to quietly seek

""Establishing procedures for seeking input and suggestions to create, modify, or

discontinue products and services"" that would dramatically reduce the usefulness of

the information that the National Weather Service provides to the public today.

This is wrong. The very purpose of the National Weather Service is to make this

publicly funded information as available to ALL as reasonably possible. The purpose

of the private sector is solely to make money for their investors. Because of the

differing focus, there will always be tension between the parties. Do not forget

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that your first mission is to the American public. You provide invaluable

information to protect life and property as well as invaluable information to plan

simple personal events. On a personal note, I find that I can almost always get a

more accurate forecast from using the information on your site than any other

available source. Find another source that actually has the isobaric map available,

for instance. I therefore suggest, that there be specific language added to section

6 that protects information made freely available to the public from the National

Weather Service from encroachment by the private sector. Thanks for your

consideration of my comments. Sincerely, Greg Bishop. 4794 Tapestry Dr. Fairfax, VA

22032 The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

85 "As a boater and a fisherman on the Monterey Bay, I appreciate the equity in

dealing with all parties of interest. Your information is paramont in our safety and

success. Thanks AL # Equity: NWS will be equitable in dealings with various

classes of entities and will not show favoritism to particular classes of partners

or individual entities, particularly those in the academic and commercial sectors.

NWS will not provide a service to a segment of the user community that cannot be

provided to all similar types of users. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

86 "DATA EXCHANGE IS ALWAYS THE BEST PROCEEDURE AS ALL BENEFIT FROM SUCH OPEN

ENDED DIALOUGE, AND THE SOURCES ARE EXPANDED... THAT IS WHAT THE INTERNET IS ALL

ABOUT ANYWAY... BESIDES THAT YOU FOLKS HAVE A GREAT PRODUCT THAT I USE EVERYDAY!

MAHALO! The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

87 "I came upon this Proposed Policy on Partnerships while searching for

weather information. I was happy to find that organizations are coming together to

improve the prediction, monitoring, and early warnings of our sourrounding outdoor

enviroment that we all live in. I would think with co-operation and working together

that the results would be postive. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

88 "Even as an engineer and a pilot, I can not understand what your policy

change accomplishes. It seems to be written in ""committee speak"" or

""governmentese"" Can you rephrase it to plane speaking such as ""in the past we

wanted to provide raw data and finished forcast in our own format and let the

citizens figure out with industry and academic help what we meant to say.--Now we

are going to provide data and finished forcast in formats everyone can understand.""

... or what ever you meant to say... The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

89 "NWS: I applaud the efforts involved to update the 1991 NWS Partnership

Policy. I am not totally familiar as to the complete history to facilitate this

effort, but I do believe that more clarification of roles between the NWS, private

sector and academia is needed. This policy statement appears to address how the NWS

will ""conduct"" its business relating to its mission statement and coexist with the

private sector and academia. Great detail is provided as to how the NWS will

distribute its data, communicate data modifications and changes, provide advance

notice of all changes etc. I believe this is a great to see the NWS take these

issues detailing its implied service level agreements with its partners. However, I

believe it should go further and set expectations as to how its product set will be

used by its partners including the private sector and academia. In short, taxpayer

funds go into the creation and collection of the data and information and it should

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be treated as copyrighted material. Too often, the private sector has misled

parties into believing certain forecasts, data sets or forecasting models are the

result of internal efforts. The private sector should not have the right to issue

severe weather warnings that contradict the NWS Warnings. The private sector should

not be able to take NWS information and distribute it as ""their own"" product

without giving source credit to the NWS. The private sector should have to provide

credit to the NWS for any product that it simply ""redistributes"" with or without

and value-added capability. In addition, academia should not be allowed to compete

with the NWS or the private sector. Specifically, if a forecast model was created

by a research institution using public funds that model should be freely available

to all. Also, universities should not have the ""right"" to provide operational

forecasts to the media, aviation or other public or commercial entity other than

being used the internal use of that institution of learning. I believe academia has

and should continue to be closely associated with the NWS for research purposes and

not be in the position of trying to compete with either the private sector or the

NWS. Lastly, on item 8 last bullet - I'm not sure of the intent of this section. I

don't understand how the ""NWS will make sure the customer fully understands

products NWS ""routinely"" provides...."". The NWS can explain the products and

services it offers, but it can not assume that the customer will understand. I

believe a better way of wording this would be that the ""NWS will communicate its

offering of products that it ""routinely"" provides..."" Also, I do not believe

that it is the appropriate role of the NWS to provide ""the ability of private

sector providers to meet needs outside these routine services"". I believe this

entire paragraph is not specific enough as it defines roles among the three entities

(NWS, private sector, and academia). I believe many areas of conflict could be

avoided if this paragraph simply stated that the NWS will adhere to its mission

statement, and it will not produce products for specific users other than government

entities (military, federal, state and local governments) and will only be done so

on an as needed and short-term basis. If a request is received by the NWS which

conflicts with the above then it needs to simply urge the requestor to contact a

private sector organization. I'm afraid the way it is written in the policy

statement the definition of roles is not clear enough. Thanks you very much for

creating this policy statement. The NWS clearly is the world's leading public

weather service. You do great work with the resources provided. Southwest Airline

is the largest domestic airline which solely uses NWS forecasts for operational

decision making. We fully support and appreciate the NWS in every way possible.

This policy statement provides the NWS the opportunity to copyright and take credit

for all its products. As future funding pressure is placed upon NOAA and the NWS it

is essential that our lawmakers fully understand the quality, quantity and usage NWS

products get. Without clear identification of NWS products (ie. others taking

credit for them) it is easy for our policy makers to underestimate the role of NOAA

and the NWS. Rick Curtis Southwest Airlines (214) 792-5317 The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

90 "I greatly appreciate the information on the NOAA site in terms of up to the

minute data from the bouys. I am also in favor of resources being shared as

ultimately the data users (all of us) benefit. I would like to see a system

developed that could feed live weather/sea conditions via the GPS system. Imagine

the simplicity and safety of sailing in the ocean miles from the coast and being

able to receive current weather on your handheld GPS. For example, if you were off

the coast of NJ heading for Block Island, you could select your ""go to"" waypoints

(Block Island)and see what lay ahead. All sailors could have a listing of the data

bouys in listed on the GPS. They would type in the bouy number and presto, all they

want to know. Remember, if this doesn't already exist, I thought of it first.

Thanks for all you do. Bob Bottinelli The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

91 "The policy sounds very reasonable. Is there any thought given for creating

a registry of parties interested in changes to formats or data provided by noaa. So

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for example, if newer technology dictated a change to the TAF format is there a

mechanism for identifying those parties that would need to know that the data format

they were acquiring was going to be changing? The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

92 "As a private pilot I rely on accurate and fairly 'real time' weather

information. I use a variety of weather information sources, and the faster that

information is disseminated is improtant to me. It is hard, sometimes, to discern

how old that data is. If there is more cooperation amongst the generators of the

data, the 'compilers and presenters' of the data and the 'disseminators', then our

ability to receive pertinent information quickly can only enhance the safety and

useability aspects of gathering weather data. As our weather technology increases,

I'd like to see the weather information transmitted via satellite. Yes, the

information is already available by satellite, but at significant cost to the user.

As the software becomes available, automated gathering and mapping will become more

accurate and timely, and that cost savings needs to be passed on to the public as

weather is probably the most widespread 'item' that affects our daily lives. Thanks

for the opportunity to comment. Linn Walters The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

93 "REF: New ERA of Cooperation between NWS and the others outside the NWS. I

was an NWS employee for many years. This new policy tells me one thing. That the

Management NWS sees it as a desirable activity. FRANKLY as an employee of the NWS

and a NON FIREable employee (no one gets fired from the NWS no matter how

incompetant they are) such as many idiot bosses in the NWS I had) (not mentioning

names like Mogil) As a longtime NWS employee I don't have to do anything but

forecast and many in the NWS don't give a [word deleted] what Management says. They

are mostly their to watch the weather and draw a paycheck ...what could be better.

Other interaction with academia ...IN YOUR DREAMS , NWS MANAGEMENT !!! It will never

happen. I found that half of the NWS employees were the laziest bunch of [word deleted]

I ever knew. Dave Texas The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

94 "Quality and accurate weather forecasting is of great value to individuals

and businesses in agriculture, transportation, and just about any outdoor activity.

It if vital that the government scientists maintain a strong hand on acquiring and

interpreting this information lest we all be forced to either pay a private

disseminator to give us (taxpayer paid for) data or else choose to forego the

information. It is for the benefit of the citizens for their safety and economic

well being that this data and analysis continue to be provided free. Private

analysts are free to use the data further for their clients, but lets not let them

muffle government scientists' analysis. I use the information for farm operations,

ski weekends, and private flying information. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

95 "I am a employed by a large scool district and I use NOAA forcasts daily to

see to see what Wx is going to effect our area and operation. Whatrver your new

policies are, I request that you still make your products available to the general

public, as it is the quickest most accurate information available to us. Thank You

Bill Roller The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

96 Wonderful safety feature! Long overdue! The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

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97 I am a college educated individual and your proposal makes no sense to me.

I still do not know what it is you are proposing and how that is different from the

existing system. I am a private sector individual who uses both NWS products and

private products to facilitate my business and protect my customers from potential

weather threats. I suspect that your proposal will affect my access to weather

products so I would like to underestand what is being proposed. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

98 "Thank you for the consultation opportunity. i don't have sufficent

knowledge of the intricacies of definition between the three roles commented upon in

your policy but I do have the following observations. I along with many water

sports enthusiasts use your buoy data before every trip out to sea, all of the data

you offer at present: Wind direction and wind speed are essential but the ability

to view the previous 24 hrs gives great insight into trends for the day. Wave

height and interval allows me to make prediction for surf conditions. Coupling this

with trends from other buoys allows a picture to develop of conditions and when the

best conditions are likely to be. Pressure and rate of rise help me to understand

how reliable my wind will be and whether it is likely to drop off or not. And the

wind and air temp gives me a good indication of which gear to take with me and how

long I should stay in the water. This helps me to let others know when i should be

back (safety for me.) I confess I don't understand dew point fully but use it as a

measure of how moist the air is and therefore get an understanding of how much force

a given wind speed has. The more dense the air the more powerful in my kitew (18m

sq +) In closing I'd just like to ask that when you rationalise your provison of

data please allow for lay weather watchers like myself who draw useful inference

from these reports and are able to gain far better use of their limited time off by

going to the right place at the right time with the right equipment thanks in no

small part to your instruments. Thanks, Hope this wasn't too far off your remit.

Dai Swan The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

99 "Dear NOAA Policy Makers, As an individual representative of the PUBLIC

INTEREST and free of corporate interests, a citizen of the United States, a

taxpayer, and non-entity of any private interest group, I feel this policy is a

fantastic step forward in attempting to address the deperate need for public

dessimination of data that by law (I would guess), is the rightful ownership of

every taxpaying citizen. To be brief, Im a weather buff and visit the storm

prediction center often, but often realize the difficult connection I and the public

sector have to this and other data, which sometimes seems is applied favorably and

even exclusively to certain private sector or business/academic sector

organizations. This is unfair, if true, and the policy you guys describe seems to

address that, as well as the desperate need for XML and other interent driven data

to us. We would very much benefit from a policy of increased public data delivery

and policy settings on every level, which we (should) have the FREEDO M to use for

our own interest, whether in software, web development, or alerting systems to

protect life and property, or for personal interest. For example, Im not completely

familiar with your lightning data programs, EMWIN data, or radar information, but

seems in the past that companies like lightingstorm.com and others, for example,

have some sort of exclusive rights to some of this data, but which is either resold

exclusively to the public and/or that the public has difficulty accessing that data.

Sometimes the format seems almost proprietary to the interest groups involved. As a

taxpayer, if this is true, we feel this is wrong. We also pay for that data, and so

I would be in favor of this new policy if it would ""open up"" or make universal

those data channels and make that information more accessible for free public

consumption, within the bounds of security constraints, of course. So, ""kudos"" to

you and your group for realizing this, and moving forward with more forwar d

thinking in addressing the need for service reviews concerning all user groups under

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the policy, and for looking into new technologies to do so. I hope this translates

into more free XML exploration, for example, that is internet accessible, correctly

DTD'ed and organized, consistent among all organizations, and accessible not only by

select groups, but shared by all groups. We all benefit! Mitchell Stokely - Dallas,

Texas The referring webpage:"

100 "Equal access must be maintained. In order to avoid any appearance of

inpropriety or favoritism (which is a violation of the Code of Federal Regulations),

delete the words ""similar types of"" from paragraph 8, bullet 4 as follows: ò

Equity: NWS will be equitable in dealings with various classes of entities and will

not show favoritism to particular classes of partners or individual entities,

particularly those in the academic and commercial sectors. NWS will not provide a

service to a segment of the user community that cannot be provided to all users.

The referring webpage:"

101 I do not believe that the NWS should interfere with the NOAA. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

102 I noticed that the policy does not refer to WMO or ICAO standards for

international cooperation in weather matters. It would appera that NOAA has decided

to go its own way on the international cooperation issue. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php

103 "Fair weather sounds great. As a weather consultant I would like access to

AWIPS datasets using my PC as a terminal in the same way the weather service offices

aquire the most current data. I noticed the AWIPS home page was changed, from:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/msm/awips/ awipsmsm.htm To:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ost/awipsprog.html The new AWIPS home page is no longer

available to the public and there is a message that if the user is not on a NOAA

server, the page is no longer available. Gerald Singleton at

[email protected] is the contact. I don't know how or if any of this

applies to the proposed policy, but it seems relevant to me. Regards, Andrew

Gaines The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

104 "Generally sounds pretty good - a bit wordy, but it is a large subject, so

that might be expected. The most important result I feel is to achieve what in the

aerial photo interpretation business is called ""ground truth"" - what`s really out

there. I recall a comment that someone made at a flight service station - ""tell him

to look out the window"". Thanks for opportunity to comment. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

105 "The policy as stated seems worthwhile. It is important that direct access

to NWS products, such as ADDS, be continued. I agree the ""partnership"" idea works

best, i.e. all entities contribute and overlap. Rigidity is unwise. Thanks for your

long time service. The referring webpage:"

106 "I wish you government guys could learn to speak like regular people. If you

are asking if this site is a benefit to all , very definitely yes. you should

advertise it's exsistence so people know it is here. I travel up and down the state

of Illinois every week and I wouldn't leave home without consulting the site.

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Thanks for offering it. Connie Butler The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

107 "This is in response to your request to provide feedback to the proposed

policy on partnerships. Overlapping roles of each sector may produce ôgray areasö

that could lead to uncertainty in providing environmental information services to

our respective customers. It is most encouraging to hear of National Oceanic and

Atmospheric AdministrationÆs efforts to adopt a new partnership policy, which

intends to strengthen the relationships between academia, government, and the

private sectors. I fully concur with the proposalÆs intent to improve the processes

in which we interact with one another. Establishing rigid boundaries is

ôcounterproductiveö as indicated by the National Research CouncilÆs study in the

matter. Therefore, it should be of little concern when an organization enters the

gray area. Working closer together should increase awareness that will only benefit

the services we provide to the public. Sincerely, Richard A. Shema, President

WeatherGuy.com, LLP 970 N. Kalaheo Ave. Suite C-104 Kailua, HI 96734 Toll Free:

866-882-WXGY (9949) Mobile: 808-291-WXGY (9949) Office: 808-254-2525 Fax:

808-254-1525 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.weatherguy.com The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

108 "What you are doing is wonderful!! WE need more interaction like this.

Please, keep up the excellent work. Dennis The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

109 "The proposed policy, you wish comments on, I know little, about. But to

have safty & turn a profit, ect. One needs all the current info, one can gather...I

just have property along a remote hwy in a remote area, with a interest in a weather

station, cell tower-internet--wind--solar , ect. But no money and to busy trying to

paddle to keep my nose from all but going under with the rest, to really go after my

interests The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

110 "Any sharing and distributing of information should not be limited. Anyone

fearing the flow of information has most likely personal gain in limiting that

information. An example of this is the limited information on the Gulf Stream

provided by the NWS Marine weather office. This information is important to

Mariners, and is distributed by others for a fee. This information is creted by

Government funded groups and should be availible to those who need it and have payed

for it. I 'm sure there are other examples of conflicts that benefit a few at the

cost of many. Regards Ed Witts The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

111 "Unless things have changed recently, it would seem that the NESDIS policy

of charging for the data they provide to their customers is not in accord with the

spirit of this policy. I recognize that NESDIS, although part of NOAA, is not an

NWS organization. Nevertheless, I recommend the policy be applied NOAA-wide and

specifically include NESDIS as well as NWS. That would ensure that data are freely

available from origin to archival destination. R. Whiton Office (618) 624-9005 Home

(618) 344-7194 [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

112 "I would hate to see an organization like ""Weather dot com"" become

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involved in your websites. They would have it full of annoying pop-up

advertisements. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

113 "I would like to know how this now policy will affect the various NWS

Forecast offices around the country. Will there be cuts to the staff, and will part

of the forecasting and warning responsiblity be passed on to the private sector.

