Tracker Sign Ups Surge

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Tracker sign-ups have surged over the past few days after North Pole Flight Command announced the test flights of Santa’s sleigh are coming to Sector 3 in Europe and Africa. Here are some location screenshots that have crossed my computer monitor in just the past hour from Sector 3:

This is just a small sample of what we’re seeing. Yes, there are a lot of sign-ups in England but really I’m seeing it from North to South in our Sector. There is a LOT of energy right now for tracking Santa this year in our sector.

I don’t know if we can keep up this pace but if we do I imagine we can double the number of elves from what we had last year.

That being said, I want you all to remember that we’re not just here for checking the skies for sleighs. Yes, there is a lot of interest in that right now. And I get it. Everyone here at the Regional Tracking Center in Christmas Island is pumped to be checking the skies over us, too. This is a rare opportunity and we’ll be watching like everyone else is.

But while we spend the month of September doing that please do NOT forget we need a lot of reports over the next couple of months. I don’t want all of our new elves to just show up now to look for test flights and then not come back until Santa launches.

Our work here, if you remember, IS TO HELP SANTA.

Now, there’s an elf in Sweden – Elf Freddie the Fixer – I want to send a shout out to. The guy is a freelance elf but he’s dedicated. He’s good. I appreciate all your reports, pal. Nice work. If you are interested in becoming a North Pole Elf, please message me.

Eyes up! The test flights of Santa’s sleigh will be over us soon!

Back to Business

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As North Pole Flight Command announced earlier the test flights of Santa’s Sleigh will soon be in Sector 3. That means it is time for us to get back to business. But, a little fun first:

Elf Z in Flight Command was able to secure for us some great shots of the test flights that have been made available for release. We received hundreds of thousands of sleigh sighting reports over the past month  in our sector and many of those reports included pictures and videos. These are interesting:

 

Sleigh Sighting in Iowa

Taken somewhere in Iowa this shot shows multiple test flight sleighs during a high speed test. This is a confirmed sighting, recorded at a fairly low altitude.

Vancouver BC Sleigh Sighting

This was one of the few verified sleigh sightings on the Pacific Coast, taken in Vancouver BC it is a singular sleigh testing launch angles from the deck of a ship from the North Pole Navy.

Nova Scotia Sleigh Sighting

This was just a few days ago taken by an elf staffer here in Nova Scotia. Yes, we knew the sleighs were near us because Flight Command arranged it. What makes this interesting is the low level of this sighting, not far off the water. This was taken from a boat but we didn’t know exactly where it would happen but the coastal fog made for outstanding conditions for testing on-board lights. Santa does not like to use bright lights because he doesn’t want to wake people up. But sometimes he just needs additional lighting. His complaints are that the on board lighting is either too bright or too dim. So they are testing adjustable lights that can be controlled by voice.

 

I appreciate Elf Z sending these images because they give us a much better idea of the kind of work these test pilot teams do. It’s not all just blazing through the skies – they are DOING stuff out there that they hope will help Santa.

And that’s what we do too. So, back to business. We enjoyed the test flights over our sector the past several weeks but we have spent so much time and reporting in trying to find the test flights we have fallen a little behind in our usual work. So let’s catch up by doing the following:

  1. Chimney Inspections – please do them sooner rather than later. We don’t want you trying to do these in bad weather and by all means **keep your feet on the ground**. Please turn these in by the end of September.
  2. Roof Reports – these are among the most important we can do. If you want to prevent Santa from damaging your roof, please check it out and let us know in advance if there are issues. We are compiling as many pictures to these reports as we can so if you can submit a roof picture use the photo submission report for that.

For now, that’s it. I’m not going to try to ask you for additional reports between now and the end of October unless Flight Command or Santa comes up with something special. Don’t hold me to it but I want to see if the next two months will give us a chance to do a very thorough job with these reports.

Thanks – you’re the best!

Reporting Plan for Sector 4

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Greetings from Christmas Island in Jamaica!

Finally I can announce a reporting plan in our lead up to Santa’s launch. Our sector is so unique that we need to do it two ways: a plan for South America and most of the Atlantic, and another plan for Greenland and the North Atlantic.

First, for everyone in the Sector:

Weather reports: All elves in the sector going forward should send in a weather report each Tuesday from now until December. It will likely change then.

Second, for South America, the Caribbean, and south of the equator in the Atlantic:

Roof Report: It’s Hurricane season, so be careful. We want to get these reports done by the end of September.
Local Christmas Report: Every week on Saturday between now and Halloween. Special request from Santa for some reason.

Third, for Greenland and north of the equator in the Atlantic:

Chimney Inspections: Watch weather conditions, be safe. We have time to get these done but the sooner the better.
Public Observation: This is different than a Local Christmas Report. Another special request from Santa. We need this about every two weeks going forward, your choice of what day of the week.

