Big problems with my local astronomy club

Hi,

A few days ago I started a discussion thread on my club's web site
talking about a potential problem with our online calendar. The
webmaster "participated" in the discussion briefly and then shut down
the thread when he decided that no further discussion was necessary.
The conversation was far from being over, however, and I expressed my
objection both to him and to our club's Board of Trustees. I asked
our president to look into the matter. As of yesterday, the ensuing
"debate" has produced one threat of legal action against me for libel
and two veiled threats of physical violence. To my perception, none
of these threats was in any way justified. I must now get a police
officer to attend the club hearing that I've requested to deal with
all of this.

No matter how things turn out, I will soon be without an astronomy
club. It's very frustrating, considering that everything I've ever
read about amateur astronomy states that being associated with an
astronomical society is a very good thing. I've done astronomy on my
own for many years, and I'd really like to start associating with
other amateurs. What can I do? With gas prices being what they are,
the next closest astronomical societies are too far to travel to. I'd
try to form my own club, but I have my doubts that I will find
sufficient interest.

Is this how amateur astronomy is supposed to be?

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Big problems with my local astronomy club
    ... and two veiled threats of physical violence. ... officer to attend the club hearing that I've requested to deal with ... No matter how things turn out, I will soon be without an astronomy ... Is this how amateur astronomy is supposed to be? ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Big problems with my local astronomy club
    ... officer to attend the club hearing that I've requested to deal with ... No matter how things turn out, I will soon be without an astronomy ... Is this how amateur astronomy is supposed to be? ... So, piss on 'em, start your own club, look through your scope. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Observers handbook comments
    ... not published by an American federation of astronomy clubs that his ... under such circumstances that amateur astronomy needs a little push. ... I don't bother my local club any more, it's hardly worth the hassle to ... dealing directly with the Astronomy Mag publishers. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Letter to Casio Comp. Corp. re: converting the Patherfinder series for astronomy
    ... suggesting that they adapt their "Patherfinder" PAS-400B model watch to ... an amateur astronomy variant: ... This letter is to suggest that Casio develop a variant of its existing ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
    ... Light pollution is a huge problem. ... site takes committment to amateur astronomy. ... own astronomy club. ... Some people in this pursuit might be classified as "nerds," I guess. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)