[Bassnut (Fred)]

I totally agree with you Houghy.

Being a GRAS affiliate rules me out anyway due to clause 2 ("amateur"). I have a financial interest in Astrophotography.

But even if I could, I wouldnt enter with a GRAS scope image. Although many would see this as acceptable, and have good reasons, it doesnt feel right to me personally. Much of the image quality (regardless of equipment used) comes from gear set up and operation. Most of the expertise of the GRAS setup/operation is not of my doing.

I see an image entry as a product totally by the entrant, in every respect, if it isnt, then anything might as well be acceptable, it would be impossible to control.

If my (GRAS) gear was set up by me in my backyard, or even remote and totally done by me, then fair enough, but it aint, period.

I dont know exactly what the SPSP comp has in mind, this is just my personal opinion, and also dont have any problem with a comp that allows other than the entrants data/gear/processing, so long as its obvious and stated in the rules.