Please Reply\ Joseph Pennington The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

114 "I know that if there is a partnership such as the ADD program I beleive

that more difinitive information can be send out to the different users. Between

NOAA, NHC, Nasa, and maritime information a user would be able to look at a complete

situation even for future forcasting. [email protected] Jay T. Rhoads {KD4QOV} The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

115 "Gentlemen, My wife and I are recreational boaters, using the buoys for

""real time"" updates and misc. info. I was a navigator in the USAF for many years,

so having good wx info is not just important, it is critical and many times a

lifesaver. IF YOU CAN GET THESE THREE GROUPS TO WORK TOGETHER, IT SHOULD BE

ADVANTAGEOUS TO EVERYONE. Period!! Elimination of duplication is the first

advantage I think of. The second is getting a better product to the public. Is the

military on board? The Navy & USCG have facilities & data that could help us. If

the inter-service rivalries can be avoided. I wish you had video-cams on the buoys.

Or a digital camera that transmits one color photo per minute. It would be an

opportunity to SEE what is happening. A visual reinforcement of data. If a boater

wasn't sure what 20 ft swells at 20 seconds apart meant, he could actually see it.

Seeing this might save lives. Good luck with your endeavors, we will look forward

to a brighter future thanks to you and your dedicated staff. Regards, David Loving

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

116 "I strongly support the proposed policy and recommend creation of improved

NWS services in the Grand Isle, LA area specifically the NWS radio service. The

signal strength for the NWS Radio Service does not reach the Grand Isle, LA area. I

also strongly recommend creation of modern and up-to-date tidal and weather station

in Port Fourchon, LA. As a federal search and rescue and law enforcement agency, we

rely solely on NWS for accurate weather information. We also host NOAA station GDIL1

on our base and look forward to future improvements and complete cooperation with

NOAA services. I would personally like to thank the efforts of Tim Osborn, Regional

Operations, NOAA CSC, Lafayette, LA for his continued and dedicated support to the

local Coast Guard units within his region. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

117 "thank you for asking. I feel strongly that we should have the most open

free communication possible to fill as many minds with information on each of these

topics thoughout the world. then when we go to other countries and its people,

living here or around the world they will be open to help our world oceans

collectivly. We need to show leadership in each of these areas thoughout the world.

We all are flying everywhere and word gets out. Thank you for all your past work and

new and exciting work ahead, with the new technowlegy to help foster it faster. In

gratitude for the many people that don't even know you exsist and for the future

generations. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

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118 "Although I am not familar with the details of this policy shift, as a

consumer of weather information, and based on the info provided on this website it

sounds good. I should also note, it would be nice to be able to get weather

data/info more easily directly from the NWS especially for local conditions/data.

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

119 "It seems that the proposed idea is not only necessary, but far over due.

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

120 "With respect to the ""Comment on NOAA's Proposed Policy on Partnerships in

the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental Information"", I

emphatically stress the need for NOAA to always maintain a free access to public

weather information for the following reasons: 1) Critical weather forecasts are

needed for life-threatening events and must never be denied to those unable to pay.

2) The public has already paid, and continues to pay for this government

infrastructure. The public must always have access to the services is pays for.

Sincerely, Ken Bauer, PE The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

121 "I suggest that if a U.S Government agency (NOAA, NWS, etc.) gathers weather

information, that the information should be available to the public, and NOT be

given only to a private entity for distribution to the public for a fee. This seems

to be unfair to the public who have actually already funded the cost of gathering

the information through taxation. The Agency has the information and it should

belong to the public, not be withheld from the public. A good example is the fact

that some years ago the location of the Gulf Stream was available to the public, but

due to some quirk of private interest, IE the ability to charge money to the public

for information that used to be free, The public has been unable to access this Gulf

Stream information for some time now. This information used to be broadcast on NOAA

weather radio and was useful for many private fishermen in south Florida. I would

like to be granted acess to this information again. Thank you for your consi

deration on this matter. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

122 "As a sportsfishing enthusiast, I have been using information from your

National Data Buoy project and its links to NWS forecasts to plan my expeditions.

This has been a fabulous service, and any policy that improves the information

available or broadens the scope of the project has my endorsement. The policy I just

read seems to indicate that you will continue to make this information publicly

accessible. I hope you will continue to fund this project. Thanks for this service

and this opportunity to praise it. Chris Brincefield Statesville, NC The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

123 "No strict boudaries should be in place, and the proposed policy should be

expanded to include similar activities of NESDIS, OAR, and the National Ocean

Service. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

124 I can remember a few years back when I was frustrated by the untimeliness of

radar imagages I was able to view on certain internet sites. I knew that the

government WSR-88D radar sites were pretty much the only source of radar data so I

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did some research to find out how I could access these images. I hit a brick wall

when I discovered only certain companies were allowed access to the data from the

radar sites and I would have to pay a large sum of money to access the data from one

of these companies. I soon gave up on the idea. A little while later I discovered

that the government was going to allow access to the data on it's servers to the

general public and I was thrilled. I discovered that the data was not stored in

image format so I learned how to program in C++ just so I could view the data in an

image format. I have since written my own software for my own research and have

never attempted to make any money off of this software. I think it is a great thing

the NWS and NOAA have done and I am looking forward to more great things. Keep up

the good work. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php

125 "Upon review of your recommendations for ongoing partnerships I would like

to offer my opinion given below. I do not believe that the weather service should

regulate what tools may be used by participants of the program. However, I continue

to very strongly in that only NOAA or the NWS shall be authorized to produce weather

advisories, warnings, and various public service annoucements regarding severe or

dangerous weather conditions. I believe that permitting corporations or other

non-governmental agencies the power to issue such annoucements will inevitabily be

abused to promote or advance their business interests to their financial benefit and

possibly to the harm of the general public. Just my humble opinion. Thank you for

your offer to hear the opinions of the public. --Steve The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/feedback.php"

126 "As always if you ask a group outside NOAA or NWS about the jobs of both

entities they almost always side with the Private Sector which has more clout and

money to use to convince Congress. The protection of life and property in the U.S.,

public forecasting, and collection of the data for these products should be left in

the hands of a Government Agency aka the National Weather Service. The public

already pays tax dollars to support this and get the information for less money than

any other source in Government or the Private Sector. Anyone who is trying to make a

profit should not be involved in this as there is always a problem with conflict of

interest. The data that the NWS collects should be given to the public at low cost

or free as they have already paid to have it collected. The Private Sector takes the

data and tailors it to the groups that they deal with who want the forecasts. Most

of the animosity that I have heard of is with the Private Sector companies that want

to get the data collected by the NWS and sell it to other at a profit. The NWS does

not want to go into private forecasting as we have a job to do already for the

public. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

127 "I have a 38 foot boat, it is capable of costal crusing. I also own a

computer program Nobletc.Nobletic would lie to charge me 500.00 dollars a year to

over lay my electronic charts which they also got from the goverment,for which I as

a taxpayer helped pay for.I think the goverment should giveit to the people who paid

for it and not to special Intrests. Thanks for the free weather ,John Holt The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

128 "I am not sure how the policy change will affect access to the information

you provide, but as a science teacher, I find the information you provide via the

Internet a tremendous classroom resource. I hope a policy change will not diminish

this educational resource. Terry Uselton The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

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129 "I believe that over the last few years the National Weather Service has

taken great advantage of the opportunities presented by the internet to disseminate

high quality information to interested users. I have become a regular user of my

local forecast office web site. I appreciate both the immediacy of the access to

data and the very high quality of the data available. I take every opportunity to

recommend these sites to others. I have read the proposed policy, and I am

particularly glad to see that it incorporates the principles of ""Open information

dissemination"" and ""Equity"", as I understand them from the description. I believe

that the excellent web services that I am using exemplify these principles. I

believe that your policy statement will help guide the NWS to continue to develop

its services along the excellent path it has begun. I believe that your efforts to

supply ready access to better quality data fill a strongly felt public need. I

believe that public experience with this service will increase the public level of

sophistication about and interest in weather services and will lead to greater

success in the NWS fulfilling its primary mission. (i.e. right on guys!) The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

130 "I believe the interactive partnership is essential in bringing to the

general public; advisories, watches and warnings which relate to weather

information. Weather obviously affects everyone's day to day activities and the

general public needs daily updated weather information. This partnership will

enhance the gathering and expedite the distribution of weather information. The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

131 "Dear Gentlemen: I am a ""weather buff"". By profession, I am an educator.

I enjoy the variety of products that are available to me as a member of the general

public. I appreciate having the ability to go online and find the forecast,

including graphs, charts, and more, for an area that my wife and I are planning to

visit. I compare your services with those of www.weather.com and

www.accuweather.com and find that while forecasts may differ, there are valid

reasons for those differences. Please do not shut out the general public from

appreciating your hard work. Rather, continue to draw the various resources

together to become even more effective in forecasting and analyzing weather

information. Your consideration of my comments is appreciated. Thomas Keener The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

132 "I am a private pilot, living in a geographically diverse area of the

country. I rely on high-quality weather information for safety when I fly, and in

making decisions whether to fly. I have made particular use of the java-based

tools, as well as skew-t products available through, or based upon, noaa

observations. I would most strenuously object to any warping of the proposed rules

to give a financial advantage to a private sector entity, or to restrict information

available from taxpayer-based sources. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

133 "It seems that NOAA's many regional operations do a superb job with "" on

the ground "" local work (ie- Riverton,WY,with a huge area to cover,both

geographical and areas of responsibility...wind,rain,snow,blizzar

d,drought,flood,tornado,fire weather,avalanche weather,tremendous cold,tremendous

heat,etc. etc. etc.---- while the private companies do a better job with ""big

picture stuff"",and a much better job with graphics and public relations.

Competition is the #1 sickness in this country. Should it not be the

opposite?-working together,sharing,listening,learning? In all of life,none of us

""makes it"" until we all do--together! Should it not be so with the weather

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enterprises? Should not the goal be ""letting the other 'win',even though you know

you can clobber 'em."" ? ( Lucy-in Charles Shultz's ""Peanuts"" } Good Luck! The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

134 "The Proposed Policy would seem to be a logical step in integrating various

weather reporting modalities. There are few, if any reasons, that a more integrated

policy should not be put in place. I see no major proposals in the new policy that

I disgree with. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

135 "No reply is necessary to this comment. Proposed policy appears to ensure

that the NWS info that we - as private citizens with no commercial interest - use

will remain available. NWS info and forecasts are valuable to us. In addition, NWS

data archives - of both raw data and subsequent forecasts - are likely to be

indispensable for refining future models for forecasting. Relying on the private

sector to retain such data is problematic and, for the greater public good, probably

not a wise idea. Thanks. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

136 "I fully support the policy as it is outlined on-line. The only suggestion I

have is to provide a detailed, though understandable to a layperson, explanation of

the differences between the major computer models. I am living in New Orleans and am

from the Mid-Atlantic. When one or more computer tracks take a hurricane to myself

or my family I'd like to know how that model differs from the others. Keep up the

good work! The referring webpage:"

137 "The proposed policies seem quite reasonable, especially the policy of

non-discriminatory issuing of data. I firmly believe that the information captured

and developed by the NWS should be freely available to the public, through the

Internet as well as through tradional methods. After all, the public is, through

taxes, paying for the activities of the NWS. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

138 "Greetings from NCDC- I am PI on a National and International pilot project

(ESDIM) for the open exchange of NWP and Climate models and related observational

data. The effort is called NOMADS (see

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/nomads/nomads.html) for further information.

This comment is related to the above in the sense that broad inter-and intra Agency

cooperation has been forged at the grass roots level in order to provide model

intercomparision, and a general framework for high volume data transport. Within

your proposed policy statement you list the collection and ""archive"" of weather

data and suggest that the mission of archive exceeds that of the NWS and rests with

NCDC. However, as the policy proposes- an expansion of the policy should include

NESDIS and other LO's. Each LO, acts independantly- in terms of data collection and

dissmeination and this thus inheirently creates difficulities in the ability to

study multiple earth systems under a sustainable system architecture. NOAA, as

already reccomended in FAIR WEATHER needs to aggresively pursue data access

capabilites due the ever growing volumes in Sat and Radar. How is this to be

achived if NOAA does not promote data format issues? NOMADS uses XML, and the

OPeNDAP (and SOAP, and others), data subsetting distributed data formats. NOMADS

(and OPeNDAP/DODS) participants have agreed to the most commonly used formats, and

proceeded to build API libraies to users clients- and in turn meet the needs of

what users actualy use. The NOMADS framework not only supports models (NWP:

Grib/BUFR/ascii; Climate GCM's: NetCDF; Satellite: HDF(x)); but other data fomrs

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such as long-term climate refference data sets, sst's, and Radar data. The FAIR

WEATHER document is a great document, except for the Networking Box 5.4 which

proposes the use of database technology and even suggests NDFD as a database. My

understanding of NDFD is that it is flat files in GRIB2 format. Relational

databases cannnot deal with this voliumes. NOMADS can, and has been prosed to be

used with NDFD (subsetting in parameter time and space). Given the trend over the

last 25 years or so, Networks will lag behind cpu speed and I expect this trend to

continue. Subsetting, but the user, rather than push technologies will soon be the

standard. XML is the future and NWS and NOAA needs to pursue these technologies.

This is not achived at the Programmatic level: it is achived at the DATA level.

It may be funded at the program level but a new paradigm is taking shape and data

interoperability is driving the new visions- surfing the Web for data just as we

surf for static html today. I propose NOAA/NWS consider advancing a NOMADS-like

capability by advancing XML/OPeNDAP and creating a framework where NOAA programs

fund a portion (5%?) of their base to support data interoperabiltiy - across all of

NOAA. In this way- data will be useable in all it's forms: operational real-time

to retrospective (archived) research mode. This way- studies of earth systems

across multiple sciences (ocean, climate and weather) can be developed and advnaced.

For the NCDC NOMADS data access page see:

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/model/model-resources.html Please feel free to contact

me with any questions you may have and thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sorry for the length. Regards, Glenn The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

139 "I encourage the further involvement of the private sector in the future

planning of the NWS and its products. I run a service named ProAlert.us where we

offer warnings, alerts etc. to the public. Most of the information comes from links

to the EMWIN system and WeatherWire. We supply many Skywarn and Emergency personnel

information at no cost and will continue to do so. We also offer this to the public

for a small charge. It is important to insure that folks like myself are kept in

the loop and listened to as we are face to face with the public on a daily basis.

This interface allows us to judge just how affective the system is. Some changes to

the EMWIN products and miss use of said products currently cause issues with the way

we handle the alerts and how they are formatted/coded. The non speed increase with

the new proposed EMWIN and the N-sat. It does not make any since that the speed of

the EMWIN downlink would remain as 9600. An increase in speed to 19200 would allow

for some much more timely delivery of statements and images along with room for

future expansion and usage. Please consider having third party entities such as

myself to be part of this new and exciting future before us. Tim Shriver

ProAlert.us The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

140 "Be very careful if you do, indeed, decide to create a new, written policy.

The description of the NRC's findings do not seem to describe what forthcoming role

the private sector will play and how THEY will contribute and benefit the NWS. The

""private sector"" tends to be grabby and selfish; taking all it can FOR FREE and

giving nothing in return. Unless the private weather organization, i.e. TV weather

broadcasters, etc are truly being deined current up-to-date information (which I

seriously doubt), then, in my opinion, think the agreement as it stands should

remain. The technology gets shared in the end. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

141 "I agree that all sectors, public & private, sshould be able to draw on each

others resources not only to aid in more accurate weather forecasts but also to

share information that may be vital or even critical to the well being of all

persons living in the world . I live in the southwest and hold a private pilots

license. As a pilot I have to have trust and faith of true and accurate weather

forecasts prior to making a decission on if I plan to fly or not. If the

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information I recieve is not accurate or up to date then the consequences can

adversely affect the air craft that I am in and my passengers well being. Aviation

weather changes all the time and peoples lives are at risk if the information is

hours old. Weather aloft often changes sometimes for the better and sometimes for

the worse and it is a pilots duty to be aware of those changes or at least have

resourses to be able to make course changes with actual and specific conditions both

measured and observed. With this information at hand and available tragedies can be

turned into a good situation for those in the air as well as for those on the

ground. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

142 "Representative: The Public Sector interest does not appear to be clearly

and specifically mentioned or represented as a significant participant in these

events, the impact of which, will effect all Americans. Academia and the Private

Sector are specifically mentioned, while the Public Sector interest has no citation

in the document. This lack of attention to the Public Sector will allow the Bias of

the Academic and Private Sector to prevail in this so-called ""Partnership""

development. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

143 I would encourage NWS and NOAA to cooperate more closely with and hopefully

enter into more two-way information exchanges with academia and private forecasting

companies globally. There are many highly skilled and civic minded forecasters in

the private sector with valuable insights for NWS. Greater real-time sharing of

data can only improve the accuracy of forecasts. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

144 Favorable comment. Proceed. Thank you. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

145 "I travel extensively across the U.S. and use both the NWS and TWC to keep a

close watch on the weather in various places that I visit across the country. I

support the proposed policy and believe that the public, private and academic

sectors wpould mutually benefit from the new policy."

