EMTbravo

Jack10562 has suggested a "MVM" class.....AKA a "Much Valued Member" class. There is a system in place where moderators member advocates can "rate" a member based on the quality of their posts and contributions to this forum. The member or moderator can log why they are adding to a positive rating for a member, and the member can see who's rating who. I may do away with the "Verified Member" class, replace that with "Alpha Member", and then we could have a "Much Valued Member" class. Also, I've wanted to do a "Member of the Week" and "Topic Of The Week" or month for a while now, so we could highlight some of the awesome members here, and maybe we could tie that into the new system. BTW, The real name thing is out, and the post count thing is out. Thanks for everyone's input on developing this idea. I'm not saying it is going to happen or it's not, just considering.

Further development of the idea: maybe the members has to have 1,000+ posts AND be nominated for Elite membership based on the quality of the posts and the such.

After some though, I agree with the not divulging members names. Plus, it would be a logistical challenge to set up, which I currently don't have time for. So, I think an "Elite Member" will be a member with 1,000 posts or more. So it will be Verified Member (could we rename this) 0-500 posts Alpha Member 500-1,000 posts (and in good standing) Elite Member 1,000+ posts (and in good standing) Ideas? Comments? Feedback?

Members- We are now recruiting (2) two Member Advocates for EMTBravo.net (these forums) DUTIES: -Conflict resolution -Mediate complaints between members and moderating staff, and vice versa -Advise Senior Administrative staff on member related issues -Help develop forum rules and policy -Assist other members -Assist moderators, as requested -Represent members REPORTS TO: Director Of Member Relations REQUIRMENTS: -Proper spelling and grammar skills -22+ y/o and above preferred -Great customer service and conflict resolution skills -Able to remain neutral and objective -Able to respond to emails and PM's in a timely manner -Maintain a positive presence on the forums If you are interested in this newly created position, please send an EMAIL to EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com and tell us why you'd be a great choice for this position on the EMTBravo team! The EMTBravo team will collobarate on who gets the spot, with deciding factors being but not limited to: history and activity on the forum, etc. If enough applications are recieved, we will consider making this a Membership-elected spot.

Thanks to all that replied. We are reviewing all canidates, and hope to make an announcement within a week or so. -Seth

Please elaborate on your issue so that we can look into it, and possibly provide a resolution. Thanks -Seth

I've heard from several different people over the course of running this site that the administration of their department, namely Chiefs or Commisioners, think this site is bad for the fire service, and have taken verbal or other disciplinary action for their members using this site. I've found many of these commisioners to be older, and out of touch with modern-day communication. Many don't understand websites such as this. Some have never even been to this site, yet judge it. My opinion is, sadly, many departments have incompetent leaders who are scared that they may lose their “power” if they don’t have complete control, and if everything they do isn’t kept a secret. Many aren't confident in their actions, and are afraid they may be exposed. These people typically are also very closed minded. My question is, volunteer or career, if you don't represent or associate yourself with a department, then can the commisoners or chiefs actually "ban" you from using this site? I can understand a department not wanting people representing themselves as the department on this site, and some other minor issues, but if they let them wear the uniform and respond to calls and go to training, then what is the issue if they come on here to talk to their peers? Is it just because "everyone can see"? Has anyone come across this problem in their department? I personally feel this is detrimental to the Fire Service.

Thanks to everyone for their input, advice, ideas...and support! I have read each and every one of your posts. Some of the posts on this thread reassure me that this forum is doing what it's intended to do. It's also given me some ideas for the future of this forum. It's definetly a new generation, and this forum we hope is mobilizing and revolutionizing the afformentioned generation! Thanks again! -Seth

Members- I've been doing some thinking, and wanted to bounce the idea of of you. Should EMTBravo.net take the next step and set the precedent in making our users use their real name? No more hiding behind a fictiocous screename, and standing behind your posts with your name? Or would this move discourage members from posting? Of course, we would allow members to use their first name and last intiial, or first name and shield number, etc. We'd also have to come up with a way for members who have simiar name to differentiate themselves. I feel this move would hold members to a higher standard, resulting in more quality posts and more of a "community atmosphere". I also think it would cut down signifcantly on a loy Or, do you think members build an identity with their screename, and allows them to express themelves without the fear of reprocussion? Should we create a premium memberhip level for those who want to use their real names? What do you think? THIS IS AN IDEA ONLY, OPEN TO MEMBER BRAINSTORMING!! THIS IS NOT BEING IMPLEMENTED! -Seth G.

