RTE & the Astronomy voice of Ireland

For several years I was a member (subscriber/or whatever you want to call it) of AI. As a schoolboy, I remember getting the bi-monthly b/w non-glossy magazines in the early 90s and enjoying them. OK, they were nearly always 2 months late which did disappoint me a bit. But, for me, there was simply nowhere near me that would stock any astronomy magazine. The most adveturous publication my local shop had was "The Kerryman"! At the time, AI was getting alot of press and I enjoyed reading about what was fast becoming my favourite hobby.
In time, A&S, or "Astronomy Ireland" as it was called back then, gained alot of popularity. It started printing on glossy paper and eventually went monthly. Very notable improvements to give credit where credit was due.

I kept up my subscription until about a year or two ago. However, I grew more and more disappointed and disheartned to see a magazine, which had some truly excellent articles written by the likes of Gordon and Denton P. Walter, been dragged through the gutter by an editor who, IMHO, has an appaling lack of journalistic credibility. The problem as I saw it, you see, was that the editor, in most of his articles and editorials, kept trying to plug the shop and sell the reader something. This just did NOT sit well with me at all. Eventually, I just didn't bother renewing my subscription as I grew sick and tired of reading articles, which to me, seemed to be aimed at selling me something rather than providing information. In fact, the sole reason why I had kept up my sub so long was due to the excellent articles these two fellas were producing.

We've got some very knowledge astronomers in this country who are blessed with the gift to write superb articles. To me, it's a real pity that we don't have an Irish astronomy available in bookshops nationwide which can truly show the abilities of these people, a magazine which we can ALL be truly proud of and recommend to family and friends.

Hi all, I have been following this long thread with a great deal of intrigue. I'm not really sure where it's going and what the end result is going to be. I'm seeing a up-with-Astronomy Ireland against a, yeah, right-up-Astronomy Ireland, or maybe I'm getting it wrong. Whatever, I think there may be no end to this "discussion". So I might as well put in my twopence worth. Perhaps the facts will speak for themselves then no one will need to either support nor oppose AI on these boards and you can all get down to helping me with my astronomy and setting up my new telescope and Deep Sky Imager. Here are the facts as I see them. About a year ago I bought a copy of the mag, sorry, but it didn't captivate me, and as a complete beginner scouring for info, I didn't purchase it again. Over the last two months, due to good circumstances, I had found myself in a position to buy my first telescope, my first stop was the internet, as always. I came across an Irish website, which I think might be the same one you are all talking about here. after about 5 minutes, I hurried on for two reasons, I was horrified at the prices, honestly, I fell off my seat with shock, I was sure it was a joke! But I think the main reason was this. I was looking for a Meade telescope and here, right in my face was this really stupid statement - correct me if I'm wrong - that said something along the lines of "Everyone in ireland uses a Celestron, and they buy it from us". Something like that anyway. Here was I looking for a Meade, and this site was telling me I was wrong! And then to make such a sweeping statement, I was flabbergasted (the only polite word I can think of). I'm sorry, but no one is going to present me with such stupidity and expect me to hand out a kings ransom for something I can get elsewhere at a fraction of the cost. I tried to imagine what would happen if I put such a statement up on my website, apart from all my customers leaving me in droves, it was too embarrasing a thought to continue for longer than 1 minute. If that website and AI are one and the same, then I think all you anti-Astronomy Ireland people can rest in peace, there is no way did they encourage this beginner in the slightest, and I know of one other person who feels the same. OK, we are only two, but we are only two that you know of. I'm afraid it appears an extremely amateurish set-up, and the last time I saw such immature business behaviour was by a smart-assed pupil who was running the tuck shop at primary school.
Now, thats just my humble opinion. basically my beginners needs weren't met. so please don't argue with me, thats it!
Now, down to the important things. I need two vollunteers, now that the thread is finished, 1 to help me get the most out of my MeadeLX90 and Deep Sky Imager which just arrived this afternoon, and 1 to get rid of this bloody rain that decided to visit on the same day. Any volunteers?
A little mouse told me that a Mr Maloney in Meath might be willing to help, can anyone direct me to him or him to me?
Bill H

Bill,
Congrats on the LX90 and the DSI.
NOW I know why it's been cloudy for the past while!
Seriously, you've got some decent gear there. I've a LX90 and love it. Some of the new features they've added recently make it even better and if the ads are anything to go by, the DSI should be great too.
I'm not sure if Gerry keeps an eye on this website or not. Anyway, he'll probably be at the Connaught Star Party in Galway in January if that's of any use. As I've an LX90 I don't mind helping out in any way I can. Don't be reluctant to ask any questions, whether they be on this board, by private message or e-mail. If you're willing, we can meet up sometime if you're interested.

Clear skies,

Thanks Michael. great to know there's a shoulder for support (or to cry on) I'm just going to take it out of it's box now and (try) put it together so you may find a posting here in an hour or so screaming with frustration. actually, I think my biggest problem is fear that I get dust on it when I take it out of the box :lol:
You may get a message shortly.

Bill H

Hope you have better luck that I've had trying to get a light pollution article into it. Still no response from the editor despite many follow ups from me...Cheers,Al

:idea: Perhaps you should rewrite it under a different name.......

Gordon

Thanks Michael. great to know there's a shoulder for support (or to cry on) I'm just going to take it out of it's box now and (try) put it together so you may find a posting here in an hour or so screaming with frustration. actually, I think my biggest problem is fear that I get dust on it when I take it out of the box :lol:
You may get a message shortly.Bill H

Bill,

Meade's SCT manuals are good so you shouldn't encounter any problems. All optics get some dust on them after use so don't worry about it. Just don't try and clean the corrector plate for a long time and not without expert advice.

Buy Choosing and Using a Schimdt-Cassegrain Telescope by Rod Mollise to learn all about SCTs, accessories, care etc.

Gordon