here we go again!!! -- country clubs under threat???

hi folks,

info on the AI mailing list (which I can't for the life of me unsubscribe from) has a mention that they are seeking tutors outside Dublin for their beginners classes.

sure as hell (based on personal experience) they won't be bothered about seeking cooperation with existing clubs elsewhere or promoting clubs in localities unless it's an apparent business op.

John Flannery,
SDAS

ok, my earlier post is griping but I've posted it as a wake-up call to clubs that are just about ticking over. There's nothing like some healthy competition to spring everyone into action!

John Flannery,
SDAS

hi folks,info on the AI mailing list (which I can't for the life of me unsubscribe from) has a mention that they are seeking tutors outside Dublin for their beginners classes.

sure as hell (based on personal experience) they won't be bothered about seeking cooperation with existing clubs elsewhere or promoting clubs in localities unless it's an apparent business op.

Whoo! I didnt get that mail! I'm free! finaly off the AI list!

The model they have in Dublin is that you get a discount if you are a member of AI/A&S. Presumably the same will hold around the country.

Giving a course is something I have thought about doing, but I'd prefer to actually have some solid knowledge in Astronomy before embarking on this, and my MSc. in Astronomy is about 5 years from completion! (probably further at the rate I am going!)

The IAS offer to do courses according to their brochure, perhaps you can reply to Mr. Moore and ask him to get in touch with the IAS

Here is the current course outline of the A&S course:
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Each class lasts for two hours with a 10-15 minute break. The style is informal and questions are very much encouraged. There is no mathematical content and the course is designed for the beginner. The course has been designed to give the student a solid foundation in astronomy allowing them to appreciate the night sky.

Course Content

Introduction to Night Sky
The Sun & the Moon
The Inner Planets
The Outer Planets
The Stars
History
Telescopes
Deep Sky Objects
Cosmology
What to do next
Course Director: Emmet Mordaunt
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Cheers,
~Al

This is insane... what does he REALLY hope to acheive? I really don't want to offend anyone either, and, a bit of competition IS healthy. BUT, on AI's site, they advertise that they hope to start so-called Classes in Astronomy in either Tullamore or Mullingar... both already have an amateur community with a club/society/organisation.

WHAT, in all that is good, can someone paying (about?) €75 not achieve in a good book, for a quarter of the price, by the other Mr. Moore (Sir Patrick... just in case!)???

And while some of us are a little reserved about where AI should be aiming its target audience at, should he leave well-enough alone in areas (like Tullamore and surrounding area) where there already is a club/society? I think so...

Not that T.A.S. has anything to be scared of!! :twisted:

Seanie.

I suppose David has found a particular niche that popularises the hobby and fair play for that. If clubs really want to remain autonomous and not be dragged into the sphere of AI (i.e. as an apparent business), then it's up to us to get our act together and offer a product to the masses. It's simple marketing and competition at the end of the day. I still feel that we can all co-exist -- just that an offer of cooperation previously (i.e the SDAS setting up a stand at AstroExpo) was turned down in favour of all else that was weird and wonderful on the day (UFO Society/Raelian Movement, etc.)

John Flannery,
SDAS

Gentlemen, this is a golden opportunity!

All that is needed is for someone from the local club to join the course... I leave it as an exercise for the reader to fill in the blanks...

D