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

[Mark Wagner]

On Wed, May 14, 2008 11:43 pm, Gary Mitchell wrote:

> 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 JVN gave some other good reasons for the loaner program, aside from "try before you buy". 
And I am not saying that is the only reason, I am saying it is *a* reason, and a very good one.


>
>>    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.

Again, you're making me laugh.  How is it possible I'd write that if I wasn't aware of it? :-)


> 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.

You are misunderstanding me, or have an immovable misperception.


>> 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.

The entire paragraph, or, which part?  The last sentence does have a wink....

Mark