Sector 4 – Page 6 – SantaTrackers.net

Improvements Seen in Elf Reports

October 26, 2022/4 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Roger Star

I have reviewed the progress so far in each Sector. I have met with each Elf Supervisor. I am pleased to report that thanks to change initiated by Santa after last Christmas that we find ourselves way ahead of last year in terms of information we have and the preparations we are making for Santa’s flight around the world.

We are doing this with fewer elves but with greater reporting.

So far, freelance elves outnumber North Pole elves by a factor of 12 to 1. That is why we have seen such a rapid increase in reports in the past four weeks. Freelance elves, which are the only new elves we are allowing this year, have started joining us, as they do every year, in massive numbers in every sector.

Even though most of them are new and relying on Elf University for their training the quality of reports coming from freelancers is vastly improved over a year ago. We are seeing very good results in every sector so far. On the whole, freelance elves have sent in 84% more reports with an average quality score of 5 (on a scale of 10). The number of reports per elf so far received from the freelance ranks is about 3.1.

But the real progress is being shown among experienced North Pole elves. Those elves have sent in a whopping 231% more reports and their quality score is over 8 (on the same scale of 10). The average number of reports from our North Pole elves is 7.3.

I can tell you now, based on these early reports, it has to be a big goal after this Christmas to turn more freelance elves into North Pole elves.

Each Sector Elf Supervisor reports they are working with many candidates. None of them will make it before Christmas, but several have the opportunity to be invited into the Elf Community in the New Year if they keep up the work they are doing now.

Quality remains our watchword. If you put forth good information in your reports you WILL advance in your elf career. It’s as simple as that.

We are only in the tens of millions of reports Santa says that he wants. The target this year is 1 billion reports. We are just getting started.

But for where we are at right now, as we near the end of October, things are going very, very well.

What will November and early December look like for trackers?

Just follow the lead of your Elf Supervisor.

All of this is happening just as Santa said it would.

Thank you for your efforts.

Chimney Inspections Due

October 10, 2022/1 Comment/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 4, Tracking News/by Elf Tubby Ryder

Elves of Sector 4 – hola!

North Pole Flight Command has instructed me to begin collection of Chimney Inspection Reports within our sector. We are hoping to have these completed and turned in by November 19th.

If you are not a North Pole Elf, please use the freelance elf report form found at this link. Don’t forget to put your elf name on it! If you are an elf, use THIS REPORT.

Just as a reminder, chimney inspections are done FROM THE GROUND. Please do not get on a roof or climb a ladder for this assignment. Photos of the chimney help, but are entirely optional.

Please remember that the purpose of a chimney inspection is to report on whether or not you think the chimney will be safe for Santa to use. You can usually tell that from the ground. If the chimney is cracked, missing bricks or is otherwise in disrepair you will want to report that. Santa generally will not use a chimney if there is any sign of damage.

For some in our sector a chimney is NOT a standard feature of a dwelling. That’s okay. If there are no chimneys in your area, just report that.

Santa is quite comfortable and able coming into a home via a window or a door.

If you have people who ask you questions as an elf it is okay to tell them how Santa gets inside. Most people tend to think it works like some movies show – that somehow Santa squeezes into a pipe or portal that turns into a fireplaces as he descends into a house.

This is false, of course.

Santa conforms to all physical laws and does not change in size or shape in any way. If he cannot fit down a chimney he does not use it.

As an elf you can answer questions. In fact, we encourage you to do spread the truth about Santa and to help people with their questions as much as you can. Help is just what elves do.

Thank you for your service and please let me know if you have any questions.

Questions from Students and Teachers

October 6, 2022/5 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News Santa Trackers Podcast/by Elf Trixie

Santa Tracker Podcast

Questions from Students and Teachers

00:00 / 13:52

Questions from students and teachers are featured in the newest episode of the Santa Trackers Podcast. I have been talking with school teachers from around the world for several months and answering their questions – well, most of their questions.

This episode features questions Elf Crash Murphy answers – and that’s because he follows Santa on Christmas Eve to report news of Santa’s flight on Kringle Radio. As expected, Crash’s experience proves very useful in answering some very tough questions.

