[SJAAboard] SJAA Loaner Telescope Program

[Rob Hawley (SJAA)]

>I would prefer the loaner program be for people who are just getting into the
>hobby.
>
>The idea of experienced  observers using our loaner program to get by cheap on
>our
>dime bothers me.

Based on your definition the club would have denied the loan of the 17" Zeider
to me.  I was certainly an experienced observer by that time since I was running
the CalStar I brought the 17" to.  I did not have experience in large Dobs. As I
have said in the past I needed the experience of the 17" to know that I could
use a scope of that size.

It would have also denied the loan to Greg.

The 18" is being stored by Craig after it was dumped on the club with little
notice.  It is also one of the scopes on my hit list due to its size.

I support Gary's goals because they make it clear that the program has a broader
purpose than just beginners.  We have a responsibility to members (such as me in
2004) that wish to grow in the hobby.

Rob Hawley