If Pulled The Pin

[PCH (Paul)]

Hi,

I never get involved in these types of threads as it's too easy to upset people. But as a general comment I see here two groups of people, ... those that side with the OP re his desire to get his price, and those that think it's fair play to get the best value possible.

I'd just like to say that I would guess (and I may be wrong - but I don't think so!) that all of the people who have commented on either side, would have absolutely no qualms about going into Hardly Normals (eg), and battering them down relentlessly for the best possible price. And if your price expectation is too low, you'd just expect the shop assistant to offer a polite 'No'. And that would be the end of the story. Go somewhere else or arrive at a compromise. You wouldn't expect them to get stirred up at your 'cheek' and start carrying on about hard earned cash etc.

Why is it different here? Those that know Leon, but don't want to buy his gear, seem to want the best for him, and applaud his stand. While those that don't know him probably don't overly care either way for his feelings. But all of those that make an offer simply want the best possible deal for THEIR hard earned cash - just like at HN. I'd be fairly sure Leon called a couple of places for the best deal. It's what we do isn't it?

Well, sorry if anyone is offended, it wasn't my intention.

Merry Christmas all.

[astronut (John)]

Leon,
You don't need me to tell you that you've done the right thing.....but you have.
It can be very disaapointing the way people behave, that unfortunately is human behaviour.........warts & all!!
We have a few of those type on the climate change thread.

[iceman (Mike)]

Come off it you two. Posts deleted. Take it to PM. Noone else wants to read it.

[avandonk]

I think some people are really tacky!

Bert

[GeoffW1 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hi,

I never get involved in these types of threads as it's too easy to upset people. But as a general comment I see here two groups of people, ... those that side with the OP re his desire to get his price, and those that think it's fair play to get the best value possible.

I'd just like to say that I would guess (and I may be wrong - but I don't think so!) that all of the people who have commented on either side, would have absolutely no qualms about going into Hardly Normals (eg), and battering them down relentlessly for the best possible price. And if your price expectation is too low, you'd just expect the shop assistant to offer a polite 'No'. And that would be the end of the story. Go somewhere else or arrive at a compromise. You wouldn't expect them to get stirred up at your 'cheek' and start carrying on about hard earned cash etc.

Why is it different here? Those that know Leon, but don't want to buy his gear, seem to want the best for him, and applaud his stand. While those that don't know him probably don't overly care either way for his feelings. But all of those that make an offer simply want the best possible deal for THEIR hard earned cash - just like at HN. I'd be fairly sure Leon called a couple of places for the best deal. It's what we do isn't it?

Well, sorry if anyone is offended, it wasn't my intention.

Merry Christmas all.

Hi,

Paul, thanks, I think it is an excellent summary of the situation. In future I'll also be a lot slower to post any opinion like I did above. It is just too upsetting. Apologies to anyone who believes I got too close to trolling, that was not the idea.

Cheers

[pmrid (Peter)]

Leon, you've been nothing but frieldly, patient and supportive to me during my short but steep learning curve through these forums and this hobby. I have appreciated your comments and help and wish you well. Perhaps keeping your rig isn't all bad. As your tagline says, life is too short to look through bad glass.

cheers

peter

[Zaps]

Seller goes high, buyer goes low. Welcome to Capitalism, my friend!

[suma126 (Shane)]

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP OVER THE YEAR LEON AND BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

[Satchmo]

It seems to me that its more commonly on IIS that its the astrophotographers who amass huge quantities of valuable gear that need to take a break from the hobby ( often with some kind of a farewell from IIS forum ) and try and usually recoup some money , often because the hobby seams not to be delivering satisfaction commensurate with the equipment investment, or that the effort to get value out of the investment becomes or seems too much. ( and I am not saying this is necessarily Leon's case I don't know) .

Visual observers usually have a much smaller investment in equipment that they feel owes them nothing. As interest ebbs and flows the visual scope sits quietly awaiting inspiration from the owner. I've found this the case in my 35 years of amateur astronomy with very little investment in equipment.

