The guy who sent this did unsubscribe, I got an unsub notification right after he sent it. You can probably contact him directly if you'd like. :) Cyn -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-admin@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-admin@mailman.xmission.com]On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 2:11 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Cc: Imupinthenight@aol.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Some recent postings Steve: Please don't unsubscribe. Many people ARE opinionated, it sometimes goes with the territory. Remember that opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. I myself haven't been to a club meeting since April of last year, and only attended one meeting in the year prior. Many of us just don't have the time to attend club functions or star parties due to work & family obligations- but that doesn't dampen our enthusiasm. If you encounter an "astronomy snob", take them with a ton of salt, and don't let them get you down. You know, it's a funny thing, but it's the men and women who have been doing this the longest who are the least opinionated as to equipment, procedure, technique. A strong negative opinion or attitude is usually a sign of a deficiency in some other aspect of the personality, or knowledge base. These people try to be "big fish" in a small pond without earning it. I myself welcome the beginners. I like the fresh sense of wonder they bring to the eyepiece. It's like a trip back in time for me, to those days long ago when I first started looking at the sky and asking "what's out there?" Beginners also don't have that attitude you encountered among some apparent veterans. Remember too that this list is not affiliated with any local club- list members come from all over Utah and even out-of-state; I'd hate to think that the list is tarnished because of the attitude of certain club members. Some listers are not members of any club. It's true that a lot of "inside jokes" get posted on the list that many people don't get, but not to worry- when you've known people for upwards of 30 years, you're bound to have a few stories to tell. The recipients usually take the jokes with good grace and humor. They know there is no malice behind it. Give us another chance, if you can find it in your heart. Ask questions, don't worry about ridicule on this list. And if it was our remarks disparaging Astronomy magazine, please don't take that personally. As I said, it is a good magazine for the beginner. For someone who's been in the hobby for decades, though, it is thin. My guess is that in time you may reach the same conclusion, but if not, that's OK, too. I'd be privelidged to meet you personally, looking forward to it sometime soon. Sincerely, Chuck Hards --- Imupinthenight@aol.com wrote:
I have been a silent subscriber to Utah Astronomy for a few weeks now and have read with some interest some of what each of you have to say. Sometimes it is easier to listen and try to learn than to ask a bunch of questions.
I was a member of SLAS from September of 01 till September of 02 I met and had conversations with people that I learned to respect for their selves and their opinions. I was also surprised to find way to many people so opinionated and closed minded that I could not believe that they had the education's and knowledge that they did.
When I was first introduced to Astronomy I heard and I quote. " There is only one person in the Club with a computerized scope." No one we know is using CCD, astrophotography is the only way pro's do it.
I'm 53 years of age and had I not have purchased a computerized go to scope I would have a much smaller understanding of the night sky than I currently have. I have been an avid stargazer for two years now and I am still a "rank amateur" and plan on remaining so even to the extent of extending my subscription of Astronomy. I will never consider myself even an amateur astronomer let alone a professional.
I do admire many of you for your knowledge not only of the night sky but many other areas of expertise as well.
Many of you who read this wonder at times "how come more young people aren't interested in what we teach, preach and show them"? What happened to so and so who use to come around? How come he is not in the club?
Well, Utah Astronomy is your group, it's your club, I'm just going to unsubscribe and go back to being a "rank amateur."
Steve Fisher Imupinthenight@aol.com
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