Australian Sky and Telescope Troubles?

[AJames]

CO (Monoxide)

Explain? Why the blatant and brazen cynicism?

& &

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

I don't care if Australian Sky & Telescope mag was published and printed in a Tin Shed on a dusty back road, 380k from Woop-Woop, as long as it comes out.

[AJames]

Moderator Janoskiss,
While I do not totally agree with the sentiments of "Bisqueboy" nor do I of those as you quote by "ballaratdragons", I think people have the right to know of the possible changes or not in the local version of S&T. The reasoning behind it is that many like me have limited funds and have to wisely spend my/their astronomical dollar. I, for example, do have trouble justifying to buy both magazines, even with their usual degrees of foibles and strengths.
Frankly, when I first read anonymous "Bisqueboy" words I was mostly against the "tone" of his argument, but now I'm not so sure. Clearly all the folk at both S&T's are probably very decent, caring, responsible individuals who care about amateur astronomers and astronomy. However, they are commercial organisation based on the profit motive as well - probably based on "everyone's gotta eat". From all changes made in virtually anything suggests real motives for real reasons - whether benign or not.
Making an observation about something is not real a crime or even particularly troublesome - even if it is quite esoteric on some level... but it at least it got me thinking... and it is certainly not necessarily always either treasonable, seditious or malicious.

So importantly, as a general observation of the wide mood expressed in this particular reactionary thread; Is there any additional limiting policies regarding the any discussions on Advertised sponsors within Ice in Space site?

Nyx

NOTE: I, like "Bisqueboy" am anonymous, because I'm too frightened that exposure might equal some kind of retribution. It is probably an act of a coward but is not cowardice.

[iceman (Mike)]

Originally Posted by Nyx Aether

So importantly, as a general observation of the wide mood expressed in this particular reactionary thread; Is there any additional limiting policies regarding the any discussions on Advertised sponsors within Ice in Space site?

There are no policies, either public or private, regarding discussion of IceInSpace advertisers.
IceInSpace is, and always will remain neutral - regardless of who advertises on the site.

People are free to express their opinion about companies and vendors (both good and bad), as long as they do not breach the TOS or are defammatory.

It's not in our interest to take sides or moderate or censor discussion, but people are expected to be nice and play by the rules.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Originally Posted by [I

Nyx Aether [/I]]NOTE: I, like "Bisqueboy" am anonymous, because I'm too frightened that exposure might equal some kind of retribution. It is probably an act of a coward but is not cowardice.

It is disturbing that you feel that way Nyx Aether. It is equally disturbing that you choose to hide your identity (as does Bisqueboy who has an IP in the UK) and post in a manner that can only be described as argumentive. If you feel that exposure to this forum may attract retribution then might I suggest that you have joined the wrong forum. Iceinspace is a very close community and the members are proud of the forum, it's achievements and its supporters, if you take the time to read through past threads you will see this. If you have something genuine and informative to contribute I suggest you do so, if not, there are several other Australian forums that may better suit your tastes.

[mill (Martin)]

Man why don't people just call S&T to ask before they open their mouth?
Nothing wrong with asking here but it is the same as asking something without using the search first (just an example).
Just my 2 cents and no i dont care if people ask questions or question something.

[jase (Jason)]

This entire thread can be summarised in one sentence;

Originally Posted by Nyx Aether

Simply it doesn't matter what name of the company is on the front of the office building that publishes the magazine, it only matters if the subscribers like what they see and are buying it.

If we keep shovelling we'll eventually turn this mole hill into a mountain.

[Greg Bryant]

Hello all,

I’d like to post again on the comments raised here.

1) Publisher

Again, just a house-keeping name change to bring several growing titles together under the one “name” (they’re still all produced by the same people, same location). Australian Sky & Telescope magazine is part of a publishing house that is expanding.

2) AS&T Changes

Yes, a few improvements are in the pipeline. While our design and editorial mix over the last year has been very popular (and emulated), we’re always looking to improve. Some changes / upgrades may come to light in the next issue.

What’s unchanged: still 100 pages each issue since issue #1, our diversity of local writers and image contributers, our support for the local community, and our continued presence throughout the year.

I do very much welcome your feedback and suggestions, so please e-mail me at greg@austskyandtel.com.au

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Onya, Greg.

But seriously, sheesh, is this thread still going? All I can say is it sure must be cloudy in a hell of a lot of places.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Nyx Aether

NOTE: I, like "Bisqueboy" am anonymous, because I'm too frightened that exposure might equal some kind of retribution. It is probably an act of a coward but is not cowardice.

you've got to be kidding. If that's how you feel, you have completely missed the whole atmosphere of this place.

Retribution!!!! Yeah, remind me to hit you with a copy of AS&T when and if we ever meet up.

Hey, at least 380k from Woop-Woop is in Australia!

[Dennis]

LOL – when I joined this on-line community, my biggest fear was of being loved to death! So much friendship and help from the guys and gals of Ice In Space, along with the occasional mid-course corrections from the senior members when I stuffed up.

