Apologies to all - yes, I did make the comment about spending money on a bus versus spending money at SPOC. I should have been clearer: I prefer to see SLAS funds diverted to SPOC as needed rather than to other club interests such as a possible bus trip, even if all SLAS members were so inclined and accommodated. SPOC does not serve just a few members of some elite observing group. I applaud those who have trained to operate the scopes and if they then can also use them for private viewing, that's another reason why the place was built. However, as I recall the conversation (and much of it occurred during my tenure as SLAS president) SLAS's investment at SPOC was primarily to continue public outreach. Also as I recall, SPOC users pay an annual fee for keys, not for maintenance. Due to the efforts of those who were primarily involved in obtaining funds for SPOC we were fortunate to have money left over to set aside for the proverbial rainy day (or, in the case of the leaking dome, the not-so-proverbial rain), but there's no endowment or permanent fund to take care of the occasional expense such as this that will arise. If the SPOC fund does not have sufficient $$ for infrequent or expensive repairs such as the groundwater problem or the roof, then I think it's appropriate to divert other SLAS resources to cover the costs. Joe, please don't stop posting to UA. Your friends still like to hear from you, even if once in awhile one of us disagrees. My turn to shut my mouth. Or stop punching the keyboard. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 12:05 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Fw: I H8 SPOC I meant to say I wasn't the one who brought up the subject, as per Daniel's accusation. Of course I talked about it in response to what Kim said. Why don't you find some other focus for your interest in astronomy, besides making comments about me, Daniel? I'm not that important. -- Joe