I have more questions – but we’re saving those for an episode that will be appearing soon as part of the North Pole Podcast at SantaUpdate.com.

Do you have questions? Don’t be afraid to message them to me here on SantaTrackers.net or in the comments below. Your question might get featured on a podcast!

Elf Moe Makes an Announcement

October 3, 2022/5 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Harold Star

Elf Chat on Sunday, October 2nd, featured Elf Moe, who’s usual role is that of standards enforcement here on SantaTrackers.net. He also has served as a backup to Elf Max on administrative duties. In this important chat Elf Moe discusses with Elf Ernest the current situation with Elf Max, who has been ill these past several months.

Elf Max is on medical leave at this time, meaning other elves will be here on SantaTrackers.net to help out for a while. Here is the recap of the chat:

Elf Moe	Moe here! Reporting for duty
Elf Ernest	Hello, Moe. Sparse crowd today!
Elf Ulan	Hello, Elf Moe!
Elf Ernest	Didn’t you tell anyone there was a chat today?
Elf Moe	Hi Ulan!
Elf Ernest	Moe…
Elf Moe	Ok, Ernest…ready
Elf Ernest	We’re going to be recording today’s chat folks
Elf Ernest	We have something of an announcement to make
Elf Ulan	Okay
Elf Ernest	Do you want to do this, Moe?
Elf Moe	Yes, I got it.
Elf Moe	Some of you have sent me messages in recent weeks regard the notable absence of Elf Max.
Elf Moe	We will address this as carefully as we can, to protect his privacy and to secure his standing.
Elf Moe	Several months ago Elf Max got very ill. He spent some time in the hospital. He visited with his doctors and received some tough news about his condition and treatment options.
Elf Moe	He felt it best to submit his resignation and Santa rejected it. But, as is necessary, Elf Max has been unable to attend to his elf duties.
Elf Ulan	I’m sorry to hear that. I worried him
Elf Moe	I want to make clear that Max is doing well. He’s had some serious treatment and still has more to go.
Elf Moe	He stops in now and then when he can.
Elf Moe	But he has not been able to do all that he wants to do.
Elf Moe	In recent weeks, several of us have been receiving training to help cover for Max while he is out.
Elf Moe	It is anticipated that Elf Max will be only working now and then between now and next summer. Santa has approved his leave and he will be back when his health permits in his usual position.
Elf Moe	We owe Max a great deal.
Elf Moe	While he is out, I will be working as the primary contact here at SantaTrackers.net
Elf Moe	Others will also be stepping up to help out, notably, Elves Harold Starr, Frank Myrrh, and Crash Murphy. Elf Ernest will also be around more to lend a hand.
Elf Moe	We are no substitute for Elf Max and we all still have our own usual duties to perform.
Elf Moe	We just want all tracker elves to understand.
Elf Moe	The focus in the coming 12 weeks should be on your elf supervisor anyway. The rest of us will be handling site support and the posting of news as required. We will, of course, try to answer your questions if you would please direct them to one of us instead of Max.
Elf Ernest	Thanks, Moe. Great job.
Elf Ernest	Is there news to share today for SantaTrackers?
Elf Moe	That’s really about it. The hard news will be handled by Elf Harold and Elf Trixie, mostly. I’ll handle site updates. We are working on a chat schedule with various elves for the next few months.
Elf Ernest	Ok, very good then. Are there any questions for Elf Moe today?
Elf Moe	Looks like a short and sweet chat today, Ernest
Elf Ernest	Well, hold on a sec, I have a few questions sent to me
Elf Moe	Really? Ok, fire away
Elf Ulan	Thank you, Elf Moe. Does Elf Max need a surgery?
Elf Ernest	Regarding the moderation of new elves, how is that affecting things for tracking Santa this year?
Elf Moe	Elf Ulan, I’m not aware entirely of Elf Max’s medical situation. I just have heard it is serious. I understand he is on a treatment plan, which I think means medications. He has very regular doctors appointments. But I haven’t heard of any surgeries, no.
Elf Moe	Ernest, the new plan put in place to have new elf applicants work as freelance elves for 90 days means there will be NO new elves joining the elf community before Santa launches this year