This is all we need unless the test flights of Santa’s sleigh come back into our sector soon, which I have not heard about.

We’re keeping it simple this year. Be sure to check in at least once a week for breaking news.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Santa Tracker Sign Ups Explode

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Almost without explanation and earlier in the season than ever, Elf Flip of North Pole Flip of North Pole Flight Command’s Accounting Department says the number of sign ups for tracker elves is exploding.

“We are not sure yet why these numbers are increasing,” Elf Flip admitted. “We always see a large increase every year around the fall period but that typically doesn’t happen until early to mid-October. This year it is happening now. We’re not sure why.”

The SantaTrackers.net website has not only experienced large-scale renovation but a change in how memberships are processed has actually kept more people out than have accepted them in.

“We have a longer probationary period now to become a North Pole Elf and to participate in the Elf Community online,” Elf Moe, the tracker elf admissions administrator at SantaTrackers.net said. “To get elevated to that status takes time and work and really we’re early in the process for this year. So what we are seeing is an explosion in Junior Tracker elves — newbies — and they are in their probationary period now. Will it lead to a future explosion of North Pole elves as they learn those elf skills and are elevated by the Elf Supervisors? We hope so. That’s the plan.”

The trend is following a general outburst in fresh activity on all Official North Pole websites.

“The interest in Santa and Christmas is intense so far this year,” said Elf Crash Murphy, the International Director of Santa Trackers. “We’re still trying to understand it. It’s been a good year, Operation Merry Christmas has gone very smooth so far, we haven’t had any huge news events to explain it. We’re just seeing a lot of activity early and we think it is good news.”

Some Elf Supervisors are a little nervous about what it can mean. Elf Pinky Yates, Elf Supervisor for Sector 5 covering Central and North America, which is the largest sector in the world of Santa believers, says that test flights concentrated over Sector 5 for much of the month of August could be influencing interest.

“We rarely know where the test flights are going and this year they told us in advance they would be in our skies and then asked us to look for them,” Elf Pinky said. “That has happened at a great time, especially in North America. It’s still summer, so it’s warm and star gazing is a natural part of the summer experience in North America especially. People are already looking up and since we put the word out that they could see a test flight Santa’s sleigh many of them have said they could get into this whole elf thing.”

Elf Flip says the hard numbers won’t be out until sometime in September but he said he expects them to so growth in every sector. Tracking Santa for Santa is going to be very popular this year.

New Sector Lead Announcement

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Hi Elves!

What a cRAZy week it has been. I have known for over a week about our new sector lead but I haven’t been able to announce it because we were waiting for Santa’s approval.

I talked to Elf Crash right away and he, of course, approved immediately. But the rules are that I cannot announce things like this until Santa signs off and he’s been so doggone hard to get a hold of.

Anyway, I finally got a phone call from Santa this morning – and by the morning I mean at 2:25am in the morning (I tell you, the man NEVER sleeps) — and, of course, he said yes and it was actually a very short conversation.

Our new sector lead is Elf Ulan, who resides, as you know, in Japan. I’m so very excited to have this dedicate elf as our Sector Lead. We will have such a good year in Sector 1 with Ulan in this role.

She’s going to start right away. I know you already know that you can ask anything of Elf Ulan and she will help you. She’s an Elf of the Year winner already and she has been with us for a long, long time championing the cause of Santa. We are SO very lucky to have her.

Now, there are other elf supervisors who have new sector leads coming soon. Santa was taking so long I was afraid I would not be the first. Whew!

This gives us a good foundation for moving forward. Thank you, Elf Ulan,  for being a part of my team!

The Need for Sector Leads

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Hello Elves Everywhere –

Even though I am posting this under Sector 2 I think I am wanting and asking all elves everywhere to read what I am saying.

Each week, at least at this point in the season, the Elf Supervisors hold a video conference call, usually on Thursdays. The call comes at different times for each of us because, of course, we are now in our Regional Tracking Centers, all located in the different time zones. This week’s call had me online at 3am my time – and I didn’t know if I just got up super early or went to bed super late.

But I was soon not sleepy when we started talking about hiring new Sector Leads.

We all need a Sector Lead. Each Elf Supervisor is looking for one. That is because Elf Crash and the other powers that be changed the job of Sector Lead a little bit. So we’re all supposed to hire a new Sector Lead.

I’ve never had one in Sector 2.

On our call this week we talked a bit about some of the candidates that we have and others that we would consider.

For example, finding a Sector lead in my sector has long been a challenge. Santa and Crash both encouraged me to “get creative” in finding one.

