It wasn't any manufacturers advertising that got me started, it was walking past an
astronomy shop every day on the way to/from work.
After a few visits 'just to look around', ended up buying a Celestron C8.
This was in 1991 when the range of telescopes was very limited compared to today.
The advertising that has most effect on me these days is this damn forum! I wish people
would stop selling things or at least stop including photos.