146 "I will encourage NWS to steer clear of the creation of more products of a

nitch of specialized nature that are or could be done by private meteoroloigst,

especially derivatives of forecast information for weather-sensative business

ventures, and apart from immediate public safety. I would be happy to discuss

specific areas where NWS has encroached on my products over recent years. The

referring webpage:"

147 "I quickly reviewed the proposed policy and have the following question,

Will the general public see continued improvements in WEB based content and will

images such as radar continue to be timely? Thanks Dan Zorbini 406 Petrick Ave Mingo

Junction, Ohio 43938 (We are located approx. 30 miles West of Pittsburgh Pa.) The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

148 "I feel the information NOAA releases to the private sector for no fee

should be released to the public also. Anyone requesting specific data desimination

should pay a fee-for-service. When specialized services are requested and the

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company uses that information to promote the sale of said information via internet

or any other communication, that service should be paid for by that vendor. The

Government should not be in the business of compiling information for no fee that a

private sector is going to sell to the public. The vast amount of profit the

private sector makes from data the received from government units for free is

positively revolting. As much as I admire the efforts of NOAA forcasting the

weather, I am sorry to admit that the windows of my house are often far more

accurate. Especialy when combined with a mecury barameter and a good temperature

display. Respecfully Submitted, Jack Lemley/N6SYJ La Porte, IN 46350 The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

149 "I am writing to express my support for the proposed changes that were

recommended in the NRC ""Fairweather"" report. My support is based in part on

actually reading the NRC report; in part on my experience as an active pilot, which

has been made safer and more efficient thanks to various NWS products now available

on the Internet; and in part on considering and disagreeing with the positions

stated by the commercial weather services. The info technology of this era is

completely different from what prevailed at the time of the 1991 agreements, and it

would be a disservice to the taxpayer and the public for the NWS not to help the

public take full advantage of what technology now makes possible. Sincerely, J

Fallows, [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

150 "My, my, what a lovely policy."

151 "As a taxpaying US citizen, I support the dissemination of weather

information by the NWS directly to the public in the most accessible manner.

NOAA/NWS should resist political pressure to favor private interests by restricting

the direct provision of weather information to the public in order to force the

public to access this information through private publishers. The cost of making

weather information directly available through the internet is trivial in comparison

to the cost of generating the information. Since we have already paid for this, we

should have direct access to the product. Any move to restrict public direct access

to weather information or curtail NWS's direct dissemination of this information to

the public will be recognized as a political favor to profitmaking private interests

by the present administration, at the expense of the public interest. The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

152 very good policy on weather and climate

153 I wholeheartdly agree with the proposed policy. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/

154 "I've read only the material available on the web site, having linked from

NWS Seattle home page. From what I've been able to tell, the policy appears

sensible, if vague. The important point, I think, is free access to the public to

forecasts, satellite and radar images, forecast discussions, etc. Several years ago

local weather radar was only available through a private contractor. At the time, I

was associated with the University of Washington, so I had access through the UW and

the Dept. of Atmospheric Science. After I left the UW, I no longer had access.

Policy changed, and I can now get images again, through the NWS site, which is

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terrific. I believe that we pay for the collection and processing of this data, and

we shouldn't have to pay a for profit business to get access to it, or be confronted

with ads, or otherwise hindered. We're recreational boaters, so use forecasts

extensively, and use access to the images and some of the data behind the forecasts.

When I was working at the UW, I'd look at local weather radar to decide whether I

needed rain gear for my bicycle commute. I particularly value the ""forecast

discussion"". I usually find that I can get a much better sense of what, and how

likely, conditions will be. I think there's real value in the exchange of

information between NOAA and academic institutions. I suspect the flow of value

with regard to private enterprises is more one way. I don't have a problem with

private enterprise making money by ""adding value"" to NOAA informationùI just don't

want to have to pay them for access to public data. I like the information I'm able

to get from NWS/ NOAA online and in VHF marine broadcasts. I certainly don't want

to see that information, or access to it, diminished. Thanks. Allen Rosenberg

Seattle The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

155 "I have noticed that most loops on the NOAA sites are set at about 3 hours

maximum. As a storm spotter, there are often times I have wondered what the radar

or satellite might have looked like when I was out sitting on a hill somewhere, or

what triggered the call for spotters in the first place. Many times, by the time I

get home, I cant see images that far back. I realize that there are limitations to

the images shown. I also realize that you don't just dispose of the images either.

Is there a place that I can go and view them in either a longer loop (further back

in time) or maybe a site where there is no loop but image by image display? Other

web sites seem to feel extremely proud of their products, which are worth somthing

financially, but are often over-priced. I donate many hours of my personal time to

the protection of lives and property from weather related issues. I would like to

see what I missed when I was out in the elements providing this service. I believe

that Governmental agencies and their staff (paid and volunteer) should be afforded

access to be able to view more than the average person. Anything you can offer

would be of assistance. Thank you. Scott Crippen N7RVN Lincoln, Nebraska The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

156 "Finally, government agencies working together for the good of the private

sector. About time!! Keep up the good work guys. As a weather spotter, we rely on

you guys so much. Again, keep up the good work."

157 "I believe that the new policies set forth by NOAA, are within the best

interest of the public and private sectors. Sincerely, Dana L. Hawn The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

158 "To Whom it May Concern: I find your proposed policy inclusive and

proactive. My comments are limited to minor grammatical suggestions/modifications.

They are as follows: Policy Item #1, first bullet - The word ""observing"" should

probably be changed to ""observation"". Policy Item #4 - Suggest replacing the

first sentence with ""To advance the weather, water and climate enterprise, the NWS

will provide information to the public and other partners in the enterprise.

Underlying (or Supporting)data will be available for additional processing by

others. Policy Item #6 - Suggest rephrasing first sentence to read ""To the fullest

extent practicable, the NWS will use appropriae mechanisms to encourage the timely

input from, and collaboration with all interested parties on decisions affecting the

weather, water and climate enterprise."" I hope these suggestions are helpful to

you, and wish you success in your efforts. Thank you for your service and the

opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Barry Simpson The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

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159 "As a simple end-user of the forecast and radar products for simple things

like deciding on indoor or outdoor activities I have been more than happy with the

products NOAA has been making available to me. That said, I fully support equal

access to the raw data for those that need more specific products and wish to invest

time/money/effort to produce them. The new policy would be fair to all and seems to

me to have only positive effects on end users like myself. So, bottom line, I

support the proposed policy. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

160 "As a meteorologist, I am very interested in following the development and

implementation of this policy. Over the past 10 years, I have worked in both the

private sector and the academic sector and know many great folks that have gone on

from these areas to work for the NWS in various locations around the country. I am

glad to hear that the NWS is working diligently to ensure that all three areas

compliment each other and most importantly, provide the end users with all means

necessary to protect life and property. The small amount of information I was able

to gather from your website sounds like a good start. Please let me know how I can

best stay informed of the development and implementation of this policy in the

future. Sincerely, Theresa Brooks Meteorologist 106 East 13th Street Edmond, OK

73034 The referring webpage:"

161 "I applaud NOAA's proposed policy on partnerships 100%. This information

will be vital to assorted interests whether it be private or governmental. Reagrds,

A. Wright The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

162 To bad the NWS cannot stay out of the realm of private interest.

Commericialization of the NWS is not in the public interest. Keep the best weather

resource free. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/

163 "The availability of weaher and climate information from all sources helps

to make weather forecasting that much more reliable and accurate. It also helps

develop new technologies to make current products better, and create new products.

As a Skywarn Spotter here in Medina, Ohio, the more resources available, the better

picture I get of what is going on in my immediate area, and what I can later expect.

My only concern, and one that crept up a few years ago, is that there has to be ONLY

ONE SOURCE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY WEATHER INFORMATION. I utilize NOAA,

WEATHER CHANNEL, OHIO STATE WX, IWIN, and WEATHER BUG PRO to make a complete picture

of what events are of immediate concern, and those potentially dangerous later on.

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

164 "I feel the policy as stated is reasonable. I would like to know, however,

whether private meteorologists who tailor products and services for paying clients,

pay a reasonable share to support the tax-supported federal infrastructure, such as

radar, satellite imagery, numerical modeling, software development, etc., that

provide them the ability to provide their tailored services. I realize they pay

taxes like we all do. However, they are turning what is provided to all through

Congressional appropriation into a profit-making activity. Therefore, it is

reasonable that for any who receive special products, services, or access for the

purpose of business for profit, to compensate for a reasonable amount of the

associated overhead. Thanks. The referring webpage:

Page 35

FairweatherComments2.txt

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

165 "Great! Please, please, please start serving forcasts and observations in

an XML format. That would be great! The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

166 "`This is just another bad step in the wrong direction.....part of the

""privatizing of Government functions"" operation which started at least 15 years

ago, and is a political game. The privatization will not improve service to the

public at all. In fact, the service will get worse, and it will be easier for

businessmen alone to control the policies of government. The term partnership is a

joke of course, which only means we will get our foot into the door first, before we

boot you government employess out eventually, via more political pressure. Of course

it has been a Republican goal since the days of the hog Newt Gingrich (or has some

people call him, the Toad). But of course as the administrations keep appointing

more of their party members to the highest government posts, it will be impossible

for the Government to hold on to any function at all. And of course the great

disservice to the general public will be that these services will be paid for by

taxes, but there wil;l be no accountability anywhere, as the government will say

""we contracted out those services"". and the contractor will say ""so sue us"". It

is a very sneaky and deceptive way of shirking responsibility, whils getting one's

family or friends some work, and still having the taxpayers pay their profits. This

will no longer be a democracy where people are protected by Governmental bodies, but

will end up being victimized by deregulated rules and prices. It's capitalism in

it's worst form.....growing like a fungus which infects and affects us all, while

feeding and growing obese again at the public trough. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

167 "NOAA and NWS should activate policies that allows gathering and sharing of

the most information possible, for all agencies, public and private. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

168 "as usual, bureacracies request approval of things they should have done

years ago without being prodded by congress, etc. - the tension, naturally, is the

product of turf wars over funding - which ties directly to job security and pay -

issues far more vital than providing the best weather information to the most

people. wrd The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

169 "I'm an individual consumer of data from the NWS site(s). I find the level

of data available here to be more useful that that in commercial sites. I mostly

look at local forecasts, some model output, radar and satellite images. A good

example is of the radar displays here. Many commercial web site displays are loaded

up with graphics, overlays, etc. that often don't add value. Not to speak of

advertising. I would be most unhappy if policy changes were to limit my free access

to the products available on this web sites. And, after all, it is my tax dollars

that have paid for the equipment and manpower to produce this information. It is

unclear what the implications of this policy change are for users like me. Perhaps

you should add a description of implications or possible outcomes. Is the issue

whether or not commercial parties should license this data? Or is it whether they

should become the primary conduit for it? The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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170 "As a farmer I hope we will be able to access all information from NOAA that

we have had available in the past. This includes radar, temp, forcasts etc. I hope

we will not have to go to another commercial site or look at advertisments to obtain

WX info. I feel as a taxpayer I should not have to pay again for information. Thank

You Glenn Kullman Smithville, MO The referring webpage:"

171 "Madam/Sir: I believe paragraph four (4) should mention timeliness. It

should also consider returning products that I sorely miss: Weather observations on

NOAA weather radio including current weather, clouds, winds, barometric pressure,

altimeter, obstructions to vision, and remarks. One should note that hikers, small

boaters, VFR pilots (crop dusters, recreational, etc.), and POV drivers (cars,

trucks, farm tractors, etc.) use portable NOAA weather receivers. I have a portable

ôCobraö Citizens Band radio with NOAA Wx as well as a handheld aircraft transceiver

with NOAA Wx. Currently I have to find a local commercial radio station and wait for

single location information in my car. Likewise, I have to call FBOs, look for

individual AWOS sites, etc. to get single site local weather when I fly. The NOAA

synopsis of weather is too vague to be useful. ""Cloudy and 80 degrees"" is not a

substitute for ""Thunderstorms west moving northeast at 20 mph, bases at 3000 feet,

5/8 coverage, hail reporte d Gainesville"" Thanks for your time, Michael Winthrop

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

172 "Under item #1 – academia is mentioned solely with regard to advances

and education. Although it is mentioned that overlap exists and that the entities

are often complementary – this fails to recognize the complexity of the real

situation. For example, many academic units with meteorology/climatology/similar

also manage operational entities on campus including weather and forecast labs,

climate services, and offer temporary and sometimes dedicated media connections and

products. These are provided nominally for the opportunity for students

(undergraduate and graduate) to obtain professional experiences. However, they often

involve (to some extent) revenues to either defray expenses or generate revenue for

the facility and its staffing. They also can exhibit or infer preferential treatment

or advertisement in a local region or market. In other words, some academic units

(and there are many today) may be competing directly with private sector interests

with regard to weather, water, climate and related environmental information.

Additionally, academic units also very often provide dissemination services based on

local product generation (both observational and forecast), local studies (results

and applications), and mesoscale modeling (forecast products). Therefore, the

statement within #1 is somewhat false and misleading, even if it were specified that

academia ‘primarily’ “advances the science and

educates…” since many university activities are, by design,

entrepreneurial in nature. Now if it is countered that item #5 addresses these, why

has NOAA not held a significant number of forums for the university community as

have been accomplished for the private sector? Yes, certainly efforts to

‘connect’ have been made through AMS meetings and UCAR as portals or

vectors for communication, but this is not an adequate substitute for engaging the

broader academic community – and it could appear as either favoritism or

representation by proxy. To fully and effectively discuss issues with academia

involved in the weather, water, climate and related environmental information would

require a different method or approach. In other words, to ensure equity (a point

made in item #8) and contact there is need for a new or different conduit for

discussion and interaction. Personally and professionally I believe NOAA has been

attempting to reach the broader academic community – and in some cases has

done a very good job. However, I also see how others could have difficulty with the

present thinking, approach, and level of engagement. Thank you for the opportunity

to relay these thoughts, I hope they are of some use to NOAA – paul croft.

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

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FairweatherComments2.txt

173 "I am vehemently opposed to any stifling of the information as is being

sought by ""PRIVATE INTERESTS"" seeking to ""PROFIT"" by selling of vital

potentially lifesaving weather information......it's a disgrace and a shame.These

people are trying to make a business out of the fear created by lack of access to

information potentially threatning to life and property.......this in it's simplest

analysis is ""terrorism"".The favorite ""TOOL"" of the ""PRIVATE INTERESTS""

signed....who owns you?!"

174 """NWS will promote the open and unrestricted exchange of weather, water,

climate, and related environmental information worldwide, and seek to improve global

opportunities for development of the partnership. "" ------------------------------

It is an ideal policy! I congratulate you. We unwashed here in the hustings marvel

at the information provided by NOAA. AND delighted to share a peek with >academia<

bless their pointy heads. NO REPLY EXPECTED Walter Maurer 80 year old retired lawyer

and still curious about everything. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

175 "I oppose any changes that will decrease the services provided by NOAA

national weather service directly to the public. I enjoy and make use of the

availability of weather forecasts and forecast information such as radar, snow

cover, satellite maps etc. on the NWS websites. I would oppose any curtailing of

those portals for information. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

176 "The national weather service raw data should be widely availabe to not only

private industry, and the ""public sector"" but to individuals. Make [word deleted]

sure thatI can access raw data via wireless service (apps for cell phones are easy to

create). Now, I must suscribe to a service with a monthly charge. The NWS is a

taxpayer funded orginization. It would be sweet if your raw data was available to

me, a law abiding USA citizen. What number do I call to get a local radar. My

living and contribution to the tax base rely on accurate and timely weather

information. Make the availability of radar data available to us as individuals. We

support your cause and we vote. Thank You! Peace, Tom. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

177 "Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposed Policy. I am a

NWS-certified and local Kansas county certified storm spotter who relies heavily on

data collected and disseminated by my government agencies. I applaud the proposed

changes to open availability of all data and repositories to the general public and

others. I feel that this is the right direction for these agencies since there is

little reason for secrets to be kept regarding the weather and environment and,

since my taxes help support the collection of the data, I don't feel that I should

have to pay a commercial enterprise to relay that information to me or to be able to

access it before I am able to. Respectfully, William D. James Lenexa, KS The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

178 "I would only ask that we have access to the radar info, in a timely manner

during tornado season, via the internet. I don't feel that I should have to sign up

and pay for a up to date radar picture that my federal tax dollars is supporting.

