[astrospotter (Mark)]

Of course we want to enjoy the objects and that is why we like this hobby.

For me there are a few reasons to write down things like seeing, transparency, NELM, SQM or a combination of those.

One reason exactly matches Paddy's comment. I want to later be able to go back and read my notes on past observations and know about how good the night was to help understand the context. I am not capable of remembering a given observation and telescope/eyepiece used. This sort of note taking only shows it's value a year or more after the fact as a way to re-live the night. I spent 6 nights in very dark area of Australia last year and those notes are very precious to me as I a northern guy who cannot see either of the clouds or Eta Car and only get a cruddy view of Centaurus glob and galaxy. (in fact I record my observations in a little recorder so as not to make the process take much at all away from my viewing enjoyment).

The second reason is in order to go for assorted lists from the Astronomical League and such many of these clubs want to see observations along with sky conditions. These clubs only apply if you like that sort of personal goal approach to the hobby.

I totally get it that many people are not into the above approach as it can be a distraction but I doubt any of us here are not completely taken back with the views we see as that is the #1 reason I enjoy this hobby.