[SJAAboard] Thoughts on requirements for scopes larger than 10"

[Gary Mitchell]

Mark Wagner wrote:

>>Are we running a "try before you buy" program?  If so, maybe we
>>should get a cut.
> 
> 
> I do not support your suggestion, we should not be "pimpin" telescopes!

The point was pimping scopes is a very short step away from
defining the loaner program as a try-before-you-buy program.
At least you're apparently not willing to go that far.

>    I think part of the
> program's purpose is precisely to allow would be buyers to try scopes out, before plunking down
> their money.  I've suggested to numerous people I've met that they do exactly that, join the SJAA
> for a meager $20, and use the loaner scope program in order to determine what type of scope best
> fits their needs, in order to not buy something they might later regret.  Is there a problem
> serving the astronomy community that way?  I think it is a great value and service.

That's different!  I'm surprise you don't seem to be aware of that.
Using the loaner program to education one's self about the various
types of scopes is one thing, but requiring the loaner program to
only have scopes that are in the stores is something else.  That's
getting close to pimping scopes.

> And, BTW, Albert is a commercial manufacturer, ask him.  Wouldn't that scope also fall under the
> "try before you buy" criterion as well?  Would you like to ask Albert for a cut? ;-)

I don't believe you seriously mean that as an honest question.

>>Personally, I don't care if a loaner scope is
>>something you'd see in the stores or not--the loaner program
>>shouldn't be some sort of marketing effort.  What does it matter
>>if it's a custom-built or homemade scope?  As long as it's good.
> 
> 
> To me, it is as long as it fits within the goals of the program, which at this point I feel is
> undefined.
> 
> But, in a big picture, from *my* perspective, the particular scope we're discussing would not fall
> within *my* loaner scope parameters any more then a 6" Astrophysics, 12" RC, or 90mm Coronado. 
> There are options out there that more completely meet (what I see) as the purpose of the loaner
> program.

Which is what exactly?

Gary