Hello, Gary,
It's good to see a compassionate response.
You are not alone. I notice with pleasure that my college alumni
association, in preparing for the 50th reunion of our class, lists the
name of a particular class officer as a member of our class can write to
in confidence if they need financial help in order to attend. This is a
lot kinder than asking why the person didn't make better use of his
college education. Lots of things can happen to people beyond their control.
This kind of financial aid is well beyond the resources of a star party
such as Stellafane, but it's good to see someone's heart is in the right
place. Perhaps there could at least be a waiver of the fees in case of
financial hardship. I for one would pay five or ten dollars more in fees
to a star party to make this happen.
Clear skies to you
Bill Meyers

Gary Fuchs wrote:

Hello,

I'm sorry you feel that way. This was only our second Stellafane, so I
don't write from too much experience, but one of the things that stands
out to me is how little, if any, Stellafane is about money. We
registered ahead for a family of six, and didn't pay anywhere near $90.
We did, however, arrive early (though not as early as planned due to an
unexpected medical situation) and tried to help out as much as possible.
My three boys all volunteered. This seems to be more the spirit of
Stellafane. I don't believe any of the Springfield guys get paid for
their efforts. At least not in money anyway. Several donate significant
amounts, besides the work - some of which goes on year-round. I also
know several of the guys from the past two NEAF shows. They haul a bunch
of stuff down and don't try to sell anything - just demo mirror grinding.

If you are really having a hard time with the admission, why not ask
here if some of us could help you out? I have a lot of bills, but five
bucks to help out a fellow enthusiast I could manage. I suspect there
are enough others that would do the same. You could even have a dollar
left over for the raffle and maybe win one of Al Nagler's donated
eyepiece sets (~$700 -2700). I suppose the cynics will say this is
crass commercialism, but I doubt that he needs to give away so much to
make a good impression.

Hope to see you next year, whoever you are,

Gary Fuchs

waitodie wrote:

I am living on a pension and went to stellafane this weekend. $90.00
may
not seem much to the entrepreneurs at stellafane, but to me, it is the
difference between not going. Could they be more merciful to us
without an
income, or must I just stay in the my house doing nothing.