forecasting weather vs engineering 1

[boffintech]

Here in Atlanta, GA the local weather guru on WSB, Curt Melish, is advertising that he is the first so-called “Certified Broadcast Meteorologist”. In the promo touting this alleged achievement Melish claims that this certification is akin to “lawyers passing the bar exam” and “licensing engineers”.

They have GOT to be kidding, RIGHT?

 

[zdas04]

I once had a friend (who was an on-air weatherman) that said he understood his role when he saw that he was paid out of the entertainment budget, not the news budget.

The overblown title you mention falls into the legal realm as "puffery" and has no obligation to be factual.

David

 

[PSE]

Some background I found with a quick search, including an apparent application.

http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/cbm2004.pdf

http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/CBMAPPWEB.pdf

I wonder if these CBMs can be sued for "damages" resulting from a poor forcast? To me this looks like a society certification rather than having any basis in the law. As such I think it FAR from being akin to licensed engineers.

Regards,

 

[TheBlacksmith]

Weather Forecasting and Information Technology seem to be the only two professions where you can be wrong over half the time and keep a steady job - source unknown.

 

[JAE]

Don't forget economists.

 

[epoisses]

and politicians