EMTbravo

First off, I encourage everyone to read the "Statement On Site Content" http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=5798 And it's uninformed, false accusations like that are thrown at me (quite frequently lately) like that that frusterate me so much and make me even more tired of running this forum. I just would like to point out that in the "Probies" thread as referenced by the member above, it was for the most part a constructive discussion, nobody bashed any specific (or implied) FD or person, and I never recieved a report from "Capt.415" that the thread was "deragatory and vulgar". In fact, "Capt.415 " posted in that thread. I didn't review the thread very much, it was a bit heated at a point, but I didn't find it unacceptable. If you find an issue with a thread, you need to point it out to me. This forum is too busy for me to read every thread, although I try. If members could discuss the issue, and how to resolve it, in a civil and constructive manner, then I'd be more then happy to let the thread stay. It's because of members personally attacking each other, bashing a department or person, or ranting, why posts get deleted. As for the "censorship" part, uh..no. As I said above, the rules and purpose of this forum are clearly posted. You want to bash a department or person, your thread will be deleted. Your fault, not mine. Period. Don't like this forum? No one is forcing you to visit, read, or post. I try to make this forum a good place for all, but now I realize that effort is futile. Let me remind you....I am the one who created this forum, spend the hours upon hours maintaining it and dealing with the membership, and paysfor it. I have every right to limit what is discussed on this forum. I created this forum to primarily be a place to exchange information, primarily about apparatus and latest incidents. I DO NOT provide this forum, nor do I want it to be, a politcal battlefield, bashfest, or rant board. If you're so passionate about your issue, go start your own message board. Accuse me of whatever you want......but I think my stance is clear. To all members: IF SOMEONE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WAY I RUN THIS FORUM or something that is done, I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS IT, via PM or email. Sadly, some people just like to complain, throw false accusations, and aren't interested in resolving the problem or making it better. And please also note that NO ONE has made a reasonable reccomendation on how to handle the politcally sensitive topics without them turning into a bashfest. I'm sick of getting attacked, I hear nothing good about this forum anymore, and I'm sick of running this forum. I thought I've made it very clear what I want and don't want on this forum...why is there such an issue? I don't want this to be a bashfest....take your bashing elsewhere...why is that such a problem? Is that really so hard to understand. The only thing that keeps me sane about this is that its mainly the members who constanrly disregard the rules who throw the accusations at me. Still don't understand or like this forum? Bye-Bye!!! We have plenty of members from all walks of the business who make positive contributions and abide by the rules and enjoy and love this forum, which is why I continue to do it-at least for now. And the (continually increasing) hits this forum gets speaks for itself.... I encourage everyone to read the "Statement On Site Content". http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=5798

Yeah, I find it funny members still can't figure out why their posts get deleted!!! I've been getting a ton of heat for this lately from a small amount of members, but right now since I haven't been convinced otherwise, I'm sticking with current vision for the site. No, we're not going to just "let it roll". The rules and purpose of this forum are clearly posted. If members can't read or regard them, then it's not my fault that the posts are removed. If members can't keep discussion positive, constructive, and respectful, then it's not happening on this forum. We're not your typical internet forum, nor do we want to be. Every Mount Vernon thread turns into a bashfest about Mount Vernon FD and its administration AND firefighters, and/or members start making personal attacks on one another. If members could discuss the issue, and how to resolve it, in a civil and constructive manner, then I'd be more then happy to let the thread stay. However, many members, some who hide behind a screen name to make ignorant comments, use the oppurtunity to just bash Mount Vernon FD....and the same issue gets discussed over and over again, with nothing new being brought. What good does that do.....is there something I am missing? Although I understand the issue, and the root of it, I don't provide (or pay for) this forum to make it a stage for peoples issues or politcal motives. In addition, a lot of members don't see some of the stuff that gets deleted....you'd be suprised. This forum will also remain neutral in regards to the issues, and the focus will be on the resolution. Let me make myself clear, and this goes for everything. This forum WILL NOT BE a bashfest or rant board. If you want to have a positive, constructive, and respectful discussion, that's fine. You want to bash or rant, then it gets deleted. It's about how members comments in the posts....not about the issue itself. I know this is not the way the firehouse is, but in case you haven't noticed, this aint the firehouse...and this ain't every other internet firefighting/ems message board. And I'm always available to everyone for discussion, comments, and input. Make a thread, or email me at EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com

EMTBravo Member Survey #1: Where Are You From? Please select in the poll above.