The new goal of the Sector Lead is to give them a bigger voice in the sector. That means having them run an outside social media channel to reach out to the world. We want them to bring in new believers and make elves of them.

They want to see more pride in our work in each sector. More team building. Better communication of what we do and why we do it as elves.

I have been have good conversations with an elf in China. He’s a freelance elf because in his country he is not allowed to belong to a website requiring a login. Otherwise, he would be here talking with us on the Elf Wall. He’s really wanting to do it but isn’t allowed to. He sends me one-way messages through the report forms and it has only been recent that I have been able to make contact with him via a social media channel.

I think he would be an excellent Sector Lead. But, he wouldn’t be active here on SantaTrackers.net. I like the idea that he would be using a social media app native to his country and his language. I’m curious how many other elves he could recruit just by trying with others in his same situation.

The other Elf Supervisors suggest I talk to Crash and Santa about him.

Frankly, the other Elf Supervisors were a little envious that I have such a strong and willing candidate. They are all searching for the right kind of elf.

One Elf Supervisor said she got a message from a Junior Tracker Elf wanting to be Sector Lead. That normally wouldn’t be considered but this Junior Elf was here a few years ago and is now just coming back. He knows a lot. The Elf Supervisor would HAVE to promote them to North Pole Tracker Elf to become a Sector Lead and that’s being talked about. Junior Tracker Elves should be looking for any way they can to get promoted.

If you are interested in being an Elf Supervisor, applying in fine. But it wouldn’t hurt for you to just message your Elf Supervisor and plead your case. They are wanting to act soon but they don’t want to put the wrong person in the job.

We’re about halfway through August. Things are starting to get interesting for this season.

Sector 3 Reports in August

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Hello Elves of Sector 3! I send you greetings from Christmas Island in Zimbabwe.

I’m watching with great interest the situation with the test flights in Sector 5. I want to see how they handle it because I think in a month or two those flight could be coming our way. If that happens – and I hope we are lucky enough to be chosen – it could impact what we work on during the months of September or October. So I want to be ready.

So…let’s get to work, shall we?

First, I know this could be a month of change for some of you. The seasons are changing in all areas. So, when you get a chance, please check in via an Elf Status report and give me a good idea of how available you might or might not be at this time. I want to give you enough to do but not too much so that you do not feel overwhelmed.

Second, while the weather remains good in most areas, I say we get to work sending in roof reports and chimney inspections.

As always, be very careful doing these reports. Do not get on rooftops to do these reports. Stay safe!

I usually get questions about how many houses you need to do roof and chimney reports for. The hope is that you will do your house, and if close enough, the homes on either side of you. If you can do more houses in your neighborhood, that’s even better.

What if you live in an area where the homes do not have chimneys? You don’t worry about it. You do not need to send in a report stating there are no chimneys. If there are no chimneys don’t say anything. Flight Command will assume – and pass along to Santa – the info of “no known chimney”.

Some Elf Supervisors think it is too early for these roof and chimney reports. I don’t. In fact, I think it is the best time to do them.

Finally, please try to send in a local weather report every Wednesday. Why Wednesday? I don’t know. Frankly, I love doing weather reports. I even do them myself right here in Christmas Island. I just love reporting on the weather. I think it is fun. I want us to get used to doing them every week so that when the test flights are here we’re strong with weather reporting. It’s pretty critical.

Ok, that’s it for now. Thank you for Elfing.

Hot August Nights Set for Sector 5

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North Pole Flight Command has just informed me of a special operation to be conducted over Sector 5 called Hot August Nights.

The test flights of Santa’s sleigh will be over Sector 5 during the month of August specifically to be seen. That’s right – you read that correctly – they want you to SEE Santa’s sleigh in flight. And they want us to report on it.

The flights will be going day and night. I have been told that I will be updated on flight plans at least once a week, starting tomorrow August 1st.

Flight Command believes that visibility of Santa’s sleigh will be better at night than it will during the day. Commercial air traffic is heavier during the day and given the altitudes that the sleighs will be flying at it is just more difficult to see the sleigh from the ground during the day even with special equipment.

In addition, I’m told that the test flights will be aided by “extra illumination” – they want to be seen! So night time observation during Hot August Nights is strongly encouraged.

They are hoping not only to receive reports – in the form of the sleigh sighting report – but they are hoping trackers will also take photos and videos and send them to Flight Command.

Please be advised that these are all planned flights. There are no plans for landings or on-the-ground sighting opportunities.

This, of course, means a lot more communication with trackers than is normal. Mostly everyday, I’m guessing. So please check in frequently and I will do the best I can to inform you of possible flight plans in your area.

Stand by for further updates.

Tracking Santa on Kringle Radio

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Come tune in to Kringle Radio right here on SantaTrackers.net as the rebroadcast of Santa’s ride last Christmas as heard on Kringle Radio kicks on at 5am EDT on July 23rd.

