Jigsaw,

I am not sure where you are coming from with your questions. I feel that I need a little more information about your astronomy background so I can tailor my response.

Do you attend Star Parties?
How much time do you spend in from of the scope on any one object?
How often do you come back to the same object in any one night?
Do you like spending time with friend watching the stars, or alone?
Have you ever taught astronomy to a friend or family member?

So you know where I am coming from (not Slooh specific answers) I do like to attend Star Parties. I have even organized several for my work.

I like to spend several minutes on each object. I try different eye pieces. I look near the object to become familure with the sky around it.

I will go back to the same few objects several times each night (normally only a few hours observing at a time). The objects I "find" are treasure to me. I like to visit them often.

I spend alot of time alone in the back yard watching the stars, with or without a scope. I also like spending time sharing with friends and family.

I like sharing what I have learned about the sky. Things I have found or even the excitment of what I might find in the near future. I will teach anyone who is willing to ask questions (to the best of my ability).

All of these activities are common among Slooh users that I have met.

I look forward to continuing this conversation.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

Just to interject here...

I don't think there's a conversation to be had. Firstly, no offence James, but you're a walking billboard, so of course you don't understand Jigsaw's lack of understanding. The forum is filled with amature astronomers who have invested thousands of dollars in their hobby, and for them a huge part of the hobby is getting outside and actually looking at the objects in the night sky with their own eye(s). Jpegs are nice and all -- they make nice desktop wallpapers at sufficient resolution -- but there's a sense of awe that comes with looking at these things for real that you just don't get on a computer monitor, or even on glossy photo pages in a book. They're just less real.

However, that said, some people aren't willing to invest the time, money, and effort in buying a telescope and driving for hours out of the city in the middle of the night to look at colourless smears and winklie things. And, of course, there are resolution issues as well. The common man just can't compete with $200,000+ telescopes with professional grade CCD chips in them.

Some people prefer peppermint, while others like spearmint. Myself, I like Doublemint

__________________
"I'm making wheatloaf. It's like meatloaf, only with wheat"
"Isn't that just...bread?"

Ut,

I'm not sure what you mean by "walking billboard". Does that mean I am promoting SLOOH? Then I am a walking billboard.

I believe I have found a great tool for people to learn/do astronomy. I am willing to share what I have learned about that tool and my enjoyment of astronomy.

I have been reading some of the other posts here about SLOOH and I think that I can share some of what is going on with the community. I think there are alot of people who might come to a place like BABB that might like to see a tool that would be useful in debunking the ideas people have about telescopes, astronomy, astronomers and the heavens.

I am sorry if you think that I think that Jigsaw doesn't understand something. I am the one who doesn't understand. I love to watch the night sky. I have made a considerable investment in astronomy equipment. I don't need to drive to great skies, I live in southern NM and have great skies outside my back door.

Many of the people I have met in the SLOOH community are interested in astronomy. Many are learning that even if they didn't think they were, they really are. I want to be a part of that.

I understand that I am writing with people who love astronomy. I don't want to dispute that. I want to learn more from the conversation and to hopefully share what I have learned.

No offence taken Ut, I am enjoying what is going on in the astronomy community as a whole. I see a great movement toward interest in science. I want to be a part of that.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

No, no. I'm saying that Jigsaw doesn't understand that not everyone is willing to invest everything that they need to invest to go out there and do it for themselves. I think Slooh is a great idea. But I also understand why some people, who have invested all of the time, money, and effort into their own equipment and such, and who get far less joy out of looking at pictures than they do looking through eyepieces would not get the concept.

I'm a chocolate person. I hate those little red cinnamon hearts. But I understand that some people prefer them. The benifits of those little candies are there for anyone who wants to take advantage of them. Not everyone is going to enjoy that flavour of candy, but a market exists, and that market is expanding, and in some cases creating, the love of candy in people. And I don't think anyone (with a sweet tooth) should argue against that.

__________________
"I'm making wheatloaf. It's like meatloaf, only with wheat"
"Isn't that just...bread?"

Ut,

I like that analogy of the candy. Cool thing about SLOOH is that it has many different "tastes". We have people that run Planetariums that love to spend time on SLOOH. We have people that know nothing about astronomy that spend time with SLOOH. We have writers, teachers, lawyers, students and people that are stuck in bed due to illnesses.

The question of not getting out there or investing the time, energy, money and commitment is the reason for SLOOH. I am not trying to convert anyone to using just the computer for astronomy. If there is one question that is asked the most in our chat room, it has to be. What type of telescope do I get now?

SLOOH drives people outside, even in the currently very cold north USA. People pop into the chat to say "Hey, guess what I just saw outside?" I personnally would never have tried some of the deepsky objects with my scope, had it not been for seeing them on SLOOH. I didn't think I could see them. But I did. I have learned so much more about astronomy since joining. And now I get to share too.