Private industry has far too many favors given to them. Carl Sanders 311 West

Garfield Lindsborg, KS 674546 The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

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179 "I do not approve of any more involvement by the private sector in the

activities of NOAA. The private sector, business in general, has clearly shown that

its goals are very narrow and self serving. The government agencies, such as NOAA,

should remain totally independent, period. Larry Royster."

180 "Dear Sir/Ms.: I support making NOAA weather data products avaiable to the

commericial and accademic sector's; however, I believe that the public sector (Joe

Taxpayer) should have free access to these products since it is our (middle class)

tax dollars that makes producion of these products possible. As it appears to me,

NOAA and other government agencies are limiting public access to these products so

that commercial firms can profit by selling them back to us. Sincerely distressed

...john naas in Burke, VA. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

181 "I support the Proposed Policy as I read it. It has always aggravated me to

some extent when I have to pay to receive information which I, as a taxpayer, have

paid for already. If the intent of these changes is to make all informtion collected

and deseminated by NOAA available to the general public, you have my full support.

Mike McNichol The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

182 "We the taxpayers, did not support the origination and continuance of NOAA

for the BENEFIT of the ""private sector"". We look to You for the Official Word and

workings of weather reporting and record-keeping. The private sector, I am sure,

wishes to utilize your (our - you and the taxpayers) expertise and systems. Fine, I

am sure you are aware of agendas from all parties concerned - please continue the

fine work. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

183 This project sounds like a decent proposal. I would also like to see NOAA

perform more tasks pertaining to environmental and climatic health.

184 "I read the policy. Obviously private companies are trying to sell what you

provide as a service. I am an aviator, I think that it is in the public's interest

that the govt provide the best available weather information for several reasons,

which include the safety of aircraft. This is a public issue, aircraft involved in

weather related accidents can cause great harm to many innocent persons. It is

absurd that private companies should try to make money of of a service that protects

the citizens of the US. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

185 "I feel that this proposal is excellent, and will help benefit everyone from

the professional meteorological community to the average citizen of the United

States. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

186 "I agree that the existing policy needs to be updated and I am in agreement

with the bulk of the proposed policy. I feel compelled to state, however, that free

and fair access to timely information about weather is beneficial to everyone and

that every practical effort needs to be made to ensure that the public at large is

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FairweatherComments2.txt

made aware of the existence, location, and possible uses and benefits of freely

available weather information. Thank you for your continuing efforts. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

187 What is this? Some sort of thinly veiled attempt by the present

administration to prevent US taxpayers from having full access to weather

information funded directly by our tax dollars? More corporate welfare? Is there

no limit to their greed? How many people will die because they couldn't wait for a

dozen pop-up ads to clear before the weather information they needed was available?

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

188 "I think that this new policy is pretty cool guys. Strengthening the bond

between NOAA, NWS and the public is a terrific idea. I've been a NWS Spotter for a

few years now. Being able to get even more information to assist me in assisting

the NWS would certainly help. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

189 "Just hope we can continue to access the radar screen via the internet, we

rely on that all the time to plan both work and liesure times. Thanks. The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

190 "My primary concern was borne out when I tried to follow the link on the

NOAA page to the NRC paper ""Fair Weather: Effective Partnerships in Weather and

Climate Services"". I ended up at a page where a private enterprise was charging $24

to download a pdf file. I think any policy should include the following: 1. Taxpayer

funded information should not be sold to private enterprises that in turn will

resell it to the public. 2. Public agencies should budget the relatively small

amount needed to distribute information they develop over the Internet. In general

public agencies should give away the information they develop for their own use in

fulfilling their stated mission. This will encourage private enterprises to add

value to the information enabling them to sell their products. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

191 "I applaud your commitment to provide timely and accurate information to ALL

which has been generated by public funding. Due to my location and FCC

restrictions, I am in between broadcast markets and am unable to watch local

channels when severe weather ocurrs. I do have access to cable channels but The

Weather Channel provides information that is spotty, untimely and sometimes,

inaccurate. This is why I rely on the National Weather Service and the Weather

Radio to obtain information that will protect life and property. Please do not ever

limit the scope of information to the public or any other entity. I am writing this

e-mail during a storm which is not severe but the last few weeks have seen some

troubling times for my area. In every case, I was unable to obtain timely and

accurate information from any source except the National Weather Service. Thank you

very much for your time and it is my priveledge to contribute my tax dollars so you

may provide unrestr iced information that saves lives! The referring webpage:"

192 Hello. I think the new policy is a good idea. The more information the

public has the better they can prepare for it. I would like to be keepet up-to-date

on this issue my e-mail is [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/

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FairweatherComments2.txt

193 "While many aspects of this policy are of interest to me, I wish to

concentrate here on the observing mission of the NWS. In the first bullet after

""POLICY"", we have ""To carry out this mission, it develops and maintains an

infrastructure of observing, telecommunications, and prediction systems on which the

public (federal, state, and local government agencies), private, and academic

sectors rely."" This is, of course, incomplete. The NWS uses data from a variety of

non-NWS entities to carry out its mission. Examples include data from local

mesonets run by universities, data from NASA satellites, data it partially buys from

airlines (ACARS) and data it totally buys from the private sector (lightning data).

I think the NWS should acknowledge these existing partnership activities it already

has with the academic and private sectors. My second comment has to do with item #3

under ""POLICY"" where it states: ""In furtherance of these policies, NWS will

carry out activities which contribute to its mission, including collecting and

archiving data; ensuring their quality; issuing forecasts, warnings, and

advisories;....."" This sentence does not even mention that development and

maintenance of observing systems is part of its future mission. I submit that it is

imperative for the NWS to be continually looking to upgrade its capacity to observe

the atmosphere at increasing spatial and temporal resolution. Furthermore, just as

the current observing systems are not totally funded by the NWS, neither should they

be in the future. To me, the quintessential example of improving public, private

and academic partnerships is in the realm of observing systems. The NWS knows how

difficult it is to deploy new, innovative and often expensive observing systems in a

timely manner. The NWS should pledge to work together with the private and academic

sectors to develop new observing capacity. Such partnerships can develop prototype

observing networks that the NWS can use to both enhance its mission and at the same

time evaluate the optimal mix of observations it should support in the future. The

NWS needs to embrace the increased role the private and academic sectors will play

in oberving systems of he future so that both the scientific community and the

public can benefit from enhanced observational infrastructure. Sincerely, Fred

Carr Director, School of Meteorology University of Oklahoma The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

194 "NOAA is a government agency funded by taxpayers and it OWES the people of

the United States any and all information that is not related to national security.

The career politicians that have managed to make NOAA, NASA, etc their own private

domain are sorely misguided. It is truly disgustion that you all need to ask if it

is ok to share information. Wake up !! I could go on and on about the weather radar

debacle, but I wont. I sure hope things change for the better Sincerely, Phil

Sanders The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

195 "While this proposed policy seems reasonable (isn't it being done already?),

I hope that it will not in any way reduce the excellence of NWS's on-line

forecasting ""products"" including both country-wide forecasts and radar images

distributed over the Internet. If the current policy is working so well, why

institute a new policy? The referring webpage:"

196 "I like to go directly to the source. It is useful to get analysis from

commercial sources, but I like to see the data and get the NWS analysis. The policy

proposal suggests to me that commercial interests will have greater access to NWS

data and analysis than the public, ""because of budget constraints"". The public

pays for this service through taxes and we will now have to pay a second time to get

the information for which we have paid. I object. The referring webpage:"

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FairweatherComments2.txt

197 "Dear Webmaster, I am submitting the following comments regarding ""NOAA's

Proposed Policy on Partnerships in the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and

Related Environmental Information."" I am a private citizen, not connected with any

media business. I do not own a television and do not rely on that media for current

information. I regularly use, for both professional and personal purposes, the NOAA

NWS online information resources. I have used the information to plan driving trips

across the state to minimize my risk of encountering severe weather. I believe that

government information should be accessible readily and without charge to members of

the public. Private media outlets that would use such information for their

commercial purposes, but seek to restrict citizen access to that information, act in

a duplicitous manner; they seek to exploit for commercial purposes the taxes paid to

create the information, while claiming that they are essential to preserving open

government. I believe that the information should be of high-quality and available

real time. To that end, I support the policy and specifically the following points:

Policy û Point 2. These policies are based on the premise that government

information is a valuable national resource, and the economic benefits to society

are maximized when government information is available in a timely and equitable

manner to all. Policy û Point 3. NWS will carry out activities which contribute to

its mission, including collecting and archiving data; ensuring their quality;

issuing forecasts, warnings, and advisories; and providing unrestricted access to

publicly funded observations, analyses, model results, forecasts, and related

information products in a timely manner and at the lowest possible cost to users.

Policy û Point 4. NWS will make its data and products available in

Internet-accessible form to the extent practicable and within resource constraints,

and will use other dissemination technologies, e.g. satellite broadcast and NOAA

Weather Radio, as appropriate. Information contained in databases will be based on

recognized standards, formats, and metadata descriptions to ensure data from

different observing platforms, databases, and models can be integrated and used by

all interested parties in the weather, water, and climate enterprise. Policy û

Point 8. Open information dissemination: NWS recognizes that open and unrestricted

dissemination of high quality publicly funded information, as appropriate and within

resource constraints, is good policy and is the law. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

198 "Dear NOAA Policy Task Force: As a private citizen I want to emphatically

state that NOAA/NWS publicly accessible internet & HF Fax analysis and forecast

products immeasurably enhance our ability to plan for safe and enjoyable offshore

sailing excursions, both within and between our Portland, Oregon home port and

Pacific offshore and Canadian waters. Please maintain and continue to improve

NOAA/NWS's current high standards and both the depth and breadth of publicly

accessible internet information. Please refrain from taking any actions that might

diminish the scope of internet weather information, particularly ""raw""

information, that is now at our fingertips. Please, do not ever place or allow

private sector ""intermediaries"" to stand between ourselves and the data that you

now provide so well through the public internet environment. Respectfully, Wm. R.

Maris, S/V Woodwind, Portland, OR The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

199 "I am concerned that the public, meaning random citizens such as myself,

should always have easy and timely access to weather products produced by the NWS. I

also feel that it is natural that the NWS should produce products explicitly for us,

such as the very excellent web interface found at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ If we

were to rely on a private venture to do this it would be hard to use, full of ads,

and leave off important information (compare with weather.com for example). I do

not feel that the proposed fairweather policy adequetly protects the interests of

the public - it seems to only protect the interests of academia and private

commercial ventures. The only things we seem to be gaurenteed by the policy are

emergency warnings. I do not restrict my desires to what us non-meterologists

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FairweatherComments2.txt

normally think of as weather, but als include easy and timely access to your ocean

current information, aviation forcasts, draught condition information, etc. Weather

observation and forcasts are one of the best examples of a ""public good"" in the

economics sense that there can be! Josh Steinhurst Chapel Hill, NC The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

200 "As Chair of the UCAR Unidata Policy Committee, I would like to provide

feedback that our Committee views the paragraph on ""Equity"" near the end of the

statement to be unclear and subject to misinterpretation. The phrase ""NWS....will

not show favoritism to particular classes of partners or individual entitities,

particularly those in academic and commercial sectors"" seems to imply that academic

(and commercial) users of information pose a particular threat to the NWS mission

and may actually be singled out for NON-preferential treatment. The academic sector

contributes in many ways towards the education of and provision of services to the

public that increases the value of environmental information without use of

government funds. I suggest that the last portion of the phrase (""particularly

those...."") is not needed. The referring webpage:"

201 "Hello, I think that all the scientific work going on with saving lives

should be public. I think the more people we have to work on it the more lives that

may be saved. I currently use accuweather.com's profesional site and weather.govs

public site to keep on top of severe weather in our area and learn about it others

by watching what is going on. So in conclusion, I think that the science of weather

should remain open. Our Tax dollars pay for it, and we should also have access to

it. (like we do now)"

202 "I object to the new policy on the grounds that academia _should_ be granted

greater preference to NWS resources than the commercial sector. I feel that private

commercial interests can afford their own resources, for which they charge their

clients, and should not be given more free access to publicly funded data &

resources than they currently have. Thank you Tom Westbrook 710 W 33rd St

Minneapolis, MN 55408 The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

203 "I oppose this proposed policy change if it results in a diminishment of

National Weather Service products on the Internet. I do not expect to buy weather

information from NWS or a private weather company-- I already pay taxes for NWS and

I feel that I'm getting my money's worth now. If the NWS products available on the

Internet are removed then I would expect a reduction in the NWS budget. The

arguement that a private company ""adds value"" to a product often is superficial--

an adding of a company logo. Thanks :) The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

204 "I have read the new policy and find nothing objectionable. I consider

myself a 'consumer', particularly a rural one with very little accessibility to wx

services apart from internet (dial-up). ""No surprises..."" Re: discontinuance;

this language keeps me happy :-) The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

205 "I consider myself one who is against the nrc findings, and believes that

there is good reason to be suspicious of the private sector's true intentions. I

would like to see the national weather service take a more protected approach to the

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FairweatherComments2.txt

release of taxpayer paid-for weather data and systems like the Canadian AES does. It

is not right for a few individuals to be allowed to profit (in some cases,

exhorbitantly) on the backs of the taxpayer as such. I fear that the NRC's finding

will only lead to a more diminished role for the NWS in the long run, and lead to a

privatized weather forecasting system where many areas of the country will be

neglected simply because its ""not profitable to do so"" and would not be in the

public's best interest. This policy needs to be tossed out, and the NWS needs to

have its ""turf"" protected as the nation's true weather guardian. A role that

private industry can not, and will not fulfill. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

206 GREAT idea as we have already seen where the linking MIGHT have helped warn

of high winds. The more inputs - the better a tool this becomes. The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

207 "It seems that the various organizations, private and government that are

predicting climate, should remain seperate and independent to me. In spite of the

redundancy, it seems to me that the public will benefit the most from seperate

entities making independent observations of climate. I believe this is so, because

I feel that the current National Weather Service has become too reliant on computer

models for their forcasts, giving the computer an almost God like status with repect

to its projections. Some of the local meterologist seem to understand that the

computer models are not very reliable, and can handle different event/situations

better that others, however, the human mind is vastly superior to computers in every

respect. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about climate change that should

require independent observations, after all how can science verify findings without

seperate observations?? I believe it would be best if NOAA maintains its ""statu s

Quo"" and the current observations are made from different organizations. There are

organizations that are using climate data incorrectly, projecting climate changes

that may never happen, and trying to scare people about the future of the earth's

climate, hoping to reap the rewards of money for their personal projects....namely

those in the UN's IPCC. NOAA should strongly defend its independence and data and

continue to keep the facts in the picture. I realize my remarks are very

generalized, but I hope you will consider carefully what you are doing with your

system and how it may be used by others to further some hidden agenda. Thank you

for your time. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

208 Please don't let this highly valuable service rot on the vine. Please

continue to update your online services.

209 The proposal as written sounds very good as it puts in the hands that fund

these government agencies the information that the taxpayers have paid for. The

NOAA has been one of the better agencies that gives the data that is collected back

to the tax payers in an easy to use and easy to access form. Anything that would

benefit getting more data from the NOAA and other agencies would be a plus. As long

as business who use the NOAA data for profit making purposes all the accessing of

their own data to the NOAA and the taxpayers this could only benefit everyone.

