Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterM
Fluff n stuff? absolute bollocks with a capital B.
Am looking forward to another pretty pic Pete?
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Hi Peter M,
Well said!
I am with you on this as I have I worked, voluntarily, at Perth Observatory for quite a few years, up until my MVA in 1999 and have also contributed to a number of scientific papers. Sure, I had use of pro equipment, but that doesn't diminish my contribution, as an amateur. Without my contribution Perth Observatory staff would not have been able to allocate the time necessary, due to staffing pressures.
Peter W's comment of fluff and stuff is demeaning to those amateurs who have made a contribution to the body of science, however small. Although, having said that, I can understand where Peter W is coming from, particularly in regard to the large resource required to run major observatories. Amateurs simply do not have these resources.
As an amateur, I am once again getting involved with a major project at Perth Observatory, after a hiatus of 13 years; 13 long years of recovery from a serious accident. I have just had an operation on Monday last, the first of two stage reconstruction, and once I have recovered from this (I only have the use of one hand at present) I will commence on a new project that, without my assistance, probably wouldn't get done for the same aforementioned staffing pressures.
Amateurs do have a major part to play. There is more pro-am collaboration now than ever before.
