October 2003 telescope price review

> I estimate at least 500 people went through my scope alone and it's >really interesting to see the reactions, especially children's, to what is >probably their first view through a good telescope.


That's a very good point Gordon. John Dobson says that the worth of a scope should not be measured by what has been seen through it, but by the amount of people who have seen through it. Yours is a very valuable scope sir, in that case.
that's the kind of thing that should be packaged with every starter scope, someone to help you out, not just to say "No, it goes on the other way!" but to say "Now just aim the finderscope between those two stars, then take a look through the eyepiece". That's the kind of help and advice that you get from any average decent astronomer, just not necessarily an organisation run strictly for profit.
The business strategy of AI is very short-sighted in my opinion. I've bought a couple of books from them, as well as sundry accessories, in the past, but when I see the price comparison! I figure that excess cash is better off in my pocket, as I'm sure most people who post here do too (yes, your money is better off in my pocket :shock: !!) Therefore, due to high pricing and excessive profiteering, I no longer shop in Artane. Mary Harney was right about this shopping around lark!

When we explained that we had no income for the first year because of the way the college works he lost all interest and gave us nothing, not even a single copy of the magazine! Bart B.,
A very confused A&S Subscriber.

Bart,

I will gladly donate my copy of RedShift 4 to help Astro2 as I no longer need it, have just received RedShift 5.

Regards,

Gordon

When we explained that we had no income for the first year because of the way the college works he lost all interest and gave us nothing, not even a single copy of the magazine! Bart B.,
A very confused A&S Subscriber.

Bart,

I will gladly donate my copy of RedShift 4 to help Astro2 as I no longer need it, have just received RedShift 5.

Regards,

Gordon

Thanks a Million Gordon, it is much appreciated.

Bart.

I just replied to this on uk.sci.astronomy and though you might be interested.
---
Hi,

OPT have always shipped accessories etc. worldwide. You just have to
ring/email them and agree shipping costs. I've never bought from them, but
have rang them before as I was considering it and found them very friendly
and helpful (yes ok most people are nice if you seem like you going to give
them a couple of grand!)

> From: "lbc8556" <mcevoy@ukgateway.net>
> OPT (Oceanside Photo and Telescope) have recently changed their
> shipping policy with regard to internal shipping and with the
> exception of Meade products, they will now ship all of their product
> range to overseas customers. This can only be good news to those who
> feel slightly peeved about the price of US products on this side of
> the pond. This is especially good news for those who do not have
> concerns about warranty issues those little Televue refractors or
> Celestron accessories we cannot seem do without somehow look a lot
> more attractive now.

Their international shipping information is at
www.optcorp.com/cart/customer.asp?BillIntl=1

Ture enough it only forbids Meade international Deliveries. No mention of
Celestron or Orion (US) etc. So it seems to be coming from them rather than
the suppliers, wonder if Celestron will stand for it?

Cheers,
~Al
--
www.irishastronomy.org