[SJAAboard] SJAA Loaner Telescope Program

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Rich,

I'm philosophically torn on this one.  But the side of me that agrees, is the same side that has
been suggesting the program be aimed at beginners, almost exclusively.

I also note Gary's comment about not having a solar scope in a "beginner's" program, and tend to
agree.  But I also feel there are some "exceptions to the rule" that come up, and they are fine,
so long as they don't become "the rule".

Gary did a nice job in putting together something of a mission statement.  I also agree with Rich
and Phil (and I think Rob) that scopes now need to be reviewed on a scope-by-scope basis in order
to determine their value to the program.  Interestingly, the program can really be *whatever* we
want it to be.  It could be populated by Obsession UCs, Starmasters and Astrophysics refractors if
that's the program we wanted to offer.  But my preference is to go to the lowest common
demoninator, which is the novice or beginner.  I applaud Phil's suggestions about lower end GoTo
SCT type scopes, and I have no question his views are valid, given his experience.  When a
borrower determines they are indeed interested enough in the hobby to stick with it, and want to
"upgrade"... they'll do the necessary research and "field testing" (when they can) to make an
informed purchase.

I hope when we sit down and decide what stays, what goes, what we need that we don't have, and how
many of each, that it will be with the the beginner in mind.  If someone in the club needs a scope
while theirs in for repair, or whatever, having access to some beginner scopes is still access to
a scope!

On Sat, June 21, 2008 10:19 am, Rich N wrote:
> After watching much of the email traffic involved in our loaner program. I'm a little concerned
that some of the larger scopes are being borrow by people who could afford to buy a similar
scope but don't because we let them have ours for virtually nothing.
>
> 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.
>
> Rich
>
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