Joe, you have misunderstood the GoTo discussion. The criticism was never leveled at anyone personally and I really am sorry that you took it personally. I have never, NEVER condemned GoTo as intrinsically bad, nor thought less of a person who uses it. What I have a hard time accepting is it's use as an excuse to purposely not gain a better understanding of the sky, celestial mechanics, mount/imaging kinematics, etc. Learning should not stop because of helpful technology. Use the GoTo to expand and augment your skills and knowledge, not substitute for them outright. Don't sell yourself short.

From: Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com>

I know there's been a lot of criticism about people like me with go-to 'scopes. But as a guy who has far less time for astronomy than he'd like, and who is somewhat dyslexic anyway (so I have a lot of trouble fining my way around the heavens or even around cities, sometimes), a go-to allows me to enjoy a hobby I otherwise could not have. Best wishes, Joe

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