It’s two full days of tracking Santa with news reports from North Pole Radio News and a lot of elves you already know.

It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas in July!

Tracking Santa

How to Get Promoted

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Greetings, Elves of Sector 5!

Elf Max has put these “ask a question” boxes all over the website and between those boxes and the new Junior Tracker Elf thing set up by Elf Moe I have been getting bombarded with questions.

Even though our Regional Tracking Center in Canada doesn’t open for a few more days I thought I would try to get ahead of this question because I have a feeling it is going to be asked again and again between now and December. The question is:

How do I get promoted?

This question is coming from every class of elf. I will answer for all three.

Some, such as returning elves or freelance elves, as asking in advance of our hiring of a new sector lead for Sector 5. We have received plenty of applications, from both North Pole Elves who have been around a while and from freelance elves.

Would I hire a freelance elf to be Sector Lead?

Maybe.

Convince me. Start a conversation with me. I can be convinced.

Should North Pole elves already active on the Elf Wall be discouraged by that? Not at all. It’s not about who you are or where you are.

It is about what you say, what you think, what you feel. I’m looking for someone strong who can reflect our needs as a Sector and get out there and communicate with all elves — freelance, Junior and Senior elves. To communicate with them you gotta show you can communicate with me.

Now, what about the brand new Junior Tracker Elf who really wants to become a North Pole Elf?

Well, that’s more or less the same thing. Don’t submit the question any more in the “ask a question” boxes. ASK ME. Talk to ME.

Being a brand new elf is one thing. But being a returning elf who just came back for the first time since last Christmas only to find your account gone is quite another. If you were here before and have tracked Santa in the past, I’m here for you. If I remember you and the work you did previously, I’m not going to hold you back. Talk to me and I’ll promote you right away back into the North Pole Elf Community.

I believe in 2nd chances.

But for you newbies: listen up.

You gotta learn how to do this. The Elf Wall can be a big distraction for new elves and we learned the past couple of years that some elves enjoyed just talking with other elves more than doing the actual work of tracking Santa for Santa.

So, am I not going to promote any Junior Tracker elves to better things in the Elf Community?

No, I’m not saying that. I just saying “knock my socks off”. Show me you know your elf stuff. Talk to ME. Tell me what you know.

One thing you must realize, especially if you’re not an elf in my sector. Your Elf Supervisor might handle it different than me. Realize we’re not all the same.

I run the biggest sector in the world. We already have millions more than the other sectors ever will have. I feel the energy out there coming from elves of all types. I have to do this a little differently that my other friends who are Elf Supervisors.

My recommendation to you is to ask them how they are doing it.

I think they may answer you.

 

Trackers Invited to Toyvember

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As you may have heard, Santa declared a very rare Toyvember event – right in the middle of Christmas in July. That’s never been done before.

Naturally, elves all over the world had questions about how that would work for them, including tracker elves in every sector. I finally have some answers for you.

Yes, all trackers, regardless of location or status – freelance, junior trackers, North Pole elves – are all invited to participate.

If you have a toy idea, design or prototype you are encouraged to submit them via a message to your Elf Supervisor.

Please keep your eye on the news. I have a feeling this Toyvember will not last long. I would encourage you to submit your toy invention as soon as you can.

Thanks.

Sector Lead Position Changes

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The elf job of Sector Lead is evolving. It will now require added duties, as listed at the job description found on this page.

Due to the changes in the position, I have decided to release all existing Sector Leads from their positions. They are welcome to re-apply and would be strongly considered if they are willing to take up the new duties as listed in the job description.

What is different about this position?

After long discussions with the Elf Supervisors, it was decided that Sector Leads need to have a more visible presences both on SantaTrackers.net and on social media channels. Sector Leads will be given more responsibility in both recruiting and news outreach efforts. This will require a lot more time and certainly a lot effort. That was a key reason why I chose to release those currently in the position.

The job has just changed.

The Elf Supervisors not only ask for a voice in recruiting for this position but also an ability to tailor the job to their own needs in each sector. I support this request. A Sector Lead in one sector will need to adapt to the needs of that sector through communication with the Elf Supervisor.

Please note that while the job description says a Sector Lead needs to be a North Pole Elf with a presence on SantaTrackers.net I will be flexible in that requirement in sectors where access and language make finding qualified candidates difficult (looking at you Sector 2). I will consider the possibility of a strong freelance elf candidate (or two).

If you are freelance elf with interest and qualifications in the Sector Lead position, please reach out via a standard freelance tracker report submission or via the support page here at SantaTrackers.net

If you have questions please feel free to ask them below or on the Elf Wall.