I've recently noticed an increase in dynamic, or "flashing" avatats on this site. At this time, we've decided not to permit those avatar types on this site at this time. They consume excess bandwith and are distracting from the post. Thanks.

Members- I need a slogan for EMTBravo.com. I would like to display one underneath the top banner on EMTBravo.com, and in the title. I've racked my brain trying to think of one, and nothing seems to sound right. If you have any ideas, please post here. And if you like any one thats posted, please show your support for that one. If we recieve a couple that we like, I will put up for vote on this site. Thanks -EMTBravo

Members- The "Tones" thread was removed. Although I'm sure most people would use the program quite innocently, I'm afraid the capabilty of the software being discussed in that thread has the potential to precipitate some trouble. Therefore, it's not prudent to be discussing it on the forum. If you have an issue with the removal, and would like to discuss it further, please post on this thread or email me at EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com Thanks -EMTBravo

I added the colors legend this evening after many requests by members to know what color represented which user group. This key is Phase 1 of changes I am making to the EMTBravo Network Member/User Group system. I'm in the process of making big changes to the user group system and the membership levels. Once I complete that, I will post a guide to go with the legend.

Thanks for the thought and the offer, it is appreciated. The bandwith wasn't a cost issue, it was a portioning issue. As time for me becomes available, I will be looking to cover the cost of running the site sometime in the near future. Not looking to profit AT ALL, but need to start being a little more conservative with my cash flow and covering the expense of running this site would help. Probaly will be selling something, and also may enable a donation or susbscriber feature on this site. Also, this question always comes up....I don't want to have ads on the site.

LOL. I apologize for the downtime. I recieved quite a few calls and emails. I was away from my computer during the overnight, and could not fix the problem 'til this AM. Note only the forums were affected, and .com remained online. The issue was that the traffic to this site keeps growing...quickly....beyond my predictions, and the bandwith was exceeded. The issue was fixed, and on Monday, I'll adjust it for the long term so that hopefully this won't become an issue again.

Members- We are trying something new in the ongoing attempt to keep this board positive. Members can now close/lock thier topics if they feel they are getting "old" or out of hand. Members can also delete their topics if they feel it is warranted. ("Their topics" is defined as the member who created the topic, AKA thread. The first post in the thread is the member who created the thread) So I don't get accused of locking/deleting the thread, you may want to make a post saying why the thread is closed, or if you delete, PM members in the thread to tell them why you took the action you did. Additionally, members can now individually delete their own posts. This is all an experiment. If it works well, it stays. *Note that Admin's can still access/restore deleted posts.

Members have up to 4 hours to edit their post. After that, the edit is locked out. That is so that members can't go and change their wording of thier post after it's been replied too.

This topic is over a year old. It's time for a fresh thread on this, so the discussion was split in the new thread. This topic is now locked. For the new Yorktown Ladder thread about it's delivery to the WC, click here http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=9021 As for EMSJunkies comment, you are viewing that discussion now, so you obviously know where the discussion went. Why'd you ask that question? Sometimes, topics get split or moved to a more appropriate/specific forum for a variety of reasons. Before thinking that a thread was deleted or jumping to conclusions, try taking a look around the forum. *P.S. I was in the process of adding a comment that the thread has been split as "EMSJunkie" posted his comment.

To do the above- While viewing your topic, toward the bottom of the screen, there should be a drop-down menu entitled "Moderation Options" There are two choices: 1. Close Topic 2. Delete Topic Select one, click "Go" to the right of the drop down menu, and you're set.