Astronomy is a journey. Let those on the path lead others to the lights.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

Greetings,

I would like to introduce myself to the community out there. My name is Diane and I have read through many of the posts here concerning Slooh and find that I wish to help people understand it a bit more. I haven't been a user for a very long (re: Since late Oct) but I have been an amateur astronomer for quite some time. My main problem was finding time and clear skies in order to haul my telescope outside. I have found my love for astronomy again with Slooh. And I don't mean to make that sound mushy, but it's hard not to.

Since I have been with Slooh, I have learned much that I would never even thought about, which includes tracking satellites, hunting down very faint galaxies as well as teaching others in the chat rooms how to do such thing. I don't think the issue here is enjoying Astronomy - I think we all do that. But the question is: How do we go about it? Some can look at the pretty pictures and not have to marval at what it takes to make them. In the chat rooms, if you are curious enough, you can learn just that.

I am willing to answer any questions concerning Slooh and at least try to help people understand that it isn't just the pretty pictures, but it truly is a learning experience - a tool, if you will - for better understanding our of Universe.

Clear Skies,

Diane
(One who should have probably posted my intro here.

I guess I'm out of luck.

The reason I was given a test account before, was to evaluate slooh and report back to the BABB. I did an earlier report, but it was just a few screenshots, basically. I put off an evaluation, as I knew there were serious problems and they were being worked on.

Unfortunately, I lost my account before those problems were corrected. At this point, I wouldn't recommend slooh to anyone. YMMV.

Welcome Diane ,
I hope you enjoy our little community! 8)

__________________
Any day you wake up on "the right side of the dirt" is a good day.

T. Anderson

I would urge you to take a look. If you take your opinion on something that was a year, perhaps more, back, you won't have a good idea of just what is really there. The same goes with Slooh. They have done some magnificent changes and upgrades to the system. As I have been guessing, many here have seen through a telescope one time in their lives or even own a telescope so you understand what is required and can respectfully understand everything.

As was stated by James Wallace, Slooh personnel have done some recent upgrades/maintenance to the telescopes and from what I have seen, they are considerable and quite noticeable for the better. There is a 7 day trial period and this is to give time for those skeptics a chance to see what is going on. Also, I would urge you to join the chat room and speak with those during the hours Slooh is open. Many people, including the editor of Slooh, can answer your questions.

Clear Skies,

Diane

The main problem I noticed was with the pointing--which I'm told has been improved or corrected. However, it seems to me that the problem didn't get the attention that it deserved, early on. It may be just a difference between the goals of slooh and my own personal preferences.

I'll see if I can get another trial membership, and try again.

PS: I just tried, but the 7-night free trial membership link just goes to a page with Monthly/Basic Annual/Deluxe Annual membership options, and it asks for credit card information.

HAH! Don't get me started on "cold" and "north".

__________________
"I'm making wheatloaf. It's like meatloaf, only with wheat"
"Isn't that just...bread?"

What is slooth?

__________________
If this writing is blue you're going too fast!

[loud thunking noise of hammer hitting nail on head]

=D>

APOD's fun, and pretty, but it ain't "real", somehow.

You know, James, it isn't necessary for you to "sell" me on Slooh. I'm not interested, and that's all there is to it. Sorry.

Different strokes, eh?

It's a website. Slooh.com


Six page discussion from January 2004.

As long as I've apparently got a couple of Slooh members here, I'd like to know what happened with this, from last January's thread:

What about it? Sounds like long term goals, if you ask me. (Looking-forward statement, if you prefer) There is still plans for 24 coverage from what I'm hearing but don't quote me. I am not privy to such confidential information until it's been press released.

Clear skies,


Diane

I am sorry you do not have an account now. What was it you were going to evaluate for BABB? Maybe I can get you the info you need (no screenshots please) I am familure with the interface and could run some missions to let you know how they went.

Is it just the pointing that you have questions about? Or is it more. There is a group of Sloohers that are trying to find galaxies between 17-20 Mag, we are having some success.

We have over 180 "List" missions that are run in Group mission and Solo missions. Then there is the Coordiate missions that you can do the pointing on the telescopes. It keeps us very busy.

I hope I can be of assistance on BABB. I would highly recommend SLOOH.


Keep Looking Up.


jamesd_wallace2

mickal555,

SLOOH is more than a website. It is an entire community of people who are intersted in astronomy. The core of SLOOH is the telescopes located on Mt Teide in the Canary Islands. There are two domes with scopes that run missions any clear night.

The other parts of SLOOH are the Chat rooms which are open 24/7, the Users Group where people share all kinds of information, and the SLOOH Radio where live radio programs are played between 8:00 and 10:00 pm EST. Sun, Mon, Wed-Fri.

A few of the presenters may be familure to the people who visit BABB.
http://www.slooh.com/radio.html

I hope you get a chance to check it out.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

Jigsaw,

What Michael said in that post still stands. SLOOH is looking for enough capital to continue this trend. The company has set it's goals and they are well on their way to achieving them.

The next big upgrade will be providing FITS image files for a new research program they are bringing online this spring/summer. The scopes will be available for remote control of Exposure length, filter settings, binning and of course, pointing.