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

210 make this out to public in real words to understand!!!!!!!! The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

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FairweatherComments2.txt

211 "I am a pilot who uses the experimental ADDS- Aviation Digital Data Service

weather service frequently. I am also an Attorney of the State of NJ. I have read

the Proposed Policy and I agree with it. I think the best use of future products

will result from a synergy of cooperation with the various public and private

entities involved. For what it is worth, Sincerely, Dave Affinito The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

212 "The text of the proposed policy makes it clear that NOAA as an entity

perceived, and more importantly understood, the significant changes that occurred

since formulation of the current policy. While I'm truly encouraged, the simple and

straight-forward verbage of the proposed policy barely presage the battles that will

be fought and the money it will cost to bring the vision to fruition. Having said

that, it's a great start and I encourage the adoption of the proposed policy. The

referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

213 "Gentle Folk: Subject: Comment on proposed NOAA Policy on Partnerships in

the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental Information The

policy certainly does not build walls between the three subdivisions. The free

sharing of data and information is most welcome to all interested in weather related

activities. Would like to suggest a forth segment for ævolunteersÆ. For many years

there has been a good cooperative relationship between storm spotters and local

weather service offices. This includes The Hurricane Watch Net,Skywarn and other

volunteer activities. While these services may be contained in the new policy, it

would be good to have the public know that these are still supported. 73Æs Dwight

Holtzen ARES, SKYWARN The referring webpage:"

214 "I understand and realise that funding for the NWS and other public and

private agencies is paramount for operation. I further realise the importance of

the agenicies to be recognized for their contribution to the advacement of this

service, be they governmental or private. I also realise the need for some type of

governing rules to keep confusion from being main place as well. I don't understand

why in the protection of property and mainly life why such rules have to have been

so restrictive. It doesn't matter which sector can save the lives or property

rather that all sectors can work together and improve upon each sectors strengths

and weakness equally. Such a fear of lost funding sets the stage for failure and

loss of life than it does the future sucess of NWS and othere sectors. My point

being, as a team of profesionals, instead of a team of suspisious enities, the

safety and well being of our nation would be unquestioned and unpresidented. Just

my though ts. I think the fact that the NWS has taken these steps is a great leap

forward and I would hope that further communication and cooperation with public and

private sectors (both ways) will continue. Just in closing it is sad that when all

is said and done it is all over the cost of saving lives and not the reward in

saving lives. Thank you. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

215 Lightning is a significant hazard...how about having real-time display on

the internet...or is this item tied up by the private sector? The referring

webpage:

216 "I believe NOAA should make available, free of additional charge, to the

public, all available product in a user friedly way . . . value-added providers

should be given access to the ""raw data"" but not to the exclusion of public

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publication in a usable real-time form."

217 yes i thank they should

218 This sounds great. I hope it works out. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

219 "The NWS provides a very valuable service to the general public. I am

concerned that somehow the phrase ""within resource constraints"" in the sentence

below will allow the NWS to limit information available to the general public while

providing the information to parties that offer or are solicited for payment. ""NWS

will make its data and products available in Internet-accessible form to the extent

practicable and within resource constraints"" To avoid this problem, the NWS should

provide an online catalog of data that is available on a fee basis. The fee should

be the same for all recipients, based on the cost of production and the expected

numbers of buyers. The referring webpage:"

220 "As with all documents of this nature, the average citizen is unable to read

between the lines to determine how this policy would affect him or her. I just want

to take this opportunity to say that I appreciate the fine internet services that

NWS provides. As a small time farmer,and a motorcyclist, I find them invaluable in

planning my day/week. I also use commercial sites such as Intellicast. They also

provide excellent services. I like the competive nature of the weather services, and

often use your service as the ""gold standard"". I hope that nothing in this new

policy would change the present internet environment. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

221 "As a pilot and as a business owner, I am very gratefull for the near

instant weather that is available on the internet. It is a true economic benefit.

Please be vigilent about special interests trying to gain control of the weather

information and data for their economic gain. This would be very counterproductive

regardless of how it might be framed to make sense. As wireless and portable

internet becomes more prevalent and cheaper, the money the government spends

collecting weather becomes more and more cost effective as more citizens have nearly

instant access. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

222 appreciate your work. did cost me a beer the other day but i will win in the

end. please keep up the great work. its appreciated. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/

223 "I have made this comment previously but did not receive a reply so am

uncertain if it was received. When I tried to access the document you referred to I

came to a web site where a private company was asking for over $20 to download a pdf

file that apparently was prepared completely or largely at taxpayer expense. This is

an example of the exact situation that I am concerned about. The information is

developed at taxpayer expense then sold or transferred to a private company that

re-sells it to the very taxpayers that paid for it in the first place. I believe

taxpayer funded information should be given away freely, not sold. This will

encourage private companies to add value to the information if they want to attract

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customers. The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

224 You need to provide weather forecasts and warnings to the country and not be

restricted by the private sector. Many small communities would not be of interest to

commercial forecasters. NWS has a responsibility to stay the course. That is what I

am paying my tax dollars to you for. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/

225 "Anything that would improve the discemination of weather and climate would

be beneficial. However. I REALLY DO OBJECT to private business charging for

material that has been obtained from government sources, satellites and other

weather sensing sources. I would much rather obtain the data directly from the

source rather than third parties The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

226 "Current interest: Applied for Patent for system and aparatus to provide

regional proactive warnings for recreational and small commercial marine vesssels

(14 to 40 feet and < 40 passengers). Predictive and proactive warnings based on

weather and sea conditions as well as navigation threats. This system is to be

purchased, implemented and maintained within the private sector as a private

enterprise with the necessary 'hooks' to interface with International Maritime

Shipping - AIS, Local Emergency Services, Resecue 21 and Homeland Security.

Comment: I think most certainly that the Private Sector and NOAA work together

cooperatively to develop and implement weather monitoring and analyses technology

that is focused to save lives, reduce injuries and avoid serious property damage.

Utmost emphasis must be placed on encouragement and implementation of specific

Collaborative Technological efforts to best utilize modern computer monitoring,

enviromental simulations have real-time calibration from existing weather

instrumentation, expansion of facilities to achieve specific life and property

goals. These goals must be placed at the highest priority over creature comforts,

entertainment, etc. An most important consideration is ensuring there is indeed a

Private/NOAA short range plans in place and an umbrella available to submit

proposals for funding, etc. in order to achieve these specific Collaborative

Technology goals. Most certainly an increase in NOAA measurement capability and

digital interfacing to that capability is improved beyond its current status. For

example, routine digital transmission of packet data from strategically placed

buoys, weather stations. Likely life-taking accidents like the Staten Island Ferry

and the Baltimore Taxi will have been avoided had a more complete monitoring and

computer modelling/analyses infracstructure been in-place. Feel free to contact me

directly to discuss these matters, C. David Rogers, P.E. Consulting Engineer 2830

Chablis Drive Erie, PA 16506 Home Office: 1-814-838-7250 The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

227 "I have no doubt that the people and businesses of the United States receive

the best, most cost effective and most beneficial weather information in the world.

I believe that the primary reason for this is the strength of the Commercial Weather

Industry, which serves to distribute National Weather Service warnings and data,

creates forecasts and other services customized for specific user-groups and

end-users, creates innovative new products and services, and spurs the National

Weather Service to enhance the accuracy and value of its products. The reason the

Commercial Weather Industry has been able to grow, I believe, is due to the

structure and policies of the United States government, which favor uncensored

distribution of data and information, competition within the private sector, and a

government role of providing basic infrastructure and enhancing commerce and public

safety. The National Weather Service plays an important and essential role in

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providing public benefit through a working partnership with the Commercial Weather

Industry and the research community. However, the activities of the National

Weather Service do not necessarily benefit the public, and providing products and

services that compete with those offered by the Commercial Weather Industry do the

public welfare great harm. Not only is this duplicative activity wasteful of public

funds, but it also has the potential to impede or even destroy the Commercial

Weather Industry. As early as 1948, under AMS auspices, concerns were addressed

about the relationship between the U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather

Service) and commercial meteorologists. Ultimately, this movement, urged forward by

the Commercial Weather Services Association, led to the adoption of the ""Policy

Statement on the Role of the Private Weather Industry and the National Weather

Service,"" in 1991, which is still in effect today. That policy was the first time

since the National Weather Service was created in 1890 that a definition of

government-appropriate roles was fully articulated. The 1991 policy also recognizes

the important contribution of (1) the Commercial Weather Industry and (2) private

broadcast meteorologists, newspapers and news agencies. And, it laid out National

Weather Service (NWS) views of the positive contributions to the nation of the

Commercial Weather Industry. In addition, the policy stated: ""The NWS will not

compete with the private sector when a service is currently provided or can be

provided by commercial enterprises, unless otherwise directed by applicable law.""

The policy also provides ""it is the responsibility of all NWS officials and

employees to comply with this policy."" It contains a process of complaint and

remedial action to ensure compliance with the policy, including appeal to NOAA

administrative levels. Recently, the National Research Counsel (NRC) made a

recommendation that the National Weather Service replace its 1991 policy with a new

policy that would define processes for making decisions on products, technologies

and services, rather than a rigid policy that defines the roles of the National

Weather Service in the private sector. The Commercial Weather Services Association

has gone on record, in commenting on the NRC report, asserting that the 1991 policy

(1) be strengthened and not replaced with a process and (2) be expanded to include

NOAA and other agencies in the Federal enterprise. Earlier this year, NOAA/NWS

advanced a new proposed policy which would replace the 1991 policy. This proposal

steps backwards, rather than advancing the good of the nation. Among the negative

approach and effects of this proposal are: òThe new policy provides no process, as

the NRC recommended. òThe non-competition language will be repealed. (Even the NRC

report suggested a process envisioned a continuing policy of non-competition.)

òRecognition of the importance of broadcast meteorologists is deleted. òThe mission

of the National Weather Service, defined in 1991, is dropped. òThe complaint and

appeal process is eradicated. In the February 2004 issue of The Bulletin of the

American Meteorology Society an article states that predications are for a

continued shift from government, academic and other jobs in meteorology, to the

private sector, passing through the 50% mark in 2010. The present path of the

proposed new National Weather Service policy introduces greater risk for the private

sector, not less. It can negatively impact job growth and corporate stability in

the Commercial Weather Industry and it will disadvantage the American public. An

effective partnership requires cooperation. In this case the National Weather

Service is attempting to change the rules of the game and of its relationship with

the Commercial Weather Industry and the nation, all on its own. It would be a

breach of its 60-year commitment to the growth of the private sector of meteorology.

We want to voice objection to this approach and to the thrust of the new policy.

We urge the new proposal policy be withdrawn and the Commercial Weather Industry be

engaged as a partner in the American Weather Enterprise to work together to

strengthen the 1991 policy. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

228 "I would like to say that the current array of web based weather products

represents one of the best uses of my tax dollars that I send to the federal

government. I benefit from these services each and every day. As a traveler, I

really appreciate the uniform and concise display of weather forecasts, radar and

satellite imagery for any location in the United States. In a matter of seconds I

can access the most recent and accurate forecast availble. I can access the

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forecast when and where I want to. I do not have to wait until the TV, or radio, or

cable station decides to provide the forecast. As a weather enthusiast I appreciate

both the depth of information available within each local forecast office web site

and the variety of information presented at each web site. As you look to foster

partnerships in the provision of information please make sure that you both maintain

the present level of web based services (I would call them free but they are not as

I have paid for them with my taxes already) and maintain flexibility to expand and

enhance them as the technology and weather information availble for distribution

changes in the coming years. Please continue the excellent work. Thank you Chip

Ward The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

229 It is disingenous to request comment on the proposed changes without

providing sufficient detail to allow assessing the impacts of such. The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/

230 "As a private citizen I rely on information I obtain from NOAA,concerning

forecast,severe weather watches and warnings.I have some aviation weather training

from past employment in the airline industry/27 years/ where I plotted flight

routes.I find the information NOAA provides very accurate,for travel enroute weather

and for my personal,family plans and protection.I would object to any reduction in

your service,fees and my ability to access your site.Any additional information you

may provide would be a plus.Any TENTION between the groups mentioned should be

cleared by whatever methods resolves the problem.I support NOAA 100% and as we know

there are no real facts,to determine how many lives have been saved by NOAA/NWS

service. THANK YOU.... The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

231 "It is unconscionable if noaa data produced with taxpayers money is not made

freely available to the public and would otherwise be allowed to be appropriated by

third party intermediaries for resale to the public, all to the determinent of we

the taxpayers who paid for the data in the first place Charles M. Steinberg

Chicago, IL The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

232 "From someone with no connection other than being a pure weather geek, just

an average person...Please. Keep the data publicly available. AccuWeather and

similar enterprises may be great for media or business, but the average person

depends on NWS. We *trust* NWS, more than we might trust the local TV weather guy,

ecause there's no interest in hyping things. As it is, there seems to be less and

less available in the public domain. That, in my view, is a bad idea. The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

233 "NORMALLY provides? That's the sticky point with me ... weather info should

be sent without hesitation, no matter what the situation may be .... The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

234 "I think taking away public data from the public and giving preferential

treatment to anyone is OUTRAGEOUS! Whoever proposed this policy should be tarred &

feathered. When does pandering to big business finally end? Does anyone in ""civil

service"" even remember what it was like to want to serve the public rather than

""Daddy Big Bucks""? I guess I've grown too old. I used to admire my government.

The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

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235 "The effort to enjoin all involved is noteworthy, but the final

responsiblity for control of the satellites and the core production of strategis

weather information should fall to the Federal government. This responsibility is

too important to decentralize! The economical production of weather information to

pilots is to critical to the saftey of passengers to be decentralized. I fear that

involving too many players will result in the deaths of many due to differences of

opinion and varying reporting standards. [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

236 "I find your proposed policy to be excellent, especially item #3 dealing

with the continued availability of computer products to the general public. I have a

Ph.D in meteorology from NYU, I taught at the college level for nearly 30 years, and

have been a private radio-TV meteorologist for even longer. I think it is important

for those of us who do pay the freight for these services that we benefit directly

from them without going to a third party. I think your statement gets to that point.

Good Luck, Dr. Mel The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

237 I agree with the policy statement and it will bring the NOAA into the

current times with it. Good job. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/

238 "I'm in favor of the proposed policy, and I hope it can be implemented for

the public benefit. Although I find that NWS weather data currently available on

the web is very useful, I'm a little mystified about the lack of lightning data on

your websites. It appears that data relating to the frequency and distribution of

lightning strikes has been almost completely privatized. Yet lightning is one of

the main weather-related hazards to life and health. I volunteer at a sailing camp

in the summer, and lightning hitting a camper or many campers is my greatest fear.

I urge you to make comprehensive and comprehensible lightning data available to the

public. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

239 "All the legal talk withstanding, or not as the case may be. I am only, as

a private citizen concerned with access to readily available radar images which give

me information updated in such a timely manner as to allow me to forcast impending

weather conditions of which I have immediate concern. As long as this policy will

not impede or change the nature of the information which is already available and

not restrict but seeks only to improve that accessibiity to everyone ragardless of

their financial capability of supporting this site (In other words, I want it to

continue to be free) Then, my concerns and needs will be addressed. Let it be known

to the committee overlooking this policy change that small, individual, sitting in

my home watching television and the weather - that we use these services and let us

not be forgotten. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

240 "The policy appears to be based on solid ground, furthering cooperation

between public and private sectors."

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241 "I prefer to recieve weather information from NWS products. For example, I

think the new NWS graphical forcasts are outstanding. I do not like private

providers such as AccuWeather."

242 "I am a TV meteorologist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the recent AMS

Broadcast Convention, a number of my fellow broadcast meteorologists expressed

concerns about the impending policy changes. At this point, I am not alarmed by the

proposed changes. I am a big supporter of the National Weather Service, and see

them as partners. Here in Grand Rapids, I believe there is an excellent

relationship between the local National Weather Service and those of us in the

private sector (we do TV, radio, phone lines, newspaper and writing). We work

together during severe weather. In fact, I'd go as far as to suggest (as I did 25

years ago) that it might be worth our while to explore having NWS break into every

TV and radio station at the same time with tornado warnings. I'll also add that the

National Weather Service has improved greatly over the 30 years of my career. The

data, the models, the forecasts, the warnings have all improved significantly. I

often cite the NWS as a good example of tax money well spent. The referring

webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/"

243 "Weather forcasts are a public service. We have a right to know, and to know

without paying. Further, we have a right to know without the inconvenience of

payment. Weather forcasts, like the weather itsself, is, always has been and always

should be free. If you want money, perhaps you can get sponsors."

244 "Please don't privatize weather. It's bad enough I already have to pay a

cable company for access to the weather forcast, but by privatizing it means that

not every will have access to it, and for many people the weather is a big part of

their life."

245 "We do already pay for this in taxes, so are we just wasting taxes on you if

you are going to require us to pay again to acees data from sources that we have

paid for? We bought the sensors, the servers, the connection, so why should we pay

you again for data which our money collected in the first place?"