Thanks to everyone for their input...it has given me some ideas to work with. Again, thanks to everyone for taking the time to post and help us provide the best forum we can for you!!!

For those wishing to add a little Irish St. Patricks Day flavor to the forum, I've added a St. Patrick's Day skin for those wishing to use it. (Skin Designed By The Skinnery Inc.)

Thanks guys. I'm glad you enjoyed the skin. I purchased the skin from an excellent forum skin designer....it was well worth the investment! I also have some other skins I will be rolling out soon I think you will like. http://www.EMTBravoNewEngland.com has gotten a makeover with a new skin from this designer as well. Again, much thanks for the input everyone!

ATTN EMTBravo.net Verified And Alpha Members- The moderators have been instructed to randomly audit Verified and Alpha Member profiles to ensure that they are complete and contain truthful and accurate information. If your profile is found to be missing information, you will be asked to add it. If your profile contains questionable information, you will be asked to clarify or provide supporting information. The information in the profile is a requirement of being a Verified Member. If you refuse to comply after a Moderator makes you aware, you will lose your Verified Member status and posting privledges for 90 days. If you feel that the previous was unfare, you may make an appeal to me/ If you are honest and are complying with the terms of this program, then you shouldn't have any issues. THE REQUIRED (MINIMUM) PUBLIC PROFILE INFORMATION IS: -Age range -Location -Affiliation type -Rank If you're not already a Verified Member, you can apply here: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?autocom=dstaffapp Thank you for your cooperation in continuing to make our Verified Member program a sucess. -Seth

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Members- Please note that if you ever have a suggestion or idea for this forum, feel free to contact a Moderator with it or start a thread about it. Many of our "good ideas" start out with a suggestion from a member, so if you have one...contact a Mod. They'll then present your idea to the entire EMTBravo Staff for further development and/or approval. -Seth

Members- CLEARANCE SALE! I have a limited quantities of EMTBravo sweatshirts remaining. These sweatshirts were being held for giveaways, but they need to be sold now. All proceeds go towards EMTBravo operating costs. I have five (5) larges, and (3) XL's remaining. They run a bit big, so the large is like an XL, and the XL is like a 2XL. The brand is Gildan, and the fabric is very heavy duty, stiching is very strong, and keeps you very warm. The screen printing was done by RescueStuff.net, and is very durable, based on my own experiences with mine going through numerous wash cycles without the print peeling or color fading. And again, they keep you VERY warm and my sweatshirt has taken quite a beating, yet is still as good as new.! They are $15.00 each plus $4.99 for Priority Shipping. If you would like one, contact me via EMAIL at EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com. This will be the last run of this edition sweatshirt, so if you want it I reccomend not waiting....the last batch sold out within 24 hours. Once the email is sent, if the sweatshirts are still available, I will send you an invoice via PayPal, a secure payment processing site. You can then pay by Credit Card, E-Check, or PayPal. As soon as your payment is recieved, your sweatshirt will ship. (P.S. I am the model. The sweatshirt fits me a lot better now since I've "filled out" pretty fast since my injury . Not that it's a bad thing, I was pretty scrawny before, lol ) Email EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com if you want one! -Seth G.

CLEARANCE!! Price has been reduced to $15.00 for one, or $12.00 for two or more. Great sweatshirts, great price! (All members who have bought shirts so far have been refunded the $5.00 to make up the difference from the price reduction.)

I'd just like to thank the new Moderating team here at EMTBravo.net, Chris192, jcoppola, and moosecfd368 for doing such a great job right out of the gate. You guys have taken quite a load off of my shoulders and allowed me to focus on other things that I need to do. You're doing a tremendous job, and am very proud that I selected you guys-I was right on the money! Moderation these forums isn't easy, but you guys seem to be naturals. Keep up the great work! -Seth G.

As we keep pace with our growth, we're adding new staff and promoting from within. The latest promotion is a new title. "Spirit Ambassador". DOC22 is a VERY active member of this community. He currently serves as Senior Moderator (nothing to do with age, lol!) for EMTBravo.net. He's always one of the first to greet a new member, wish someone a happy birthday, or offer support during a hard time. DOC22 has lifted my spirits several times, and is an asset to this forum. He always has a positive attitude, and is one of many examplary members of this forum. To reconize his contributions and vigilance to be nice to all, I'm naming him EMTBravo's "Spirit Ambassador", since he reflects this site's values with such grace. Thank you DOC22 for being such a supportive member of this forum!

