Quote:
Originally Posted by higginsdj
There are 2 things that separate the amateur from the professional. First is that an amateur does not get paid for doing it. Second is that the amateur does not have the relevant scientific background/qualifications.
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First condition certainly does apply, while the second.. well not necessarily...
And, because Amateurs (by definition) are doing other things for a living, usually there is not much time left for the hobby (unless they have reliable income from somewhere else - not from working for the man).
In case of having sufficient income from other sources than work, they may as well become professionals (semi-professionals?) in their hobby (astronomy.. I certainly would).. I imagine this sort of work is not paid a lot anyway.. at least this was the case when I was at the crossroads of my career.