Re: Duff

From: Jon Isaacs (jonisaacs_at_aol.com)
Date: 12/15/04 

Date: 15 Dec 2004 13:42:24 GMT

>
>AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!
>
>I completely agree!!!! These guys have been around astronomy for years and
>struggle with a simple question like "what telescope should I
>buy"...pinheads.

There is no need to call people names who disagree with you. It is rude,
inappropriate and boarders on trolling.

When it comes to telescopes, I am not in the business of selling telescopes. I
believe my role is to facilitate people getting a scope that will help them get
a solid start in the hobby with the minimum of frustration and disappointment,
a scope that is appropriate for their budget and individual situation.

I also believe that hands-on experience is the best, it just can't be beat...

So, I do not struggle with the question of "what telescope should I buy?"

I know from experience, both in my own case and in helping others make this
decision, that the smartest thing a newbie can do is get out under the night
sky with a variety of telescopes with a variety of different owners and get
some first hand experience.

Reading catalogs, internet reivews, newsgroup recommendations are all
reasonable things to do but none of them can compare to the experience actually
seeing the scopes in action and getting a first hand feel for what they can do.
 

The difficulty with reading and looking at pictures is that they just cannot
convey the experience of looking through the eyepiece, of setting up a 85 lb
OTA, of collimating a scope, of dealing with DEW.

A newbie has no point of reference, most of what we say will go right over
their heads.

Beyond that, each poster needs to be addressed on an individual basis, trying
to provide information that seems appropriate to the individuals situation. I
have no problem recommending an 8 inch DOB to someone that has $349 and wants
the best performing scope they can get and is not afraid to star hop...

The problem is that many folks get a bad case of consumeritis and they want a
scope NOW and are unwilling to take the time make a truly informed decision,
they want a quick answer. I used to give them the quick answer.....

So, I hope that you actually take the time to think about what I have said
rather than just reacting. Consider it in relation to your own experience as
a Newbie, would you have learned more by finding a club or friendly local
amateur and gotten a bit of experience before diving in with your cash?

Best wishes to all and clear skies.

jon

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