What discourages Amateur Astronomers more than this?

Thank you for those who replied to my posts where I made some general
observations, which one person has rightly described as provocative.

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

Another reader has very kindly and adeptly explained to me the uses of
CCD astrophotagraphy and has explained that indeed this has very
important uses, thank you for your explanations.

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outdated which I am happy to accept to a point.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.

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.

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

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

As for being a "Troll" sorry I do not know what you are getting at
here, I am a keen observational astronomer who was simply making known
his observations regarding SOME persons who post here.

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

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.

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

Happy Christmas wannabee scientists!!

Greg Dortmond