Even when someone has growled at me, it was more like being licked by a teddy bear!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Dennis

........................

Even when someone has growled at me, it was more like being licked by a teddy bear!

Cheers

Dennis

now that’s frightening - that statement has left me emotionally scarred for life

anyway I think Greg has explained himself - and as for Ken - well there is no explaination for that anomoly

[KG8]

Originally Posted by acropolite

It is equally disturbing that you choose to hide your identity (as does Bisqueboy who has an IP in the UK) and post in a manner that can only be described as argumentive.

I don't see anything wrong with being a little argumentative! But you have to at least have a telescope, be a paid up member of an astronomical society, be out observing at the time of most new moons, and have at least... " 173 " posts to your credit.

I could argue this point further but I have to go to work.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by Nyx Aether

[FONT="Garamond"][SIZE="4"]Moderator Janoskiss,
While I do not totally agree with the sentiments of "Bisqueboy" nor do I of those as you quote by "ballaratdragons", ...

Nyx, I don't care about the magazine politics. My response to Ken's post was on a personal level to the humour that is so very Ken and put a smile on my face... from a "tin shed 380km from woop-woop" and a free 81mm TelePoo for every 100th customer.

[csb (Craig)]

Because this was Bisqueboy's first post I found it to be a very suspicious way of introducing himself.

You joined on 26 Aug. I wonder if perhaps you are trolling.

If not, my apologies, feel free to continue to ask, point out & converse.

Really everyone is anonymous here ; no-one here knows of the mansion I live in, the colour of my Lambourghini nor that I have a full 16" of apo refractor. ...Oh, you could all wish

[AJames]

Sorry if I offended anyone here, but I thought I had been careful not to tread on any ones toes and express what I think.
Perhaps I was just too careless with my words. Perhaps I meant to say I was more frightened of saying the wrong thing, put my foot in it, and THEN suffer the retribution from all of you - even if you are friendly. Based my own personal experiences on the very cruel nature of astro-politics I've sometimes seen over the years, believe me you'd probably want to remain anonymous!
Distrust can slowly come from long histories of disappointments and grief!
To my posts...oddly, the very point I was making by attempting to partly defending the original question, partly to defend "Bisqueboy"'s anon, and present what I thought was it needed some balance - was too find the wrath towards "Bisqueboy" instead deflected back onto me.

This was something I had not considered.

In my defence, at least at least did a little research and I read Richard Tresch Fienberg little editorial before commenting. Ie.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/skyte...e/9309806.html

As a brief comment, I think the new changes to S&T a breath of fresh air. Where credit is due, when I cancelled my subscription, I received two very polite enquires on why I had stopped. These posts welcomed me for comment for change;
"It may help us produce a better Sky & Telescope. Thank You."

Furthermore, without disrespecting the (now) moderators - probably a cardinal sin against the terms and conditions in Ice in Space - (so possibly the final goodbye - retrospectively so to speak) - I make two observations;

As to Acropolite's comment;
1) "If you have something genuine and informative to contribute I suggest you do so, ..."

I thought I already had! I do welcome you to search and read my previous 30 posts...

2) "It is equally disturbing that you choose to hide your identity (as does Bisqueboy who has an IP in the UK)..."

Well without being rude, your own identity is not so easy to find either... nor are many others for that matter. Phil .... I think?

Nyx
... and hoping soon to become a Phoenix...

Note: Actually, I'm not that anonymous at all... You can actually find out who I am by going to Nyx Aether's Homepage...

[mojo (Terry)]

I've never seen so many honest misunderstandings in one thread. Hands up who wants it deleted so you can all start afresh and forget this entire conversation(s)?

[AJames]

Originally Posted by csb

I wonder if perhaps you are trolling.

Thank you is saying this, because embarrassingly I didn't know what it was in Internet terms, troll or trolling was... (You learn something everyday.)
For the very few that might not know what this term implies see the Wikipedia page;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

another informative one is;
http://www.jfo.org.uk/info/new/troll.htm

I also refer those to a cartoon if your interested in what on looks like;
http://www.caveyourtrolls.com/
... it doesn't look like me because I have a different styled keyboard!

Nyx

[AJames]

Originally Posted by mojo

I've never seen so many honest misunderstandings in one thread. Hands up who wants it deleted so you can all start afresh and forget this entire conversation(s)?

No please don't. Keep it as a reminder....

Nyx

Note: By the way have you seen the number of views this has generated! Presently at page views 1122 out of the total of 54965 (at 08:41 AEST tonight) of the General Chat discussion (2.04%) - almost as good as the Evolution Debate some months back!

[Dennis]

Originally Posted by mojo

I've never seen so many honest misunderstandings in one thread. Hands up who wants it deleted so you can all start afresh and forget this entire conversation(s)?

Delete it Terry and let’s start over – hopefully we are all the wiser now!

Cheers

Dennis