[SJAAboard] SJAA Loaner Telescope Program

[Rich N]

> >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 

You could have grown in the hobby the way I did,  by going to star parties where
other folks will often let you move their Dobs around to different objects in the sky.

I would watch them set up and take down their scopes.  Sometimes I would help them
put the mirror box into their trucks. 

Rich