Thanks RWC for your expressing your views. And for the most part, I agree. There are some people that strongly feel that we should allow "critiquing" of incidents on this site. I'm not one of them. Why? Because, #1, how can you "critique" something without being familiar with the department, its manpower and equipment, district, and operating procedures...or without and accurate, firsthand account of the incident?? #2, these "critiques" turn into bashfests, which I do not want occuring on this forum. And sadly, there's some people who just like to cowardly hide behind a screen name and cause trouble just to cause trouble or stir the pot....and we always agressively work to weed out those people, as they accomplish nothing on this site. There's ways to discuss firefighting and EMS on this site without picking on a specific agency or person. I don't maintain this site as a public forum to critique departments. I maintain this forum as a positive place to share information, ideas, and views. There's a lot more that goes into running this forum then the average eye sees. I agree with RWC's viewpoint.....members of this site need to show respect for one another...theres no need for some of the behavior that occurs on here. There's plenty of people to learn from on this site, and plenty of people to be educated......if we just bicker, then what does that accomplish?

Hey- Recently, I revised the front page redesign of EMTBravo.com to include some color. Not completly done yet, but you should get the idea. Do you like the way it looks now with the added blue, or should we change it back to the all grey?? Thanks for the input

Hey! Guess what! The title of this thread is "Run Numbers" All other non-pertinent posts have been removed. Please post your run numbers, and make a positive and constructive SEPERATE thread with your questions or discussion! KEEP THIS THREAD ON TOPIC. It's a popular thread, and I don't want to have to lock it and exclude anyone from sharing their RUN NUMBERS.. To those looking to hide behind a screen name to try and incite trouble, stop. It's not going to be tolerated. Thanks!

Thanks to all for the words. It feels good to keep passing milestones on this site, and yt makes the numerous hours of work worthwhile to know people enjoy it.

Hey All Due to the success of the Top Incident Alerts of 2005 Live Chat last week, we are considering scheduling/hosting more live group chats. I'm looking more into this, and as usual, working off input from members of this site. So I have two questions. 1. What are some topics you'd like to discuss, and some guests you'd like to talk to? 2. What day/time would be good for you?

The 2005 list has now been released, after many hours of work by T4. Please see the discussion thread in the Incident Workshop for further discussion.

Members- After many requests, we are pleased to introduce our new live chat room. Many members had requested that this feature return after our upgrade to the new software in July. Several members had shared how they enjoyed connecting and communicating with forum members, current collegues, friends from the past, etc via our Personal Message system, and hoped that a Live Chat feature would make those situations even better. You can access the chat room via the link in the header menu (right below the top banner, on the right), and you can see who is currently chatting by visiting the "Board Statistics" section on the bottom of the forum main/index page. The chat room is open 24/7. In the future, we hope to schedule a weekly chat, as well as possibly having special guests come in. Since this chat room includes a feature similar to instant messaging, we hope the IA writers will be able to use this feature to collect further information and updates on their incidents while they are posting from other members listening to the incident. We hope you enjoy this new feature, and use it to enhance the purpose of this site. -EMTBravo (Please report any bugs, problems, questions, comments, or concerns to EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com)

Over most of the Thanksgiving holiday, I redid the front page of EMTBravo.com a bit. Although it's still nothing fancy, flashy, and certainly not loaded with the latest in web page technology.......it's what I want it to be.....clean, fresh, simple & uncluttered, modern, easy to use and friendly....especially for those with limited computer abilties. So, now that the redesign is almost done, I want to know- how you like the new look? Some of the changes include -New header logo -New grey color scheme and layout -No blue or underlined links, and the new grey links turn black when you place your mouseover them. -New Welcome/News box with Quick Links to either the latest photos or the forums -Incident Alerts on the front page, split into Westchester, Regional, and National categories -Latest Forum Topics -Complete Latest Westchester Incident Alert box -Links to the photo archives at the bottom of the latest photos section -Streamlined the bottom of the page a bit There are still some more changes to be made, and yes, we are considering a rotating image for the feature photo for the future. Feedback is very helpful to me in running these sites, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to give it. (Note: Page looks best and was designed for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers)

Thanks for the nice words. Input, and support, is always greatly appreciated If anyone's interested, I hope to host some topic-based live chats. What would be a good time for everybody? I'm thinking Sunday evenings, which tend to be one of the forums busiest times.

Very soon. Truck4 is currently working on getting the selection process ready. Also, don't forget that December's not over yet......and it's getting very busy lately!

Spring or Summer '06, if it even happens.

That's what the "Limited Edition Page" is. And I've given up trying to make everyone happy in regards to this site. It's impossible, and way too stressful.