Elf Moe	That is good news for the community
Elf Ernest	Yes, it seems rather peaceful
Elf Moe	Yes, we are getting many new signups but reporting from freelance elves seems challenged.
Elf Ernest	When do you anticipate new elves in the community?
Elf Moe	Not until next year. We have many freelancers working towards their qualifications. I think that means our new elves here will be strong once they qualify
Elf Ulan	Okay, I hope he will be going to feel better soon
Elf Ernest	How do you think the reporting is going this year so far?
Elf Moe	That is more of a question from Elf Roger. However, I can tell you that I was in a meeting this week where that was discussed and they seem to be happy with it so far
Elf Ernest	So that number of reports is not LOW?
Elf Moe	No, in fact, they are thrilled with it. And the quality of reports are MUCH MUCH better
Elf Ernest	Wow, that’s really good news.
Elf Moe	Yes, I think if Elf Max would have been here that news would have been shared earlier and better. I promise I’ll get better at sharing that kind of information.
Elf Ernest	Thank you, Elf Ulan, for thinking of Elf Max. I’m hoping he might feel well enough soon to join us for a chat some time
Elf Moe	Yes, we all pray for Elf Max.
Elf Ernest	Moe, a question has been sent in regarding what elf supervisors will be asking of elves this year. Can you speak to that?
Elf Moe	Yes, I can. I attended that meeting too.
Elf Moe	The Elf Supervisors right now are not asking for a lot. But come November the requests will pick up a little. They are wanting information as it is needed, not dumped all at one time.
Elf Ernest	What will Christmas Eve look like for tracker elves?
Elf Ulan	Yes, I pray for him. And he can get anytime our community update too.
Elf Moe	Santa and Roger actually met with the Elf Supervisors to discuss that. It will be a little different on December 22nd, 23rd and 24th…but it will still be busy for all tracker elves out there
Elf Moe	Elf Ulan – Elf Max does check in via his iPad all the time. Santa has got him on work restriction so he isn’t supposed to do things but he still allows him access to see what people are doing and saying. Sometimes Max gets bored and he calls me to do stuff
Elf Ernest	So trackers should still anticipate being needed on December 22nd, 23rd and 24th?
Elf Moe	Yes, most definitely.
Elf Ernest	Will there be a tracker elf conference this year to talk about that?
Elf Moe	Yes, there will be. But we aren’t ready to announce it. Santa has some ideas about the right date.
Elf Ulan	Oh, that’s good. I feel relieved that he can check it^^
Elf Ernest	Ok, we will wait for that news.
Elf Moe	Yes, for Elf Max it’s a tough time. But he WILL be tracking Santa like the rest of us on December 22nd-24th.
Elf Ernest	Ok, Moe. That’s great. And it’s all I have for now. Any last questions for Moe?
Elf Moe	Sorry, I’m not the best chatter. Looking back this chat seems a little depressing.
Elf Ernest	Oh no! You’re fine Moe
Elf Ernest	This wasn’t easy to talk about. Please don’t feel bad. You did a great job.
Elf Moe	Well, thanks.
Elf Ulan	Will you often come to our community in the future?
Elf Moe	I promise we’ll get Elf Crash or someone in here to chat real soon.
Elf Moe	Yes, Elf Ulan. I will be around as much as I can
Elf Ernest	I look forward to it, Moe. Thanks again!
Elf Moe	Thanks everyone!

Test Flights Fail in Hurricane

September 28, 2022/2 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Santa Tracker Herald Star, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Harold Star

North Pole Flight Command just posted a stunning update: the test flights of Santa’s sleigh have failed during purposeful test flights into Hurricane Ian. Evidently Flight Command saw the catastrophic storm as an unusual opportunity and sent the test flights right into the path of the hurricane.

It didn’t go well.

Another version of the sleigh – Version 5 now, I think it is – had already been ordered and will be sent to somewhere in the southeast of the United States tomorrow. I’m told that this new version will test further over the next couple of days to “take advantage of the unsettled weather” before it will transition to Sector 2, where it will basically begin the flight testing routine over.