Mark

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Satchmo

It seems to me that its more commonly on IIS that its the astrophotographers who amass huge quantities of valuable gear that need to take a break from the hobby ( often with some kind of a farewell from IIS forum ) and try and usually recoup some money , often because the hobby seams not to be delivering satisfaction commensurate with the equipment investment, or that the effort to get value out of the investment becomes or seems too much. ( and I am not saying this is necessarily Leon's case I don't know) .

Visual observers usually have a much smaller investment in equipment that they feel owes them nothing. As interest ebbs and flows the visual scope sits quietly awaiting inspiration from the owner. I've found this the case in my 35 years of amateur astronomy with very little investment in equipment.

Mark

I agree with that statement. Astro gear can be extremely expensive and you can't expect to get the same resale value. If you go the full length then it's best to hang on to it. I have never spent much on mine as it's only a hobby. It's more a case of getting the most enjoyment out of what you got and it gets the job done to a level I can live with and most importantly I am happy with. No more no less.

[Rob_K]

Good onya Leon, don't think you'll regret hanging onto the gear in the long run!

For anyone who wants to know the real value of their precious astronomy gear, take it to Cash Converters. It's Christmas time, so spare a thought for all those people who have fallen on hard times through the year, and in desperation have had no choice but to flog off the assets they've acquired through hard work and sweat.

Cheers -

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by Satchmo

It seems to me that its more commonly on IIS that its the astrophotographers who amass huge quantities of valuable gear that need to take a break from the hobby ( often with some kind of a farewell from IIS forum ) and try and usually recoup some money , often because the hobby seams not to be delivering satisfaction commensurate with the equipment investment, or that the effort to get value out of the investment becomes or seems too much. ( and I am not saying this is necessarily Leon's case I don't know) .

Visual observers usually have a much smaller investment in equipment that they feel owes them nothing. As interest ebbs and flows the visual scope sits quietly awaiting inspiration from the owner. I've found this the case in my 35 years of amateur astronomy with very little investment in equipment.

Mark

I love a good farewell, usually followed fairly quickly by a return announcement

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by JethroB76

I love a good farewell, usually followed fairly quickly by a return announcement

not wrong. Sounds like the "last KISS concert" in oz ... every other year for the last 10yrs

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Originally Posted by JethroB76

I love a good farewell, usually followed fairly quickly by a return announcement

It's the first step in finally realising that this isn't just a hobby, it's an addiction.

[scarper (Mart)]

Hey Leon good luck with the new direction.

Unfortunatley I have found that selling equipment on forums such as IIS(no disrespect meant) will not get the prices you want, there will always be idiots who think that you are one and will give stuff away for a song.

I am glad you are keeping your equipment as sometimes regrets will creep in after the event.......pack it away and leave it for a few months....when you return you will have a renewed interest in it....i have done this with photography and I have still yet to pick up my camera in any serious way.

Good Luck

Marty

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Just glad to hear that you've still got your gear, Leon. Look forward to catching up with you at Snake Valley or elsewhere sometime. All the best.

[matt]

Originally Posted by JethroB76

I love a good farewell, usually followed fairly quickly by a return announcement

There certainly have been a few of those.

I'm never quite sure what the announcer's expecting when they trumpet their departure/return?

Why not just let those that matter know via pm and then, sort of, go....quietly.

If anyone asks where you've gone, someone that knows you will be able to update those that care as to their whereabouts and current preoccupations.

[marki]

Surely a PM along the lines of "thank you for your interest but your offer is not suitable" would do the trick. Obviously you are still passionate about your gear Leon, best to just hang on to it me thinks.

Mark

[leon]

Thank You people for your concern and comments I have read all of them many times and have thought very hard of what will be next.

I am not going just yet, but will take a break for a while.

Mark, I think you have hit the nail on the head with your comments.

It is hugely expensive to do imaging than it is to be a casual visual person, and it can ( well at least with me ) be a huge learning curve, and sometimes become just to bloody hard.

I only started this a few years ago at 57 years old, you young people are born with computers and the like.

Although I found it very interesting, and still do I sometimes find I just cant keep up, not that I have to, but would like to.

I really do love my hobby, I was a visual person for many years before this but found imaging on the old film my passion, not that was easy either.

Anyway, guys, have a beaut Christmas with your loved ones and I'll catch up over the next year.

Leon

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Best wishes to both you and Alice.
You know that this forum wouldn't be the same without you.