Since this thread has evolved away from the planetarium and toward the museum I've changed the subject line. Again I'd like to stress that all of this talk of moving to the museum is very premature. As Steve pointed out we are hearing from the museum that they are eager to work with us. But then some will remember we heard similar things from This Is the Place. While I put far more credence in what I'm hearing from the museum (because I know and have worked with them) as far as I know there has been no offer to host our meetings there. During the tour the SLAS board was taken on recently we were shown a room that *could* be used for meetings on Wednesdays until 9:00 p.m. The price, IIRC, was $30 but they seemed to think that could be worked out in trade for helping them with occasional events. But I do not remember anyone from the museum asking us to move our meetings there. Their big thing seemed to be Sun related events like Sun parties. SLAS also heard from them this week confirming that they really want us to hold the Venus Transit Watch there next June. So, getting back to the poll being taken asking preferences between Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I suppose the poll could be seen as facilitating an eventual move should it ever happen sometime down the road (did I put enough qualifiers in there? <g> ). But I see it more as giving folks a chance to say which night works best for them regardless of where the meetings will be held. patrick BTW, there is a very extensive piece on the museum with lots of pictures in today's Tribune. On 13 Nov 2011, at 19:08, Steve Fisher wrote:
Jay, I don't think so. We have no plans to give up any events. We have so far only been talking to members and the museum about solar parties. These would be in addition to the regular new moon star parties that are already being planned in 2012. Again, all your questions are very valid and as things shake out we will see what the museum asks of us. So far it appears they will be very pleased to have us and seem eager to work with us. Evening "star parties" seem unlikely as the museum closes at 5:00 PM. They will be open one night per week till 9:00 PM. Things may change as things smooth out for the museum. There is a spot in the outside deck for a telescope pier. I would think with a Friday opening that astronomy is the last thing on their mind. Once the dust settles we will get busy working out the kinks. We have a new board ready to work at it. Steve
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:57:37 -0700 From: jayleads@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] SLAS and CLarke Planetrium
A couple of other questions. If we get a room at the museum I assume then another outreach has to be given up. Is that correct? Which outreach would be removed? Wheeler Farms? A Harmon's each month? Does the UofU require an outreach for using their facility? I'm not trying to be negative but I am just curious and think these questions have to be answered is all.
On Sun, Nov 13, 2011 at 6:17 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Good luck with that philosophy, Erik. I think you'll have some debating to do to sell it. On Nov 13, 2011 6:08 PM, <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> wrote:
Chuck,
I would not support going to the Museum if it came at a cost. $12,000 a night, wow!
I agree SLAS's community programs speak for themselves and should be adequate "service" for access to any venue.
Erik
Well, I'm a thorn in the side of SLAS, and no doubt when it comes to
the historical record, but with all due respect to Erik and Steve, despite their "politically correct" slants on the situation, and while their arguments are fundamentally sound in light of today's situation, it's a truly sad thing.
Planetariums and museums are no longer places of learning and magnets for community outreach.
They are now profit centers and exist to generate revenue for local government.
Period.
I come from a time when a science or literary club could book a meeting at the library, planetarium, or museum at no charge. Those institutions existed for the benefit of the members of the community. They were subsidized with public money, yet did generate a portion of their own operating costs, and were open to all, at no charge. Ony the "star show" at Hansen was a paid ticket required for admission. Classrooms (and even the entire second floor), were freebies for science (and science-fiction, no lie!) clubs.
Today the situation is different. Such places exist ONLY so long as they turn a profit. To do so, their focus is now on entertainment instead of learning and community benefit. Even the profits of those institutions don't go primarily to the communities in which they exist.
I recall SLAS meetings at Hansen Planetarium in the "Star Chamber", or main theater, at no charge to SLAS. Planetarium staff were even available to help and operate the projector if requested.
Those days are long gone. Nobody is getting into any museum or planetarium room without paying an exhorbitant fee.
OK, that's the way things are in today's world. I'll even admit that my thinking isn't practical in today's world. I would, however, stipulate that today's world isn't worth a damn when compared to how things used to be. We get the government (and public institutions) that we deserve. We deserve this, ostensibly.
Even SLAS (and many other clubs across the country) have had to morph into frighteningly large beaurocracies to deal with society as it now exists. There must be at least 2 dozen leadership positions and/or committees to deal with the various avenues that society and government demand such organizations negotiate, just to survive.
Give those people a round of applause if you enjoy the fruits of their labor. None are paid, and it's a damn shame that it's even necessary just for a group of like-minded astronomy enthusiasts to gather in a public place and mutually enjoy something worthwhile. But they do it out of love of the hobby, and realize that a club either adapts, or dies. Darwinism works even in this weird situation.
Ah, the good old days. I miss them. I miss them a lot.