I have been reminded that this kind of thing is normal and nothing to worry about with more than 85 days remaining until Santa’s launch.

How have the reports been flowing from Sector 5 during this test run of the sleigh? Elf Pinky says the reports have been VERY strong and they have some real possibilities of actual photos of the sleigh in flight. She needs to confirm them before sharing but I’m convinced that one of our tracker elves actually did capture it. (Although Pinky did get LOTS and LOTS of photos of Jupiter this week, which was prominent in the night skies, that some thought was a sleigh).

What can trackers in Sector 2 anticipate as the test flights shift to their area?

I’m told night flights are the first order of business. That means sleigh visibility will be better.

Will the flights shift to further big weather events like new hurricanes? North Pole Flight Command says to bet on it. This is one of the more serious efforts in testing the sleigh and there could be a lot of storm chasing over the next two months. That is part of the reason why your weather reports are so important.

Some are writing in expressing great concern about Santa’s sleigh.

Many are concerned at the North Pole, too.

But I would just emphasize, once again, that Santa and the lead elves who head up the test flight project are not worried about Santa’s sleigh. There is plenty of time to work out the issues and some of what you’re reading here in the news is “normal” – it just doesn’t get shared much on a site like SantaUpdate.com. As elves, you should be able to handle tough news. So we share it here and hope that you will keep it “between us”, as other elves, rather than taking your concerns to the world on social media.

Elves don’t panic, okay?

Outage Affects News Operations

September 25, 2022/3 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Santa Tracker Herald Star, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Harold Star

All of the North Pole has struggled to maintain contact with the outside world since late last Wednesday night. A fierce and prolonged winter blizzard laid waste to new fiber optic cables being installed to upgrade North Pole infrastructure. The surprise storm also disrupted all outdoor activities and ground traffic as well as delayed flight operations at the sleigh port. Any Internet-connect device or system suffered significant downtime, a first for the North Pole.

As explained earlier today via North Pole Flight Command the storm hit while critical upgrades were being made. Normally, such intense weather is not seen during this time of the year at the North Pole. Elves in the Weather Tracking Department are examining what went wrong with their forecasts and why crews working the upgrades were not given more notice in advance of the storm.

“For all of our modern technology we still are not 100 percent accurate in predicting North Pole weather,” said Elf Seymour Snow, head meteorologist for the North Pole Weather Tracking Department. “This storm was aided by a cold front usually seen during the months of January and February – very cold, very swift and super fierce. It was the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane. That’s not unusual for the North Pole but it is unusual for this time of the year. We can handle it usually. But I think with the upgrades they were working on it made us a little vulnerable and the weather took complete advantage.”

Santa has had plenty to say to several departments about this storm. The Weather Tracking and Utilities Departments were not the only ones affected. Almost all departments were affected.

Elf Ernest tells me that he has checked in with all department heads and that the overall state of readiness for Operation Merry Christmas remains on track, although most departments fell “a little short” of their production goals for last week.

Elf Ernest also says some events were cancelled, shipments were missed and that the check-in of arriving reindeer was suspended during the course of the storm.

As of today it appears all operations at the North Pole are returning to normal since Internet connection has been restored.

Sector 4 Alerted AGAIN!

August 20, 2022/0 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 4, Tracking News/by Elf Tubby Ryder

Trackers of Sector 4: North Pole Flight Command has just informed the Regional Tracking Center here in Milagro, Ecuador to expect sleighs over our skies very soon.

This is a legitimate alert.

I am awaiting some kind of official announcement from North Pole Flight Command that test flights are resuming. But I have not seen it yet.

Earlier this week we were advised that Flight Command would not keep the test flights grounded long. I was expecting maybe things would pick up again on Monday or Tuesday. Now I think that has all been pushed up.

Since the sleighs are fairly close to us in the South Pacific, I want us to be ready TODAY for anything to happen.

And please keep on eye on North Pole Flight Command for an announcement. It has to be coming soon.