246 "As a tax-paying US citizen, I applaud your decision to provide me with

unrestricted access in an open format to information my tax dollars have already

paid for. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

247 I think the open digital services provided are the largest contribution to

our society you are making. Please extend your open services on the internet. If

private companies feel the need to sell the weather maybe they can fund their own

satelites or find some way to add value? The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/

248 I applaud your efforts on making weather data freely accessible. Thank you.

Please don't listen to the weather industry. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/

249 "I strongly support any new NOAA policies which will support the direct

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dissemination of weather forecasts and other data directly to the public. The NWS

does a better, more accurate, and more timely job than the commercial vendors of

weather information. Weather data and forecasts are generated by my tax dollars and

should be provided free, not through some company out to make a buck off this

information. Thanks! -Bill The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=thread&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99"

250 "You MUST make this information available to all public users in a well

documented and open format. The documentation and 'reasonable' use of the data must

be free. Anything else is a ploy by established companies to artificially preserve

their place in the market. They have no right to exist per se, if the need for them

goes away they will have to adapt or fail. Do not strangle the public at large,

those you serve, just to prolong the buisnesses of the few."

251 "We taxpayers provide the funds to acquire a huge quantity of weather

related data that the private weather use to prepare their forecasts. We the people

own and have paid for that data and we should not have to pay for it a second time

by having to go to private weather to get weather information. If the private

companies want to enhance their weather information and people are willing to pay

for it fine, but the NWS should not have its hands tied by profit oriented weather

services. Thank God we have the NWS. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

252 "Please keep the data free. This is not particularly concerning for myself,

as an Australian citizen, but I personally love our Bureau of Meterology's

(bom.gov.au) approach of making all forecasts available in plain text, free for all;

citizens should not have to pay private companies for data the government has

collected and supplied (!). Open data formats for open data. The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

253 "I heartily agree with this proposal. My tax dollars are paying for this

service and making the data free and widely available is the right thing to do.

Private companies should be able to make money from this data BUT only by adding on

some sort of value, NOT by having data paid for by the taxpayers kept from the

taxpayers. I see only good things coming from releasing this data free of charge.

More eyes will look at it, more research can be done using it, more answers can be

found using it. Please pass this proposal as soon as possible. This is the type of

policy that every agency in the government should have. The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=flat&tid=103&tid=126&ti

d=95&tid=99"

254 The proposed policy is definitely the way to go. Putting the data on the

internet is clearly the most effective way of maximizing its benefit to the public.

Cheers.

255 "I think that the XML feeds should continue and continue to be free, just

because somebody else can make a profit from the ouput of a a Goverment body,

(funded by the tax payer) doesn't mean they should then have the right to prevent

the tax payer from accessing the same information freely, or force them to pay twice

for the privilege."

256 "I strongly support the free dissemination of weather and climatological

data from NOAA on the Internet. This is data that we, the tax payers, own and have

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paid for. We should have free and real-time access to it for our own use. The

private sector can still find profitable business in repackaging this data in useful

and innovative ways for the consumer. Having to compete against the free NOAA data

will drive inovation in product segmentation, graphic designs and other areas.

Regards, Ron McCoy 400 Wilby Drive Charlotte, NC 28270 [email protected]

The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

257 "Please continue to keep weather data free, and please do what you can to

expand your free offerings. I know that there are certain business and industry

interests that would like you to privatize weather data, but as a US citizen and

taxpayer, I would prefer to continue to be able to use weather data (both purely as

a consumer, as well as as a developer of software) without having to pay a fee to do

so. Thanks very much, Malcolm Gin The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

258 "I understand that NWS is considering making public electronic release of

their data ""official"" and that corporations like Accuweather are opposed to this.

PLEASE do not be influenced by corporations who want to force the people to pay for

access to weather information. I can not tell you how valuable my family and I find

the weather information that NWS provides, both in terms of planning, but also for

saftey. Spring and summer storms usually result in two open laptops and regular

checking of various NWS products to make sure we understand the state of the weather

and the location of nearby severe storms. We regard the NWS as one of the best

services that the government provides for the people at large, and it would be a

shame for corporations to disrupt that simply for their own economic interests. The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

259 "A good policy. Maximize use of open standards and freely available data

exchange in order to allow as yet unknown distribution methods to take root. Please

do not permit third party weather ""reporters"" to influence policy decisions, as

the simple factor of ease of access (e.g., the instant availability of weather on

television) will ensure that those entities will still get a very substantial

audience and thus be able to sell their wares in exchange for providing the media

exposure the NWS cannot normally provide for itself. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

260 "I am all for your proposal that will allow weather data to be posted in an

open format, free of any proprietary encumberances. As a non-Windows computer user,

it is also very important to me that weather data be available to me in a

non-Windows format. If AccuWeather offered a verion of their weather client, I might

be interested in their services. However, here is the information AccuWeather has

for their 'premium' client: Downloading AccuWeather.com Desktop is Easy. Before you

download, just make sure your computer has the minimum requirements to run this

application: Internet connection. Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP (Mac OS currently not

supported.) Internet Explorer 5 or higher 5 MB of diskspace So my concern lies with

the fact that if I want to get my weather application from AW, I have to use an

operating system with known security and virus/ work infestation issues. Please

give us, the taxpayers, open access to the weather data we pay for. Sincerely,

Dave Emmons The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

261 "Dear Sir/Madam, I would not look favorably on any proposal to grant the

private sector a monopoly over the distribution of weather information that I have

already paid for. Private weather services also bundle their offerings with paid

advertizing and therefore have no need of additional income sources. Should these

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proposals advance any futher then you will incur the wrath of my public grass roots

organization, Citizens for free public service anouncements. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

262 "In regards to the NWS 1991 policy update I would like to say the following.

I appreciate the weather information provided in a simple XML format. It makes for a

more open and easly accessable method to recieve weather information. I specificly

use an application called KWeather that relys on these feeds. Please continue to

provide the XML service. I appreciate it's benifit to me and the freedom it allows

me to choose where I get my weather information from. I personally feel that

keeping weather information in an open and free format to the public from government

agencies is the best possible solution. Please keep the weather feeds in an open

format and free to everyone from big corperations to amatures and hobbiest who want

to make good use of the data for their daily lives. If you do however decided to

change the format to another digital format, atleast concider keeping it in a format

thats freely useable by the general public. It would be a shame to loose such a

wonderful resource and have it locked up only to be given out by comercial

interests. Especially since my tax dollars help gather this information in the first

place. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

263 "As a tax-payer, I not only encourage the open exchange and availability of

weather data, I demand it. If people desire to profit from weather data, let it be

from their own contributions to what they do to that data, no one should be

permitted to 'sell' NOAA data to me. An open NOAA I support. A closed one, I'd

reject with great energy. -Mike The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

264 "I read your proposed policy change and would like to register a concern. I

believe the NWS should be providing more information via the internet rather than

deliberately restricting the format. As a taxpayer, I have paid for this

information once. I think forcing the consumer to pay for weather information by

making the information ""specialized"" is a mistake. Next thing you know we'll be

paying for tornado alerts out here in tornado alley!"

265 "It should, by no means, be necessary for the public to pay for something

that is already funded through taxes."

266 "I find it laughable, at best, that a publicly funded orginziation, would

want to prevent the free public access to information, that the publicly funded

group creates. NOAH better wake to the fact that the American tax payer, not some

corperation, pays it's bills, and allows it to make it's payroll. If NOAH wants to

charge the American public a fee, to access weather data it collects, to aid private

groups, get ready. Hope those groups have deep pockets, us taxpayers could just

decide to cut ALL public funding, since you have decided to stop serving the

American public. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

267 "If NWS charges for information that should be free, NWS will quickly become

obsolete. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251"

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268 "This is totally ridiculous. These private companies essentially want the

NWS to limit availibility of weather information on the internet, only to have the

general public have to pay for it from them. My tax dollars pay for the collection

of the data....why should I have to pay again from some un-needed middle man? The

only place on the internet that I go to for weather information is the NWS' website.

The format that you present the forcasts and radar and sat information in is vastly

superior to anything else out there. It would bother me greatly if that service

were to go away and I would have to pay to get weather forcasts on the internet. I

saw this good quote on an internet message board and it sums up my thoughts

entirely: ""Either the weather information we pay for through our taxes is provoded

to the public for free... or Accuweather can foot the entire bill for weather

collection and charge whatever it see's as a fair market price for the service.""

The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

269 The weather information should be free. This is a government service and

should be provided to anyone without payment required.

270 You want me to pay you for something that is already generated by my tax

dollars? Are you nuts?

271 "I've read your policy proposal and fully support it. For years I have been

using a small program (WetSock) to present NWS weather data *including warnings* to

me in an easy to digest format, and have found this package of NWS data and the

program to be invaluable. While there are good arguments that the government should

not compete with the private sector, the NWS is the primary collector of data, and

for the government's own purposes must make forecasts. If the ""retail"" level of

service I and others use is sustainable by the NWS, it would be silly and

economically unjustifiable to deny it to all but a select few private would be rent

seeking monopolists. Therefore the work products of the NWS should be available to

all on equitable terms, which is what I gather this new policy codifies. Thank you

very much, and keep up the good work! - Harold The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

272 The people of your country already pay millions for this weather data

through their taxes.

273 "It is precisely correct that a government agency should not be granting

anyone exclusive access to data such as weather reports. Firstly, the service is

paid for by the taxpayers. The taxpayers do not gain by exclusion. Second, it is not

the government's role to provide a product for anyone to derive profit. Their role

is to spend my tax dollars to benefit me. To do anything else makes taxation

extortion."

274 This information is too important to allow commercial explotation to get in

the way of ensuring peoples safety. The only sensible course of action is to allow a

level playing field where open source and commercial interests have equal access to

data then let the people choose!

275 Pay twice for forecasts?

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276 "As a weather data services industry employee at a firm that uses a variety

of NOAAPORT distributed products as well as FTP'd GRIB-format GFS data, let me

commend NOAA for its efforts to place data into freely-available open-standard

formats, such as XML. Though some weather industry members have expressed concerns

that such data may negatively impact their ability to corner the market, the

availability of such data will, I believe, lead to long-term market innovation and

can only be a good thing. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

277 stop this madness. don't you pigs make enough money?

278 """everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it"""

279 "Executive Summary: Weather Data should remain free and publicly available.

As a taxpayer, I have already technically paid to have access to this data. I find

it outrageous to think that selected corporations would be given some kind of

exlusive access to this data and force those who paid for its creation to have to

pay AGAIN to access it. NWS already does a superb public service by making this

important information available to all who need it. I hope you will continue to do

so! The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

280 "Weather Data should be free, and freely available. And thanks to the NOAA

CWOP programme, it always will be. Private companies should have access to data,

that they can 'Value Add' to, but it should not be exclusive. Darryl The referring

webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=thread&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99"

281 "To whom it may concern: The NWS should make widely and freely available

detailed weather data. The availability of such data will drive a new generation of

applications just as the free, near-ubiquitous availability of Global Positioning

System data has driven the development of innovative geospatial applications. The

government has a unique roll to play in laying the foundation for such applications,

and limiting the availability, resolution, timeliness, or structure of weather data

will harm the public interest while providing benefit to only a small number of

businesses that hope to sell to Americans data that has been developed at taxpayer

expense. Regards, Ed Watkeys The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

282 "As a taxpayer, I feel it is my right to receive the results of the research

I pay for. Thus, it only seems natural to me that the NWS ought to be publishing as

much data in any many formats as it can, including freely-available internet formats

such as XML. Private weather groups, while extremely vital, are special interests

who wish to impede technological progress when it threatens their old business

models. Please don't reward their selfishness by holding back distribution of the

terrific information the NWS produces. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

283 "Please continue to do the right thing and keep the weather data free. Your

efforts shouldn't be the cause of the private weather sector getting rich from

charging me money for your (our) data. As Bob Dylan sort of said, 'You don't need a

private sector weatherman to know which way the wind blows'. Oh, and also, keep up

the excellent work. It goes without saying NOAA is n;umber one in world class. The

Page 56

FairweatherComments2.txt

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

284 "I believe that the NOAA's proposed policy is a good one. Making NOAA's

data freely available to both public and private areas is a good thing. Being a

member of the public, I am concerned that limiting the public's access to this

Federally-funded source of data will eventually result in a situation where the

public would have to pay twice for the data. First, to fund the NOAA and related

groups, and secondly, to pay for access to this data through a private, fee-based,

propriatary service. I believe that to the maximize the utility of this data to the

public, while minimizing cost, is best served by making the data freely available to

both the public and to private firms. ...I have been using the NOAA website as my

primary source of weather data for several months. I find that removing unnecessary

levels of middlemen (Weather.com, etc) has given me a better understanding of

forecast data and weather information. In conclusion, please don't limit access to

NOAA data to private firms. The public will be best served by making your data

freely available to both the public and private sectors. -- Bill Brant The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

285 "Hello, I have seen a call for action from Barry Myers of Accuweather to

try to prevent the NWS from making its data available in a convenient digital form

to the public. I energetically support the new NWS policy of making weather data

easily available to the public, and am shocked and disgusted by the behavior of the

private weather companies in trying to get exclusive access to weather data, and

then resell it at a premium to the public. The National Weather Service [noaa.gov],

a part of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), is funded by

taxes. It's already been paid for. The need for accurate weather information is

extremely important for the military. Because it's almost as important for civilian

use, the information is made available to the public. Pilots, farmers, businesses

and municipalities need this weather information, and in the U.S., weather is almost

an obsession (Weather Channel [weather.com], anyone?) There is no national or

continental weather service in Europe; private pilots have to pay for information,

usually in the form of two daily faxes. This means that European pilots have to know

even more about weather than their American counterparts because they must be able

to predict conditions, whereas U.S. pilots can get up-to-the-minute information

[duats.com]. In a nutshell, the Private Weather Sector want to be a middleman,

themselves continuing to get the information for free and then charging others for

what they (the public) have already paid for. Please do not give in to private

weather interests' campaign of intimidation and extortion. The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/27/0216251.shtml?tid=103&tid=126&tid=95&tid=99"

286 "I am impressed by your service- it is easy to use and very intuitive. It is

great to see a goverment agency providing useful information in an easy to use

format. I would urge you to maintain this as a free source for all citizens, rather

than sell out to craven corporations which would attempt to profit off information

collected with the public's tax dollars. Thank you."

287 "To whom it may concern, I recently read an article that the NWS was

revising their policy regarding public access to online weather data. As one that

has relied on free third party weather software as well as your web site, I am

concerned that you would consider any possible reduction in the amount or

accessibility of that information. For your public users - not a commerical

interest - I can't suggest stongly enough that you preserve and continue to provide

as free and openly formatted information as possible! Thank you, Paul Sadlik

McLean, VA The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/27/0216251.shtml?tid=103&tid=126&tid=95&tid=99"

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FairweatherComments2.txt

288 "Since the National Weather Service is a taxpayer funded gov't service the

data it compiles SHOULD REMAIN FREE. I applaud your efforts. If private enterprise

(Accuweather etc) can do it better/more accurately great, they can charge for these

services. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

289 "I think weather data collection, analysis, and free distribution of that

information is an important government service which I'd like to see continue and

expand as new information technology become available. Sincerely, Elliot Wisotsky

Vernonia, Oregon The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

290 I support the new policy. As tax funded entity making the data you collect

available to the public in a easily usable format makes good sense. Please do not

listen to corporations that wish you to limit the release of information so that

they can profit from it.

291 "I would like to encourage NOAA to provide the maximum possible public

access to both new and historic weather information. The value of this information

to the public enormous. Private corporations play a valuable role in collating,

analysing and formatting this information, but should not be allowed to prevent

public access to data collected using taxpayer funding. Thanks, Dean The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

292 "NOAA and the NWS are taxpayer supported entities, and as such their work

products should be freely available to the individuals that provide the financial

support. Previously, this was an overly burdensome requirement, given the labor and

technical requirements for transmitting the data. Now, with advances in technology

(i.e., the internet), this information can be made available without any substantial

increase in effort or cost. The information should be freely available to those

who have paid for it. By extension, due to the world-wide nature of the internet,

the information can also be made available to all who seek it, without respect to

national or corporate boundaries. Private commercial interests, while providing

substantial presentation and interpretation value, should not be allowed to

monopolize the data and force the public to pay TWICE for access to the data. The

referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

293 "This policy is a breath of fresh air (no pun intended). Charging taxpayers

for the data they have already paid for in the name of protecting commercial

interests is asinine. I applaud the NWS for taking this approach, and hope that you

will not be swayed from it by the corporate astroturfers. The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=nested&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99&threshold=1"

294 "I feel that, as a taxpayer, all weather collected by the government should

be avilable on the web free of any charge other than the taxes that we already pay.

