What is wrong with deliberately trying to start some healthy debate on
a subject?

There is nothing wrong with trying to start a debate, but your posts
appeared nothing more than an attempt to inflame without regard to raising
anything for discussion.

However it is with one point I highly disagree.
It has been postulated that my method of observation is perhaps
outdated which I am happy to accept to a point. I have always
considered that ones time actually making visual observations more
important than recording the observations. I am amazed at the
suggestion that my suggestion that making sketches hones observational
skills will "put off" new comers from taking up amateur astronomy.


Some people will be put off with the idea of having to make sketches in an
electronic age. Some people come into astronomy as they like the idea of
loads of sparkling gadgets. I however still enjoy sketching my observations
at the scope, I wouldn't however think that someone who went out and spent
loads of money on totally electronic kit from the start is any less of an
astronomer than me. If someone wants to spend the money and give the
electric free observe and sketch (as I do) then good luck to them, I hope
they enjoy the hobby.

However it is the way in which I was deliberately and abusively
attacked for holding my views which would put off new comers. I
remember many hot debates at numerous astronomical meetings, however,
I never was verbally "glassed in the face" as seems to be the case on
this newsgroup.

Your two previous post looked flame oriented (see above)

It seems that the art of debate is also dying, to be replaced by
abusive name calling and virtual violence.

This year has seen some good debates, you can either participate or lurk,
how long have you been lurking to make this statement?

Anyhow thanks for the civil replies which I did get, in comparison to
the numbheads who only can shout abuse....

Its a newsgroup, get a thicker skin, I've seen no reply that has been what
you could call abusive.

Thank God there are other (usually American led) newsgroups which
maintain their amateur astronomy feeling.

I hope you enjoy them.

As far as I can see UK.SCI.Astronomy is a newgroups run by about three
cliquish persons who if you are not a memmber of their elitist group,
just pour abuse and disdain whenever one asks a civil question.


This group has some regular members, but I've not noticed them being
elitist, and as for cliquish persons its not something I've noticed. If
someone asks a 'civil' question they normally get a useful and civil
response.

I think if this group represents the "best of British Astronomy and
Astronomers" God Help Us All.


Two recent events spring to mind that proves your point wrong, the lunar
paralax project (Pete Lawrence); and the numerous warnings and reports of
solar activity and aurora alerts has proven the worth of this newsgroup, and
has shown British Amateur Astronomy is alive and kicking.

Take an active part in the newsgroup, start a real discussion, post your
observation logs; and then after a few months if you still feel the same say
something then rather than criticize the newsgroup after what I can see is
only recent activity on your part.

Graeme Skinner