An Update for Tracker Elves

August 18, 2022/6 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Roger Star

(From the Office of Elf Roger Star – International Director of Santa Trackers) – As you are all well aware, yesterday a test flight of Santa’s sleigh crashed in the South Pacific. If you are following the news reports here and on other official websites of the North Pole, you are as informed as I am about the current status of the test flights.

There have been many from every sector who have questions about what happened and what this event means. The purpose of my statement here today is to clarify the situation as much as I can and to provide direction for tracker elves everywhere about what they can and should be doing right now.

North Pole Flight Command, hours ago, announced that all test flights have been suspended while they conduct an investigation into what happened and how another similar event can be prevented. How long test flights will be suspended is not known at this time.

Regardless, I have instructed elf supervisors of every sector to continue with their plans. That means you MAY receive direction and/or requests from your elf supervisor even if the test flights remain grounded. The operation of test flights never had anything to do with your responsibilities as a tracker. The test flights give us good training and are helpful in developing tracking skills such as spotting Santa’s sleigh in flight. But the test flights are not necessary for you to do your job.

We remind you, that this is a new year and that Santa has placed upon us new expectations in our tracking duties. We must move forward with those things.

Please remain engaged in checking in as frequently as you can for new direction from your elf supervisor.

If and when the test flights resume, you will hear how those flights might impact your sector and if there is an opportunity for you to participate in some way.

For now, assume that all operations are normal, and that you are “on-the-job” in your tracking duties. Your elf supervisor will provide an occasional update of your responsibilities.

Thank you.

Radio News Report of Sleigh Crash

August 17, 2022/5 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News The North Pole Podcast/by Elf Trixie

The North Pole Podcast

Radio News Report of Sleigh Crash

00:00 / 3:24

Elf Frank Myrrh and Elf Crash Murphy have now filed this radio news report of the crash of a test flight of Santa’s Sleigh.

Sleigh Crash Reported in the South Pacific

August 17, 2022/3 Comments/in Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Harold Star

North Pole Flight Command is reporting that one of the sleighs that are part of the test flights has gone down in the South Pacific. The sleigh pilot and the reindeer have been rescued by a team from the SS Jingle Bell and are reportedly in good condition. We have no indication of the fate of the test sleigh, however.

This is a breaking news situation. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Chat with Crash This Saturday

August 15, 2022/3 Comments/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 4, Sector 5, Tracking News/by Elf Winslow

If you are available we invite you over to SantaUpdate.com and North Pole Chat for a conversation with Elf Crash Murphy. This general-audience chat will begin at 1pm EST in the North Pole Chat room at SantaUpdate.com on Saturday, August 20th.

While this chat is not specific to tracker elves I have it on good authority that Crash will be prepaid to update us on the status of the test flights and how tracker elves world wide are doing.

He will also be available to answer any general questions about Santa, Christmas and the North Pole.

Hope you can make it!

We Could See Sleighs!

August 14, 2022/1 Comment/in Christmas Newswire, Sector 4, Tracking News/by Elf Tubby Ryder

Greetings Elves of Sector 4!

Heads up to all elves on the west coast of Sector 4 in South America: we have learned from Flight Command that the test flights are moving south, not east. It may be possible that some elves on the far west coast of South America could see sleighs in flight in the coming days.

If you are located there and see a sleigh, please file a sleigh sighting report. We are yet to see one of those come in from any sector so far.

The test flights are scheduled most of the week over the open waters of the Pacific. But they are fairly close to costal areas of Sector 5 right now and they may wander close to our Sector as they head south.

I’m told there is about a 67% chance these flights or parts of them could be visible from land in Sector 4.

I’ll keep you posted.

Improvements Seen in Elf Reports

Chimney Inspections Due

Questions from Students and Teachers

Elf Moe Makes an Announcement

Test Flights Fail in Hurricane

Outage Affects News Operations

Sector 4 Alerted AGAIN!

An Update for Tracker Elves

Radio News Report of Sleigh Crash

Sleigh Crash Reported in the South Pacific

Chat with Crash This Saturday

We Could See Sleighs!

Official North Pole Websites

About Santa Trackers