The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

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FairweatherComments2.txt

295 "I'd like to add my support for the NWS to make it's forcasts and

information totally free on the Internet. I don't believe at all that you should bow

to people like Barry Myers, the president of Accuweather, who wants people to have

to pay...a second time mind you after we already pay with our tax dollars...for

getting this information on the Internet. We as taxpayers already pay for this, so

it should be up to US on how we recieve this info. Mr. Myers and Accuweather wish to

charge for this, then they can foot the entire bill for weather collection and

charge whatever it see's as a fair market price for the service. But I'm not paying

for this service twice...first with my taxes and then with some company. The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

296 "As a tax payer living in the US it greatly upsets me to see that my

government is even wasting it time considering this type of proposal. I paid for

your gathering, analysis and storage of the weather information. It should be

posted on the Internet and distributed free of charge. It is my understanding that

some companies that operate weather sites utilize your data and want you to shut

down certain data feeds to the general public. HOW DARE YOU EVEN CONSIDER THIS

PROPOSAL! If they want to have data to sell, let them create it! My tax dollars

should not be spent to support their effort. I should not have to pay them to gain

access to that data. TELL THEM TO TAKE THEIR PROPOSAL AND SHOVE IT! Richard Davis

[email protected] The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

297 I am in favor of the proposed policy. Data generated by NOAA should be

freely available. The internet is the best current technology to deseminate this

information.

298 "We are already paying for the information through taxes. Either shut down

NOAA (which would be stupid, not to mention dangerous) or keep the data free. Why

should we have to pay because companies like Accuweather have a business model based

on freely (free as in already paid for) available information."

299 "Weather infomation should be free on the i-net, we should not have to pay

to get the weather information from the i-net, and it should be avial in MULTI

formats for eaiser inclusion in websites. --Reggie The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

300 "I enthusiastically support the NWS in providing detailed weather

information in a ready accessible data format while showing no favoratism to various

entities. The corporate entities which prefer a more proprietary approach are, in

my opinion, attempting to maintain the previous weather data distribution networks

under a new wrapper. I hope the NWS will go foward with its policy supporting

equality of data access. Let the coprorations prosper by creating novel systems for

utilizing and formatting the data, not from hording it. Kind regards, Theron Trout

The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

301 "I developed the computer system which feeds the Citizen Weather reports to

FSL in Boulder, and received the NOAA Environmental Hero Award for this work two

years years ago. Our system continues to improve, currently sending about 80,000

weather reports to MADIS a day. This is possible through the efforts of thousands

of volunteers, most of whom use the internet to get information back from the NWS.

It is important that the flow of information continue in both directions, unfettered

by commercial interests. Products from the NWS are important in protection of human

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FairweatherComments2.txt

life as well as property. No pecuniary interest should be allowed to jeopardize the

widest possible distribution of these products. I strongly support the proposed

change in policy. Steven S. Dimse MD The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=thread&tid=103&"

302 "Weather forcasts and similar data generated by US government agencies are

paid for by US taxpayers and should be provided to US citizens for free. This data

must be provided in free, open protocols/formats (not proprietary encoded formats)

that any US taxpayer can decode with open source or commercial programs of their

choice. [email protected] The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

303 "Paying for weather information sucks - If somebody really wants to save

lives, they should provide this service to everybody - means FREE."

304 "As a government agency, the purpose of the NOAA is to serve the public.

Data which has been generated or collected using tax dollars belongs to the public

and should be freely available to the public."

305 "Please do NOT allow Barry Myers, president of Accuweather have his way in

that he wants you to have pay before using Kweather and other similar tools which

use the weather information ALLREADY PAID FOR by our tax dollars. Thank You The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

306 "Hi, As an individual IT consultant, I'm the author of ZWeatherApplet, a

Zope (http://www.zope.org) applet which displays weather information, extracted from

freely available NOAA METAR reports, on Zope powered websites, possibly used by

hundreds of corporations and individuals over the world. This software, being Free

Software published under the terms of the GNU General Public License, is available

for all at no cost. I'm very concerned about weather data continuing to be

available free of charge for all people in your country and in the world. In my own

country (France) this is unfortunately not the case and this is really bad, that's

why we use NOAA reports for things like my little software. So please, ensure

information already paid by the taxpayers remains available freely and at no

additionnal cost. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

307 "Please put into effect the recommendations of the new, proposed policy.

The more people and/or enties can ,make use of weather data and tools supplied by

the NWS, the more society at large benefits. New, innovative uses for weather data

will only come about as a large population of new users have access to weather data.

Additionally, since the NWS is a publicly funded entity, it has an obligation to

supply the fruit of it's labor directly to the public at large, rather than through

commecial gatekeepers. The referring webpage:"

308 "Our tax dollars have already paid for this information once. Let's not

have to pay for it twice. And keep the RIAA, MPAA, and SCO out of it or they will

all try to sue us! =( The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

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FairweatherComments2.txt

309 Keep the internet based weather free please. it is

310 "I appreciate your efforts with regard for sharing data for which the US

taxpayer has already paid. I understand that the private weather industry has

interests in protecting their market. I believe, though, in the long run, forcing

more competition among them will enliven the industry and spur innovation. The

referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=thread&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99"

311 Weather data should remain free. Free access stimulates people to learn more

about the weather.

312 "The NWS should by all means continue to use the current and cheaply

available technology to disseminate taxpayer-funded information. The NWS should

continue to use XML and other OPEN standard formats to make this information

maximally useful to the public. Should the NWS consider closing any of its formats

to deliver information to private sector companies, then the companies should be

charge fees large enough to offset the cost to the taxpayer for the collection of

weather data. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

313 "Please continue to provide weather data collected/ developed using taxpayer

dollars for FREE on the internet. In fact, I would hope you will expand the

offerings! The XML feeds are wonderful. Do NOT cave in to pressures from private,

for- profit companies. Thanks, Colin Valentine The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

314 "Opening weather information to the masses would be excellent. We pay for

the National Weather Service through our tax dollars, but we have to pay to get the

information? That makes no sense. One of two things needs to happen: private

industry financing the National Weather Service to be able to sell the information,

or we get the information directly from you (Not for free either, we've paid for it

with our tax dollars)."

315 "This comment is in response to Barry Myers request to have the public pay

for weather information. He needs to be reminded that organizations like noaa were

created as a service to the people, not a means of making money for certain

individuals. The taxpayers are already paying for this service, why should we have

to pay twice? The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

316 "I think that limiting the information that the NWS publishes freely is

completely wrong. If you people need more money, then have some balls, and either

cut back services to demonstrate lack of funds, or go the House and get yourself

reclassified as a military expense. There seems to be lots of money for military

expenses. GPS information is free and usefull. Weather information is free and

critical. Don't bow down to corporate pressure. Free market doesn't work with

limited resources. The consumer and the economy don't need another parasitic drain

because some middleman wants to control taxpayer-bought mission critical

information! The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

317 Please keep weather free! Do not give into Accuweather.

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318 "Thank you for the opertunity to comment. I do monitor the weather via the

internet. I also run a local baseball league website, and we have a live weather

feed page. So our youth and parents can see if danger is approaching. Please keep

the feeds free! We are paying for it now, and dont need to pay twice. Regards, Rod

Longhofer The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=thread&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99&threshold=-1"

319 I support opening up the weather data available to the public. Such open

access would be very useful for amateur meteorologists and application developers

who want to include weather data. Please do not allow industry lobbyists to delay

this important project. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/

320 "Gentlemen: As a taxpayer, I have already paid for the generation/collection

of the weather data. I would prefer not to have to pay for it twice. Making

weather data the exclusive provence a limited number of for profit entities does not

seem to me to be in the best interest of the taxpayer. I applaud your efforts to

open the data to the general public. Thank you. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

321 "Inasmuch as NOAA is a tax-funded government agency, the idea that private

industry would have any kind of means of interefering with its data being provided

to the public without charge is simply outrageous. The vital services provided by

NOAA need to be freely available in the public domain, notwithstanding the ambition

of certain elements of private industry to lock up these products and repackaging

them for their own profit. In summary, the taxpayer should not be put in a position

of having to pay more than once for the products of NOAA. Thank you. The referring

webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251&mode=nested&tid=103&tid=126&

tid=95&tid=99"

322 "I think your proposed new policy is great. As a pilot, I'm looking for all

the weather data I can find before a flight. I find most commercial web sites

provide ""cute"" general weather overviews designed for the general public which are

useless to me, and to anybody seeking more detail. It would be good to have better

access to direct NWS products."

323 "Concerning your policy changes: There has been discussion online that these

policy changes could result in a discontinuation of freely available NOAA weather

data. I am a US taxpayer citizen. I am opposed to any policy changes that would

result in a discontinuation of free NOAA weather data and information. I am also a

computer programmer, open source contributor and amateur weather geek. I am in favor

of any policy changes that result in a continuation and/or improvement of freely

available weather data and information. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

324 "The data that NOAA collects should be free for all who want to use it.

There is no reason that weather data, that we the taxpayers have already paid for,

should be up for sale to the highest bidder. We have already paid for the data, now

we would like to have complete and free access to it. The referring webpage:

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FairweatherComments2.txt

http://slashdot.org/"

325 "I approve of the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration/National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS) ""Proposed Policy on Partnerships

in the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental Information"".

The primary stakeholders in the Federal Government - US Citizens - clearly deserve

equal and direct access to the data generated by the NOAA/NWS, and that data should

be in easily disseminated, publicly documented formats. This Proposed Policy goes a

long way towards recognizing these requirements. As an example, the XML data feeds

available at http://weather.gov/xml/ are an excellent tool for public access to

weather data in a clearly defined format that can be easily parsed for a variety of

display and warning purposes. Bravo! The Commercial Weather Services Association

(CWSA) appears to be opposed to and actively lobbying against the new policy. I say

that the Federal government in general, and the NOAA/NWS in particular have no

responsibility to restrict public availability of data or access thereto in order to

enhance the worth of CWSA member businesses. The government did not ban automobiles

to protect buggy whip manufacturers, and has no such mandate for the CWSA, either.

I support the clear and specific language of the new Proposed Policy. I support

equal public access to the data generated by the NOAA/NWS. I am sending copies of

this comment to my Representative and Senators, as well as other interested parties,

and posting it on my website. Best regards, Brian P. Bilbrey, Bowie, MD USA The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

326 Free weather data should be available to every US citizen.

327 "As a government agency, the purpose of the NOAA is to serve the public.

Data which has been generated or collected using tax dollars belongs to the public

and should be freely available to the public. Information provides the greatest

benefit when it is freely available and most widely utilized. Thus far the NOAA has

had a ""non-compete"" policy. I have no doubt the NOAA is receiving pressure from

special interests to maintain that policy and to withhold data from the public.

Business is a good and valuable thing when it provides the public with needed

services, however the government should NOT be protecting unneeded redundant

services at the direct expense and detriment of the public. The government should

not be creating an artificial scarcity of information. The public should not have to

pay a second time for information it has already obtained through tax dollars. I

urge NOAA to use open and modern standards (e.g. XML) for the distribution of

weather data. Given the proposed new digital data formats, it is trivial to create

XML output of that data for public consumption. Sincerely, -John Duksta The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

328 I strongly endorse and agree with the proposed policy of making NWS data

available by XML and RSS feeds. Please do NOT be dissuaded by those that want to

limit the availability of this data to a proprietary format or channel. I've been

blown away by the quality of this website and the information provided on it.

Outstanding! Please keep the NWS information and feeds free and open. PEB The

referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251

329 If the public is already paying for this information then you're behind the

curve if you're not publishing it on the web. Maybe we should [word deleted]can the whole

goobermint weather operation before you double-dip with Accuweather.

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330 Free flow of information is important. Giving this information to companies

for free only to have them turn around and charge for it is ridiculous. Please don't

close out the little guy.

331 "Dear Sir, I use free weather forecast from the Internet all the time. I am

a private pilot and need to obtain all the weather information I need. For each

flight I use the Flight Service and internet services that show curren maps and give

weather forecast. Since the data is collected by goverment agencies financed by the

taxpayers, it does not seem fair that we should have to pay again (!) for the same

data. Thank you.. Richard Bielak The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

332 "With regard to the policy, I observe that the mission statement on this

page is ""Working together to save lives"". I suggest that the policy support that

mission statement by including as many informative data as possible. It would be

hard to square the mission statement with restrictive data formats when the

alternative is easily available and more widely useful. The referring webpage:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/"

333 I think this is a great update to the 1991 policy. Making weather data

available like this is the right thing to do. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/

334 "Open access to comprehensible data formats is a great idea! Though the

commercial weather sector may be worried about this, I can't see how there's really

a lot of room for complaint given that the data in question is being collected at

taxpayer expense. The wider selection of weather interpretation tools will provide

significant direct and indirect economic benefit, I'm sure. Once again, this is a

great idea - I'm looking forward to seeing its implementation. Phil The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

335 "The national weather service is part of the US Dept of Commerce. It is paid

for with tax dollars. Therefore, it is only right that this information be made

available for free to tax payers. It's as simple as that. If you want to make the

information not free, then your only option is to stop using tax money."

336 "I think it would be great if more weather and climate data were available

for free on the internet. I understand that some groups are trying to make this

infomation be available for-fee only. I think that's fine for large scale commercial

use, but I think it's very important that individuals have free access to this data

in convenient web compatible formats such as XML. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

337 "I want to register my support of NOAA providing weather data to the public

through the Internet at no charge. The citizens of this country paid for this data

to be collected and assimilated. There is no guarantee of a profit for companies

that come on, harvest this data, and sell it -- citizens should not have to purchase

the data twice. NOAA has done an excellent job providing critical weather data for

decades. Thank you. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

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338 "A weather forecast is information that can (and does) save people's lives;

to withhold it from those in need in favor of a fee is irresponsible. This is the

Information Age, and selling information is obsolete. Making money on the Internet

in today's society involves selling advertising on sites that offer frequently

updated information."

339 "I feel that anything that provides more open access to weather data and

services is an EXCELLENT idea. Your new policy/framework looks like it's intended

to do this, and I'm all for it. I wish you luck and strength in facing down the

greedy private interests that would seek to restrict access to the great national

resource embodied in NOAA products and output. NOAA ROCKS! :-) The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

340 "RE: Proposed Policy on Partnerships in the Provision of Weather, Water,

Climate and Related Environmental Information Please keep all taxpayer funded

data/information free to the public. Tony Scislaw Cocoa, FL The referring

webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/27/0216251.shtml?tid=103&tid=126&tid=95&tid=99"

341 I believe that it would be a good thing to revise your policies as you

propose. This would allow the free exchange of accurate information without having

to go through the intrusive registration process and/or payment processes of many

weather-for-money outfits. Thank you!

342 "Hi, The policy is a good one. If I understand correctly, the policy calls

for NOAA to publish information on the internet in a open and easy way for the

public to be able to directly access forecasts and data. Being in Florida, weather

is especially important. Thank you for continuing to move forward in sharing

weather data. Knox North The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/27/0216251"

343 "I believe the information you provide should continue to be made free to

the public. If this is a TAXPAYER supported agency, then it should make availible to

the public the information it collects, FREE. Michael G. Skuczas The referring

webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/27/0216251.shtml?tid=103&tid=126&tid=95&tid=99"

344 "Please don't do this. What is needed is for individuals to really study the

issue, show that you have more than one or two brain cells, and intelligently

explain why you may support/not support the new policy changes, and potentially

suggest new directions to look at with this. There are many very intelligent

individuals here on /. of a very diverse background. What is needed here is not raw

activism of the typical D.C. type, but rather people from outside the ""weather""

industry that can thoughtfully explain how data should not be kept locked up by

private companies but needs to be kept free. There seems to be a kneejerk reaction

here with the /. crowd thinking NOAA is going to close up the electronic data

products and make them only available to private industry for a high per user cost

(like much else in the computer industry from stock quotes to mapping data). The

truth is that I don't see any of this sort of thing going on, but rather some very

hard working people in a low profit-margin business (even the most profitable

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companies don't really make that much money off of weather related products, and

there is quite a bit of competition, not to mention relatively low barriers to

entry, particularly compared to other industries). They are asking for legitimate

debate, so study the facts first. Honestly, I don't know what the issue is about

specialized data formats other than XML. XML has its uses, but it is not necessarily

the best data format for every situation. If you are a software developer worth

anything, you should be able to take data in any binary data format, even if

encrypted, and be able to pull all of the data out of that data format. XML is only

one way to provide that data. I will say that in addition to having much of the

weather data collecting/processing being done at taxpayer expense, much of the

weather data collection is done through a system that is largly volunteers. If you

are interested in monitoring weather conditions, particularly if you live in a

largely rural area (although urban areas can be of interest as well... it is just

that there are many more people per sq. mile), you can volunteer to set up a weather

station in your backyard and send the weather data to NOAA. Depending on the

equipment you are willing to purchase, you can measure just about any atmospheric

information that you can imagine, from pollution levels to current temperature and

rainfall levels. Every data point that gives more detailed information helps to make

the forecasting models more accurate. Sometimes NOAA will provide equipment, but you

don't have wait for them to get it to you if you really want to volunteer and do

this yourself (it just takes you own mo ney if you go that route.) This is a

stealthy Seti@Home like data project that has been going on for over 100 years,

which is why you don't hear too much about it. Some commercial enterprises

(particularly local radio and television stations, as well as a few private

airports, seaports, and trucking companies) have their own weather stations that

even by themselves could provide a local forecast, but there is a data sharing

agreement between everybody involved (even competing TV stations, for example) to

share weather related data. Obviously this can be a very bandwidth intensive

operation if you really think about all of the information that can be collected.

