Scott,

I wish it was that simple. I just don't think it can be described in those terms. The issue I have with VATSIM isn't all about the direction of the network - it's the procedure by which the decisions are made. VATSIM is currently obsessed with one-size-fits-all management and policies, and no matter how irrational or how counterproductive VATSIM's policies are to their own goals, in my experience attempting to change the policies is about as effective as peeing into a headwind.

The trouble is that the management style of VATSIM crushes the spirit of its best people. VATSIM has an amazing ability to attract smart, incredibly dedicated, fantastic people - people any business would be delighted to have working for them. It also has an amazing ability to stand in their way as they try and make the places they help to run just a little bit better. While assuredly in the end this network is the founders sandbox, and they can run it however they'd like - many people over the years have signed up to help make the sandbox nicer and better run. VATSIM has an institutional obsession with the "worst of the worst" - and constantly uses that as an example to justify bringing the best down to their level. Management and making rules are different things.

That part has nothing to with right-left-center group dynamics - just basic management and respect for those actually charged with doing something productive instead of making more rules.

I don't think there's any inconsistency at all between what Alex and I said. I outlined what would be a situation that calls for removal under COC B3, not the standards that apply to finding out if someone is at their computer or not.

I think Ric's solution would work if people read these forums. As it stands though, there are 632 total people registered on these forums, and I imagine a large percentage of those don't read them regularly. From looking on the bottom to see who is visiting the forums at any given time, it seems that most of the participants/readers on these forums are those required to participate because they already hold staff jobs. That's also the group that least needs the classifieds section.

I imagine vatusa.net gets substantially more traffic, and having a real help wanted section there might get more exposure for open jobs.

Terry,

A lot of the posters here have gotten it dead on. Every ARTCC is perfect for some people and not so great for others. I know many people at ZLA would find the traffic levels at some of the slower ARTCCs less stimulating, while others prefer the slower pace and less difficulty.

There are a few things you can look at though to get some idea of what you are getting yourself into, that in my experience matter very much. Here are the kind of questions you should ask:


1) Does the ARTCC staff their positions? Although there's something to be said for going to a less-staffed ARTCC in an attempt to build them up, advancing at a dead ARTCC can be difficult if nobody is staffing positions and there aren't many instructional resources available. It is also harder to draw traffic for your sessions if the Center position is not staffed on a regular basis.

2) What is the training department like at the ARTCC? Every training department is different. Write the Training Administrator or Air Traffic Manager of the ARTCCs you are interested and ask them for their thoughts, look at the publicly available materials on their websites, observe a little bit at the ARTCC, and ask students going through the program for their opinions.

3) Do the ARTCC Staff members exist and stay active? An issue that can crop up at an ARTCC is the staff not being online. Look at whether the ARTCC Staff instructs, controls on at least a semi-regular basis, and in general shows a presence in the ARTCC. Advancement becomes very difficult if the training and administrative staffs aren't active. Do they reply to your e-mails promptly?

4) How are the ARTCCs forums and/or Teamspeak server? This seems like a minor point, but it's one worth considering. Do you like the attitude of the members in the forums? Do the people seem like the kind of people you want to control with? Does the staff seem knowledgeable, friendly, and mature? Does the place seem dead?

5) What do you want in an ARTCC? The learning curve at ARTCCs differs drastically depending on the traffic and complexity of the airspace, and the philosophy of the training department. Some ARTCCs demand substantial off the scope effort as well live training, while others do not. Some people like having a geographic connection to the airspace, as it can help them learn it more easily, others don't care. I find working lots of planes every night and constantly being challenged really fun. That's why I keep coming back. I know plenty of people completely satisfied at other places for their reasons.


That's really just the beginning of the list. Making a good choice can be the difference between enjoying this hobby and not.

Finally, remember that if you don't make the right choice, you can always visit elsewhere, or transfer. People transfer for all sorts of reasons. I transferred twice because I had reached the top at previous ARTCCs, only to discover that there was a bigger challenge worth attempting. If you make the wrong choice, you may find another place is better for you.


Hope that helps!