Members- I am proud to announce the promotion of jack10562, from Lead Moderator EMTBravo.net, to Deputy Administrator, EMTBravo.net. jack10562 was appointed forum moderator only a few months ago. He dove right in, and learned his job quickly. He spends hours upon hours each day maintaining this forum, many of the tasks members don't see. He also offers an infectious spirit, and he exemplifies what this forum is all about. In his new role, all EMTBavo.net Moderators will report to him and be under his direction. If needed, he will esecalate to Truck4 or myself for further action. Please also note the DOC22 is also a Deputy Admin of this forum, however he holds a higher role as Director Of Member relations. TR54 is Deputy Admin in charge of Protection From The Past, and Truck4 is Director of Operations, but also a Dep Admin for the forum. And, same for RWC130-smoke is coming out of his ears from all the brainstorming he does! Thanks Jack for all you do, and congrats on the promotion! -Seth G.

I've been tossing around the idea of creating an "E-Memorial" thread on EMTBravo.com for all the losses we've suffered from our community in the northern suburbs. It would be retroactive to 2003, when EMTBravo.com was launched. My idea would to be to put a photo of the person, the date they passed on, and a short bio. There would also be a link to their E-Condolence thread. We recieve many messages from families about the "E-Condolence Cards" we all sign on this forum. Many families are VERY appreciative of them, and say that it gives them a lot of comfort to read through what their "extended family" has to say about them. One recent message to the EMTBravo Director Of Member Relations, DOC22, from a widower of a Firefighter, said she was very appreciative of the thread, and was priniting it out so that when her sons grew older, she could show them about how much their father was respected and what kind of guy he was. For me, that story and many like it, are reasons why we keep pluging on with the forum. It means a lot to people, not only in emergency services, and we truly enjoy providing it despite the stress. Anyways, as far as the memorial page goes, if you guys like the idea, is there anyone willing to take on the task of compiling and writing all the information, and maintaining the page? Any input appreciated. -Seth G.

This thread is to show some love for Truck4, who works hours each day to maintain our Incident Alert section, and has helped to build it to where it is nowadays. He's our Director Of Operations as well, and a personal adviser to me regarding some forum operations. He is tough, but he has his reasons. He is also the most Senior EMTBravo staffer (tied with RWC130), and his consistent guidance of this forum, although some may not like it, has helped make this forum unique and a lot more pleasant than many other forums. So, let's give it up for Truck4, the man who makes the IA forums possible, and now outranks me as Admin of this forum, lol!! -Seth G.

Members- We'd like to announce the promotion of EMTBravo Network Webteam Moderator "TR54" to EMTBravo Deputy Adminstrator-Protection From The Past. TR54, Member #23, has been with EMTBravo from the inception. He came up with the idea for "Protection From The Past" with Chris498, and has since taken and developed the "Protection From The Past" concept. 5 years later, he's still working hard to bring photos and information from classic area incidents to us here on EMTBravo.com. Many don't know how much work he puts in "behind the scenes". In his new role, he will be responsible for the continued administration and lead of the "Protection From The Past" section of this forum. He will also be responsible for the adminstration and development of the soon-to-relaunch EMTBravo.com "Protection From The Past" section. Congrats TR54! We look foward to many more classic photos, and your new section on EMTBravo.com! Tim can be reached via email at TR54@EMTBravo.com -Seth If you want to see one of the ORIGINAL EMTBravo.com pages, we had a "Retired Westchester Apparatus Listing" that hasn't been updated since 2004. Chris498 has since gone MIA, but TR54 will be reviving this list soon. http://www.emtbravo.com/PFP/index.html

As many have seen, I have delegated a lot of my work to the EMTBravo Webteam, which allows me to focus on other things. I am currently building some behind the scenes infastructure, and that's expected to take a coupple of more weeks to complete. Once that's done, I'll be able to reevaluate the points program, including the accrual process. I would like to continue converting points to charity donations, but right now I'm struggling financially due to the loss of my job, and need to bank away every dollar earned from advertisers to ensure that I can continue to pay for the server until finances are figured out. I really hope that I can get the charity thing back going though, I think that is the best way for people to spend points. I have a lot of charities picked out, and some advertisers to team up with when finances allow. I apologize for the neglect of the program.