Who pays for this bandwidth? There is nothing in the current proposals that would

stop a distributed P2P weather data group from forming, and indeed it would

probabaly be encouraged if you could come up with a good system. Really. The

commercial weather guys would love it on many levels. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/index.pl"

345 I agree with and encourage the government to formalize the proposed policy.

I strongly feel technologies such as XML distribution of weather information should

be continued and expanded to the public sector. Any effort to restrict availability

of weather information to selected private industries or charge for it would be

counter to this effort. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

346 "The National Weather Service exists the benefit the public and save lives,

and should therefore do anything it can at all to accomplish those goals.

NOAA/Academia/Private Sector cooperation exists to benefit the public--if changes to

that relationship would benefit the public anymore, then by all means change that

relationship however you see fit. You exist to serve the public, not the Commercial

Weather Services."

347 "I strongly support adoption of the NWS ""Proposed Policy on Partnerships in

the Provision of Weather, Water, Climate and Related Environmental Information"".

The proposal makes a great deal of sense, in terms of updating the legal framework

NWS operates within to relect changes in technology. If for no other reason, as a

tax-paying citizen I expect to have the greatest degree of access possible to

public-sector data that my taxes have contributed towards developing in the first

place. I am a regular user of NWS website, and find the information it presents to

be most valuable. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

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348 "Since the information the NOAA collects is entirely at the public's

expense, then the information that NOAA produces similarly should be completely open

to the public. Withholding public data from the public is unethical as it forces

the public to pay twice for its rightful information-- once to the collector in the

form of taxes, and once to a private broker, in the form of fees. The private

sector weather companies are not sources of weather data; they are middlemen seeking

to pressure the NOAA to create an artificial scarcity of information in order to

enhance their businesses. No business deserves a guarantee of profits from any arm

of the government. The NOAA should continue to collect, analyze, and distribute

weather data, analysis and predictions-- for free. The referring webpage:"

349 "I tend to agree with your proposed policy. NWS data is generated with

public money and should be freely available to the public in usable forms. To

produce only datasets usable by sophisticated private interests would be effectively

stealing from the commons. Such data should probably also be made available to

anyone who can use it, however. The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

350 "Keep our weather free. Ok, at least I'd like to not to have to pay twice.

My taxes already support the NWS and I resent attempts by private weather services

to take away my rights as a taxpayer. Lets keep the NWS available for all and I

appreciate the wonderful job you folks do. Accuweather and others can kiss my

grits! The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

351 "The data is already paid for by the tax payers. It should be provided free

via the Internet, just as are proposing. Keep up the good work."

352 "I would like to say that the NWS weather feeds is a public service I value

greatly. Please do not discontinue this service. Thank you. Sincerely, Dave Lozier

The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

353 "I was pleased to see that NOAA is contemplating this change in policy. I

believe that weather data (or any other data, for that matter) paid for with public

funds, should be fully available to the public, in whatever forms the public finds

most useful. I call upon NOAA to resist the inevitable calls from the ""weather

industry"" to restrict the public's access to government data. Sean Peters

Fredericksburg, VA The referring webpage:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/27/0216251.shtml?tid=103&tid=126&tid=95&tid=99"

354 "Dear NOAA, Its recently come to my attention that private weather companies

would like to end the free dissemination of weather forcasts via electronic means.

First of all, weather information is a valueable LIFE SAVING service. The NOAA is

payed by everyones TAX dollars, not just those of the private weather companies. If

they would like to front the full cost of the weather service this might be a

different story, but putting a barier to private use is unacceptable. The ability

for anyone to grab the forcast and use it in unthought of, or unprofitable ways are

endless. The reason we pay for commercial weather services is that they are supposed

to provide a value-added service. Sometimes that value is drawing pretty graphics

on TV, or having a news caster explain what a High Pressure system means. They

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should not be allowed to simply free ride on the TAX payer funded data. The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

355 "Please make national weather sevice information available freely. We pay

for the information with our tax dollars, and we should not have to pay for it

twice. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

356 I fully support the proposed policy and cannot emphasize strongly enough

that all publicly-funded information be made available via the internet to all

interested parties. Doing so will provide a larger number of secondary outlets of

weather information and speed dissemination to the public.

357 Shamefull.... The greed that people are building up has the potential to

kill the internet....

358 "Please continue with your proposal. I use your data for local and aviation

weather and would like access to as much as possible. Digital weather formats

should be available to us in a standard format and not something that helps the

private weather industry make money. Thanks, Mark The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

359 "As an emergency volunteer, I know the importance of timely weather

information. My tax dollars are already paying a significant amount of money for

NOAA, which is a worthwhile and important service branch. If private firms wish to

take your publicy available datat, repackage it, and convice people this is a good

reason to subscibe or view their ads, fine, but for those of us who depend on

weather to protect life and property, and who will make the effort technicaly to

access Noaa services directly, the private sector cannot be alowed to block or

impede our acces, nor should we have to wait for an ad to load before deciding to

weather to launch a SAR team. Please take whatever steps are necessary to insure

the entirty of your data is publicly available via modern standards. Thank you,

Bob Williams Chicago, IL The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

360 "As a government agency, funded by the people of this country, your

information should be freely available, without restriction, to all. The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

361 "I am writing in solely to oppose Barry Myers' (of Accuweather) stance on

the proposed policy. He has urged his cohorts and business partners to oppose the

new policy, but I am speaking the voice of the people. His commercial interest is

in obfuscating the data provided to the taxpayers. This data is funded BY the

taxpayers, so we rightfully should have access to it. Commercial lobbyist interests

are not a valid reason to withhold data. If Accuweather wants to make money selling

a product, they will have to provide something above and beyond providing the data

that taxpayers fund. Please don't take away our access to use our own

community-driven tools (like the ""Kweather"" program) to access public information

weather data. Thanks, Ken The referring webpage:

http://alterslash.org/"

362 Please continue to make the weather and climate data increasingly more

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accessible to the general public. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/

363 I urge you to disregard and actively fight AccuWeather's campaign to keep

(and/or make) weather data a pay service.

364 Make weather free! We have a right to know whether or not we should be

hiding in the basement whether or not we pay money. I certainly would. Isn't that

the job of weather forcasting? To save lives!

365 "Since we already help fund the NWS thru our taxes, to charge again for the

weather information the Service gathers is ridiculous. A similiar issue happened in

Hawaii, NOAA used to provide a surf-forecast service that was better than any

private pay site. It was shut down for other reasons, and now NOAA is having

problems trying to reinstate the service becuase of complaints by these private

companies. Personally, I would like to see thiese private companies forced to surf

in the conditions they forecast, they suck! The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

366 "I find the NOAA website to be a valuable tool in helping to determine the

weather conditions for the various gardening projects I have started recently. Also,

living in an area that is sometimes frequented by violent storms during the summer

months, I find the NOAA data feeds invaluable. For these reasons, plus the fact that

I am a big advocate of open standards and open source, I applaud this move to make

the continued free availability of this data part of your official policy."

367 Support for XML Weather feeds. I just want to thank you for the XML feeds

of weather data. I use them every day. -Brian Skahan The referring webpage:

368 Information wants to be free!

369 "This is an excellent move by the weather service, choosing to us an open

format, XML, that will let individual storm spotters, home users and businesses all

to get access to the data they need. I understand that some believe that the NWS

weather feed should be a pay only service, but that defeats the purpose of the NWS

as a service for the people, that is informative and saves lives. Restricting the

data feed would only hinder those purposes. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

370 "As a taxpayer, I expect that your policies put the interests of the Public

ahead of special interests or commercial concerns. The Public pays for your

operation and deserves the benefits. I am for any policy that makes for the

broadest free and open access to the information you collect. I am against any

policy that limits the accessibility to any information that I pay for. Best

Regards, gene The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

371 "YOur products are funded by tax dollars I pay, I should have full access to

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them. Expand the xml and rss feeds!! Freedom of Information is the sign of a

strong democracy!! The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

372 "This policy is definitely one I, as a US citizen and taxpayer support. In

particular items 3 and 4 of your proposal are well-thought out and represent a

commendable postion. This freedom of information should be one of the cornerstones

of a free society, such as the US should be. Thank you, Paul Stolp The referring

webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/feedback.php"

373 "NOAA, As a member of the Naval service I know how vital weather information

is. The government has a duty to its citizens to provide as much free weather

information as it can. This will help the citizens in many ways: saving lives,

improving crop yeilds, improving civil planning, ect. I'm sure you are better aware

of all the uses than I am. Do not be pressured into letting commercial companies

into removing or degrading the weather information you provide. This would be

tantamount to saying that the profits of a few companies are more important than the

lives many people. The referring webpage:"

374 "PLEASE, let common sense prevail. As long as its gov. funded it should be

offered to all interested partys. We're not all idiots out here. Technology works

both ways, look at all the datapoints dsl/cable users can now provide with broadband

alone. I cant tell you how many times a stormfront was approaching in the last

several years, that I could NOT get timely info from the media sources, it was

always a commercial, or them trying to be the history channel, I want the weather

NOW. 15minute nexrad has been wonderful. with wireless devices and wifi beginning to

catch on, and the inevitable mesh networking public and private sector will have

data in their hands, no matter what the conditions. Adding new data will be

educational and informative, something that can only improve our lifestyles. Thanks

for everything you do, its appreciated by more folks than you know. John Decatur

(ka2qhd) The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

375 "I applaud the proposed changes to make NWS information more available to

the public. The information NWS creates is funded by public money, and derives in

part from amatuer radio operators like myself who donate our time for the public

good. Therefor, the dissemination of this information to the public should be as

wide as possible *as they have already paid for it*. Requiring ""specialized""

programs and non-Free software in order to access this information is NOT in the

public interest - using open formats (like XML) and programs is. The referring

webpage:"

376 "Dear NWS: I understand there is a move afoot by the commercial weather

industry to try to get NWS to discontinue various free weather feeds, so that they

may ""value add"" to them. I ask you to not do that. I run a community portal

website for Brooklyn, New York. For years now, our visitors have enjoyed timely and

accurate weather information, provided by your services (mostly extracted via METAR,

but also radar & forcast products, and we've started expirimenting with the XML

feeds). If we had to pay for these feeds, we would have to discontinue the service.

There is no funding for our site, and advertising revenue barely covers hosting

fees. Please continue your excellent services; our visitors greatly appreciate

them. Jim Bay webmaster Brooklyn.com The referring webpage:

http://slashdot.org/"

377 Why should hard working tax paying computer users have to pay twice for

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access to weather information. Not everyone goes to the media for information.

378 "It is my taxes that is paying for the collection of this data. Since I

have paid for it once, why should I have to pay a private individual for it again?

If the private sector wants to make money on the distribution of weather information

then they need to be responsible for the cost involved to collect that data. I work

hard for the money I earn and don't expect the tax payers to pay my wages. Why

should the private weather services expect the tax payers to pay for thier wages.

The American tax payers has paid for this information, it should be thiers and not

some private individuals. As an additional note: timly weather inforamtion may also

save lives. Is it right that only those that can afford this information have the

best chance of survival? As a tax payer I believe every one has the right to the

MOST up-to-date weather information for their own personel safety. The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

379 "I believe that making any and all of your data public is a good thing. The

taxpayers of this country fund the service and should thus derive any benefits the

data may provide. Private sector companies will be able to use the data, add their

own value through the packaging and presentation of the data, and derive profit.

The public will benefit by having ready availability of this data and the ability to

make economic and safety decisions. Competition will arise in the dissemination and

presentation of the data, but the base data that the taxpayers have already paid for

will be useable by all. The referring webpage: http://weather.gov/fairweather/"

380 "I think you guys do a great job, and I think the more data you can make

available freely for everyone on the net, the better you serve the US taxpayer.

Thanks for all your hard work. The referring webpage:"

381 "The public benefits from open and free data, processes, and standards.

Please don't let anyone create artificial barriers to the flow of weather data.

Proprietary formats, standards, data, or processes are a trick to steal value from

the public commons and turn it into a privately held good/service. The referring

webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

382 "I feel that accuweather, weather.com bring a value added service to the

weather data."

383 "Please excuse me if I ramble, but I am happy to take this chance to comment

on the proposed policy of information dissemination with respect to the weather.

The lion's share of my comment focuses on point number 4 of the proposal which, as I

read it, commits the NWS/NOAA to providing information gathered about the weather in

the US to all parties in a free and easily manageable format. I know that this

could become very contentious for organizations that profit over the dissemination

of weather data. However, as a citizen who has partially paid for that data through

taxes and economic participation, I feel like I own my share of that information

already. At one point it was a cost effective decision to publish weather data

through specified channels which could then use the data to make money, but times

have changed and so have delivery methods. The internet provides a highly

cost-effective way to disseminate data to a wide audience and I feel that it is the

duty of any gov't organization to release information to its constituency in the

most cost-effective manner possible. I agree with the language of the proposal as

it stands and I believe that it leaves room for private companies to work with the

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data and deliver it in a form that is more friendly to those who would consume it.

It is the job of the NWS/NOAA to resist pressure from private companies to obfuscate

the data as it is posted by the NWS/NOAA so that it is difficult for smaller

companies or individuals to use that data. Thanks for your time. -Brent Ellis

The referring webpage: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/fairweather/policy.php"

384 "Hello, I am a private weather forecaster, of sorts. I do surf forecasting,

and weather forecasting relevant for surfers. I run a small web site, at

blakestah.com, with about 800 daily readers. Of course, I rely heavily upon NOAA,

NWS, and FNMOC, for their raw data. A policy which increasingly restricts, or

creates barriers to access of, such information would have a pronounced impact upon

my forecasting. I would need to write programs to decode all of your data formats to

basically recreate the pages you now provide for free. And I am not certain I would

do that. What is clear is that all of the large forecasting corporations, such as

Accuweather, would benefit tremendously from such a move. They would profit by

having the NWS throttle information to smaller forecasters. My view is that the

basic forecasting information that everyone uses is from the government. Most

forecasters know this. The service provided by forecasting is the reading of data,

and packaging it so that it is easily digestable by the public. In my case, I

translate the available weather data for surfers. This is a wonderful service, and

an alteration in policy would increase the value of any forecasting service, with a

fixed cost for all to pay to be able to access the data (programming tools to decode

the data). Many many smaller forecasting services will stop entirely. And, the

largest services will benefit the most. Accuweather is essentially asking you to

levy a fixed tax on anyone who wants to forecast. This will have a chilling effect

on weather forecasting, with a decrease in the quality of information available to

the public, and an increase of financial gain to larger forecasters. I urge you to

not only not decrease the support for your weather pages, but to increase it, for

the good of the public at large. Accurate weather information saves lives and money

for everyone. The referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

385 "I firmly support the timely access to accurate weather products. Such

products certainly must be made easily available to as many tax payers as possible

in a free and open format. Businesses and corporations should not be allowed to

thwart free access by those who ultimately have paid the bills to build, launch, and

operate space assets, develop and run computer models used to produce the weather

products. Such corporations need to enhance these basic products with value added

activities of their own rather than rely on the government to subsidise them. I

applaud your move to enhance the distribution of weather, water, and climate data

via the internet in an unencumbered manner. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph M. Zawodny The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

386 "As a government agency, the purpose of the NOAA is to serve the public.

Data which has been generated or collected using tax dollars belongs to the public

and should be freely available to the public."

387 I believe the new policy meets the needs of the public and private sectors.

I support this new policy. The referring webpage:

http://weather.gov/fairweather/policy.php

388 "As taxpayers we've already paid in full for the excellent meteorological

information generated by NOAA and we are therefore fully entitled to it at no

additional charge. If the private forecasting industry can't persuade potential

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customers that they provide added value beyond what's available from NOAA, too bad -

the citizens are under no obligation to 'protect' those private ventures. It would

be improper for NOAA to hold its meteorological data (for which we the citizens have

already paid) hostage just to please the private forecasting industry. --MO'D The

referring webpage: http://slashdot.org/"

389 "As a government agency, the purpose of the NOAA is to serve the public.