[SJAAboard] SJAA Loaner Telescope Program

[Gary Mitchell]

Mark Wagner wrote:

>>>The SJAA is not a lending library in purpose.
>>
>>Once again, you're missing the point.
> 
> 
> Actually, I'm not.

Yes you are.  I was trying to illustrate my objections with an
analogy.  You clearly missed that and went off on a tangent.

>  We just appear to often have uniquely different ways of viewing the same
> subject.  This is like the argument where you insisted I was interested in "pimping" commercially
> made telescopes which, as it turned out, was a remark without any credulity.

Maybe as far as *you* see it.  But that's how it sounded to
me.  The problem is that we aren't being sufficiently clear.
That's why I tried using analogies, but that apparently isn't
working any better.

> You equated the SJAA loaner scope program to a lending library.  I've asserted the club can run it
> any way it likes (we are the rule-makers); unlike a lending library (or like one) if it so
> chooses.

There were two points I was responding to: 1) limiting the
loaner program to those just starting out, and 2) experienced
astronomers taking advantage of the club by borrowing a scope
that they could buy on their own.

I was saying that those two points made as much sense to me as
a library limiting access to those starting out learning to read
(point 1), or bemoaning the fact that those with means would take
advantage by reading a book in the library that they could have
purchased (point 2).

That's where the analogy ends.  I was surprised you even
mentioned the club running the program as it sees fit.  Of course
it can, I never even hinted otherwise.  You're doing too much
reading between the lines.

>  Here's a hypothetical non-lending library scenario: perhaps we should charge a fee,
> based on market/replacement value of the scope, reduced by years of membership in the club (I'd
> never really suggest this, for those very literal types reading this).

I would oppose a fee; however, some sort of deposit might be
worth considering.

Gary