[sac-forum] Re: Star Party issues

Peter;

 

I agree completely.  I have already said that I am sorry that there have
been a few incidents in the past year that have lead to someone driving to a
site and expecting others to be there.  But, I do not wish to participate in
a "phone tree" to try and correct that small and rare problem.  When I get
some time, I will look over the web site and try to correct any language on
it that would lead someone to believe that there will always be people at
every SAC star party regardless of the weather.

 

I have always encouraged people to join the email lists and I will continue
to do so.

 

I honestly believe that is all we can do.

 

Clear Skies;

Steve Coe

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Peter Argenziano
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 7:24 PM
To: sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-forum] Re: Star Party issues

 

In addition to being a SAC member, I am also a member of EVAC. They handle
star party communications the same way - via the list server. The events are
scheduled and are not cancelled. It's up to the individual to decide if they
want to attend. If the weather looks good, rest assured others will be
there. That's always been my experience. If the weather looks iffy, post
something on Friday or early Saturday. If others are going you'll get
replies. If you get no replies I'd interpret that to mean ya' might be
alone.

 

Relying on a phone message or web posting places a go/no-go decision on one
person. Who would that be? Do they have any more access to weather data than
I do? When would they make the decision? There have been times when I've
determined at the last minute to head out to a site - certainly that's too
late to disseminate info. And what if the star party is cancelled and then
it turns out to be a great night? I agree with Rick - if it ain't broke,
don't fix it.

I just assume that all of the published star parties are 'on' - it then
becomes my decision if I want to attend.

 

I don't see any 'huge returns' in any of the proposed solutions. Each one
may eliminate what may be perceived as a problem today, but likely just
introduces some other shortcoming in its place. 

 

Peter

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Steve Palmer <mailto:sapalmer_98@xxxxxxxxx>  

To: sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 

Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 6:55 PM

Subject: [sac-forum] Re: Star Party issues

 

Rick,

 

All the issues below are good possible solutions, with some con's and yes
none is perfect.  The forum is a great place to discuss ideas, suggestions
etc.  But my request was the simplest and where everyone by default would
look (website).  Assign a POC for each event (this club only has a few a
month), for questions, clarifications, etc., and the posting of a quick note
on the website (via a blog notice, events page whatever means is easiest).
Once a decision is made in the forums as to whether the event is canceled or
moved due to wx, whatever.  Then whomever is assigned as POC could take 5
min's max to put a quick note on the website with the final decision.
That's it, no expense for a phone number, no one wasting their entire night
sitting around, no on driving for hours to find an empty lot or general
members trying to search all over the web for info.  Just 5min's to update a
post on the website.  Why is this so hard to understand!  Search the web,
nearly every club in phx and around the state or on meetup, yahoo groups, or
smaller groups than ours, this is what they do.  Assign a POC, then post
just a small paragraph stating the star party is on, off, moved or whatever
on the website & forum.  There are no Con's to this solution, so why is
sticking to the status quo the only solution?  I'm very confused as to why
doing nothing is better than making a small improvement with HUGE returns
and satisfaction from the public and members?

 

Steve Palmer

 



Rick Tejera <saguaroastro@xxxxxxx> wrote:

OK,

Let's look at things in a more rational way:

OK, the issue boils down to this: notification of members of any possibility
of a change of location or cancellation of events.

Current practice: Members Post to SAC-Forum intentions and discuss viability
of the Scheduled location. Members make their decision to attend at the
scheduled location or elsewhere.
Pro's: Active discussion on current & future weather trends. 

Opportunity to announce alternate arrangements to other and make plans to go
elsewhere and find observing buddies thinking likewise.

Discussion can take place up to the last practical minute.

Con's: Not all members are subscribed.
Email does not always post in a timely manner (I've personally seen
responses to emails before the original post reached my inbox).

Posts not always responded to. 

Suggestions:

Telephone Chain:
Pro's: Personal contact to interested members.

Con's: No guarantee subscribed members will get message.

Time Consuming

Will require a volunteer to make the calls.

Call in Number:

Pro's: Members can call in and get current information at their convenience.
Call in number easy to disseminate to members.
No need to Subscribe
Con's: Will require a volunteer to update the message. 
On what criteria will decisions be made? 

Obviously, there is no perfect solution. IMHO, making a change in procedure,
while it may eliminate current issues, would introduce new issues. Thus my
stand on the keeping the status quo. I am reluctant to make a change in
something that has been, for the most part, working, for something that may
or may not offer any significant improvement. If ain't broke don't fix it. 

Regardless of the method in place, it is inevitable that someone won't get
the message. In that mien, I'll continue to advocate the use of SAC-Forum as
main method of communications regarding Star Parties. 

To Steve: I appreciate your concerns, don't think I don't. I would say your
experience last week was an exception, not the norm. In 11 years as a club
member, I have never felt left out of the loop using the forums. I've made
some questionable drives myself, 2 hours to Sentinel each way to see clouds,
so trust me when I say you are not alone in having done that (although, I'll
concede the club record to Peter:)).

One last note: As Steve Rogers posted, the club does not, in fact, have a
legal responsibility to advise members of changes in events. Given that, I
will not entertain anymore discussion on that point.

Clear Skies

Rick Tejera

President, Editor SACnews

Saguaro Astronomy Club

Phoenix, Arizona

www.saguaroastro.org 

saguaroastro@xxxxxxx 



 


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