The Techical Director speaks on SLOOH Radio every Sunday night. Members are able to ask questions that might not make it into official press releases.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

Slooh, itself. As I mentioned earlier, I tried to get one of the free memberships, but there seems to be a hang up.
I'll bet they go well.

Jigsaw,

I find it a privilege to learn whenever I can. I enjoy watching the images build and learning from other Sloohers about the processes involved. I am not an astrophotographer but many Sloohers are.

I have also found it to be a privilege to watch the images for a mere 10 minutes and get quality astrophotography. I have come to appreciate what the many people involved around the world, go through to make those pretty pictures on APOD. The hard work by scientist, technicians, operators, and staff is ingrained in my mind because of watching SLOOH.

I am sure you know that no two nights of viewing are exactly the same. The images collected (and shared) on SLOOH are from the many chances you have to take a picture. I enjoy getting some Black and White images before the colour starts being processed. Some times I can make out detail that is not apparent in the colour shots.

Thank you for being happy that I do enjoy SLOOH. I am not trying to sell you on a product. I enjoy the learning I can get from both BABB and SLOOH.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

I understand you were trying to evaluate SLOOH. What other than you interest in pointing did you want to know?

Concerning your membership. If you had a free membership before, you probably can't get one again. The free memberships are a trial period before purchasing one of the membership packages. I don't know what the arrangements were with SLOOH but if you would like I can pass on word to them to see what can be done.

As for the trial memberships, yes there is credit card information required. Like most online services that give trial memberships. I can not speak for SLOOH but I am certain that if there are problems with the membership/trial period SLOOH will do everything to resolve the issue. The only problem that I have seen in the past is people joining during the rainy season (November) and not getting to see a mission during their trial period. That was special and many people stayed on with SLOOH even after their trial ran out, because they saw the potential of what SLOOH can do.

Please provide me some details if you want me to do some research for BABB.


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

No, I had a beta test account.
It's a general evaluation. It wouldn't be a true evalution if you did it for me.

As I said, I wouldn't recommend it at this point. Others may feel differently--especially the BA, and his word would carry some weight.

What do I need to do to be able to give an evaluation of SLOOH? I don't understand that. Do I have to be a member of BABB?


Keep Looking Up


jamesd_wallace2

I think you have given your evaluation of SLOOH, and you are a member of BABB--as much as any of us, anyway.

ATP To clarify, it appears (at least when I tried it), that you can get a 7 night free trial, but only if you first supply credit card info.
They'll begin charging you starting on the 8th day.

Presumably you could cancel after 7 nights and before you get charged, but this wasn't obvious when perusing the website.

This tactic puts the burden on the consumer to ensure that their "free" trial remains free. I personally can't be bothered to sign up, then be sure to cancel at the right time. Which is a shame, as I live in bright-sky country, so this type of business (if run correctly) would be useful to someone like me.

I'm sure you're right, but there are only three options listed--all paying membership options, no 7 day trial membership. I guess they expect you to choose the membership that you'll have when you forget to cancel your "free" membership.

They probably don't want me around there anyway.

The idea of a free trial isn't new. Many companies do this. Yes, the burden is on the consumer. I would think that the idea is to give a person the opt-out option not to giveaway free time on the scopes. If you are not intersted don't sign up. If you are interested please do, but if you find that the service isn't what you expected or doesn't meet your needs then just cancel. It is very simple a quick two sentence note will cancel your memebership and no charge will be made to your account. I have seen this happen only a few times. Most people that come to SLOOH stay, I believe the statistic is something like 90% of the people stay.

I am looing back at the posts and I may have misrepresented the 7-day trial. It is not a membership on it's own. It is a full membership of 1 month, or 1 year. The 7-day trial is the Opt-out beginning of every membership.

A Thousand Pardons: If you think you are going to forget then you might want to take a monthly membership and watch for one night. At the end of your first night you can cancel then. If you forget after one night then you only pay for one month's membership and you could come back any time during that month to take a look around some more. I am sure that any member of BABB is welcome on SLOOH. For that matter, anyone is welcome on SLOOH.

I would caution against this type of suggestion. Just because you don't agree with the policy or the availability of certain features does not mean that the buisness is run poorly. SLOOH has been great to it's customers. I believe it is run correctly and that it is useful to the many people who are in your type of situation.

Again, I will mention the free missions though Astronomy.com. You can see one mission a night at 9pm EST. This gives you taste of the Mission Interface and features of SLOOH. If you don't want to forget to cancel a membership check that feature out. It will cost you the price of a magazine and you get to keep the magazine (which by the way has some great pictures too).


Keep Looking Up.

jamesd_wallace2

I agree, many companies do this. I've seen magazine subscriptions, internet connections, and other products marketed the same way. I don't like to try out products sold that way because of the hassle. Therefore I would not bother to try out slooh.

I am positively fascinated by your interpretation of my words. I have no information, positive or negative, about how slooh is run. My words were chosen carefully so as to convey that.

I am interested. I signed up, and I looked it over. Based upon that, I wouldn't recommend it. That's just me.
How would you know that? You say you are not an employee?