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As far as I know every show is technically for profit, star parties included. I understand the feeling, but the event site needs money, the speakers need money, and all the rest of the money hopefully will cover the expenses. If not, then it comes out of the organizers pockets.

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So you'd rather no one had an incentive to put together a show? It's not like they want the sort of money Donald Trump asks to have lunch.

It's a nominal amount of money in exchange for what it costs to set up a show, both in effort and attention. This narrative about people should just take time away from their families to entertain strangers and should have nothing to show for it is crazy.

Price out what attending a professional conference costs and you'll see what a for-profit event is all about.

-Rich

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So you'd rather no one had an incentive to put together a show?

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We weren't included in the first list sorry, don't know why... BUT
Tele Vue is definitely going to be a part of this event: David Nagler and I will be there.
We will have ALL the Tele Vue toys: Refractors, Eyepieces, including the all the "proto type" Delos.
Come by and say hi...

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Hi John! I am planning on making the drive from Okiehoma to attend.

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As it turns out, there is a backstory:

NEAF is held in NY state, which despite its fame, is a long long way from most of the rest of the country. So, while NY based companies like TeleVue find NEAF to be quite convenient, vendors like Starizona are facing a trip all the way across the country to attend. As a result, they don't.

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Actually, Starizona has attended at least one NEAF show. I first met Dean in person at NEAF in 2008, IIRC.

Vic Maris and the teams from OPT and Woodland Hills always make the trip from California to New York, too. I love to see them and catch up on the latest west coast gossip.

I think a lot of things are in flux due to the struggling economy.

I had planned to fly out to Arizona for the ASAE, but I'm grounded because of spinal surgery. I hope you guys have a wonderful show.

Cheers,

Ron

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As far as I know every show is technically for profit, star parties included. I understand the feeling, but the event site needs money, the speakers need money, and all the rest of the money hopefully will cover the expenses. If not, then it comes out of the organizers pockets.

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That's not the samething. making money to host an event is not the same as making money from hosting an event so the host can personally benifit finacially.

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You're exactly right Danny, the problem is vendors only have so many events they can support. If Alan is sucessful at this venture astronmy club hosting an event will disappear. I guess if that's what people would rather have then that's what there will be. I can even understand the need. The days of store front astronomy shops is all but gone sadly. The part that concerns me is the imaging workshops that typically go along with astronomy club shows. Vendors are reaching their prime targets, and imagers benefit with low cost instruction from professionals. If this trend continues then Astronomy shows wouldn't be much different than the boat show each spring. Astronomy club shows do more by bringing folks into the club and giving resources to share. I'm all for promoting astronomy everywhere, just not when I see it hurting non profit club events. I guess in the end the participants will decide what they want. In a tough economy I can see why vendors want to reach out to try and build business.

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OK, folks (and OK folk),

If you're interested in additional observing while you're out here, now's the time to say so. I have an info-gathering set of questions on the "Arriving in Tucson early' thread. I'm hoping to set up something nice for at least one night for imaging.

-Rich

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Thanks for offering Rich, it was appreciated. Speaking for me, I had other evening plans but might be able to work something out. I wonder if Starizona will have something in their parking lot at night.

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