Time to say goodbye

[Hagar (Doug)]

Well goodbye at least for now. I have decided to take a step back from all astronomy forums. I am afraid the Astro Politics have just got too much for me. I am going to do astronomy for ME. Try to get back to the basics again and not get myself embroiled in the astro political arena. I have the unfortunate trait of saying what I think rather than saying what others like to hear. Time to get back to talking to myself on those dark clear nights I love so much. I will drop in from time to time but at least for the moment will refrain from making any posts or comments.
Most of you are great and I have learnt a lot from you. For that and the friendships I have made, many thanks.

Doug Braidwood

[Dog Star (Phil)]

That's a damn shame, Doug!
Hope your "sabbatical" doesn't last too long.

[Ric]

Take care Doug, I'll miss your images.

I'll have to bookmark your website to keep up to date with your latest images.

Cheers

[AlexN]

I hope you'll at least post up some of your ripper images.. Place wont be quite the same without you Doug...

Have fun though.

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

All the best Doug.
Stick your head up above the ramparts now and again to post those great images though - I thought you were getting some very nice results with your Tak and QYH8.
Take care mate
Doug

ps...bookmarked your site too!

[matt]

Best wishes, Doug.

A break is a good thing every now and then...from most things in life. Internet life can get weird and quite consuming sometimes. It's good to occasionally take a step back and take a breath.

As long as you keep enjoying the hobby and the fun of being out under the stars.

[TrevorW]

Just remember it's not about ego's it's not about politics it's about sharing with like souls. Forget the rhetoric just enjoy the journey remember everything is transient.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I hope you enjoy your break in the real world.

[iceman (Mike)]

I know you're not alone in feeling this way from time to time, Doug.. I know that over the last 4 years I've felt it myself from time to time.

All I can suggest is to simply get back to doing what you enjoy, and avoid the people or the things that get you feeling this way.

All the best and I hope we see you back soon.

[leon]

Doug, I hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy your time under the stars, just for you. many thanks for the comments and encouragment you have passed on to me at times.

Good Luck mate.

Leon

[rogerg (Roger)]

I know how you feel Doug. I often take breaks from both the forums and local astronomy club, stick to myself and just enjoy what astronomy I do.

Enjoy

[anthony.tony]

A Few weeks away from it and You'll want to fire UP again.We'll miss you Mate.Reguard's Tony

[goober (Doug)]

$Dougs--

[ving (David)]

live long and prosper doug

cya when you come back

[Kal (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Hagar

I have the unfortunate trait of saying what I think rather than saying what others like to hear.

I see absolutely no problem in saying what you think, and not saying what other people want to hear - I find myself in the same boat The real question is, can you accept that others may have different opinions than yourself, and not let that get to you personally?

Hope to see you back here soon Doug

[niko]

Doug,

hope to see you at snake valley sometime.

cheers

niko

[Alchemy (Clive)]

dougie , i never thought you were out of line, there are various topics which can become hotly contested, i guess thats part of a forum, everyone has an opinion not all agree so dont worry about it ....... ive said a few things that were a bit pointy on occasion ive just had to look forward and not backward.

have a break, take a few cracker images (if the clouds ever clear) and i look forward to having a look at your stuff and i will be happy to comment on your work.

cheers clive.

[Jen]

Awwwwww Doug can i have your seat in here

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Doug,

I'm very sorry that someone would feel that way. Perhaps I'm thick but I can't recall any controversies or politicking. I'm not saying it didn't happen, just that from where I am it wasn't overt. I've always enjoyed your posts and the forum will be poorer without you.

Of course you need to do what is best for you and I really hope you get some true enjoyment from your hobby. I've also stepped back from my local club and tried to focus on the aspects of astronomy that I enjoy - fortunately this forum is one of those at the moment.

Unfortunately you aren't the first person to find the forum too much bother. I friend of mine dropped out after being abused - actually called childish names - in a thread that got heated. Most people supported my friend's point of view, the rest argued in an adult manner and the culprit has since dropped out of the forum. I've pointed all this out to him and suggested he would enjoy returning to the fold but the damage has been done. He's got on his high horse and dug in his heels (if you can do both at the same time!).

I hope you feel like returning in the future and we can once again enjoy your company.

David

[bluescope]

Life is short, enjoy it whichever way it suits you.