[SJAAboard] Low-end scopes (was: Preregistration site active

[Jim Van Nuland]

leebizz at aol.com wrote:
 >   My purpose in accepting all telescopes and equipment offered
 > for donation was to spread good feelings with the public, and make
 > the donor feel appreciated.  If you like, I can continue to do as
 > I've been doing, except when we get something that I know has no
 > value I can just drop it off at GOODWILL.

   Trouble with that is, someone might think it's a useful telescope, 
and (as Mark points out) get turned off of astronomy.


 > Maybe Jim, in his exposure to school star parties can ask some
 > of the teachers if they might want the low end stuff as a gift.

   No.  It's too difficult to use, and then produces mediocre results.

Mark wrote:
 > Excuse me for interjecting here, but if it is a "POC" then why even
 > offer it? If it will prove to be a frustrating item to use, and give
 > terrible views, turning people off to the hobby, why do it?

   Ironically, the ones who ought to buy this are experienced 
observers who know the limitations.  I agree with Mark, this should 
not be bought by beginners, but by a builder who might use it as a 
guide scope, for instance.


-- 
Jim Van Nuland, San Jose (California) Astronomical Association
<http://www.sjaa.net/school/indexs.htm> School star party site