Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 9, 2009 1:37:22 GMT -6
Five Years of the Chicago Astronomer Forum -
some thoughts...[/size][/size][/color][/center]It's been five years, (2004), since I created the Chicago Astronomer forum...and it only seems like yesterday.
It started out as just a place on the web to post my astro pics, jot down my observation session narratives and a place for my fans that I meet to gather data and share experiences.
It has grown beyond my modest expectations.
Thousands visit the Chicago Astronomer Forum via place markers, Google searches or just curiosity. My Stat reports reflect that the site receives visitors from every continent on the planet - (Except Antarctica). It constanly gets high placing on search engines, referrenced by the media and become a data bank. I enjoy looking at the past observation sessions, looking at the pics and reading the narratives.
The emails I receive from readers are nice and I have made friends throughout the world. On a local observation....many times while at a event, personal session or working at the Adler Planetarium, people ask..."Are you Joe...The Chicago Astronomer?" I am humbled by the association and recognition.
I have been in amateur astronomy since I was in single digit years, ("Borrowing" my Dad's binoculars and sweeping the night sky in my backyard.) And, with modest equipment, been sharing the night skies with the public for many years. And with my association with the Adler Planetarium as a Telescope & Observatory facilitator, have served thousands of eager individuals - peeking through telescopes and talking astronomy.
But...
I haven't been on-site regularly for awhile. Turmoil sometimes takes attention from the things one is passionate about and one must attend the situations, put out fires and tread water. Women , jobs, health, relatives, economic crisis, etc...it zaps energy like a leech. But one must not ever succumb to this and ignore what is established. The Chicago Astronomer took off like a rocket and held it's own...and is always here to serve.
(I would like to take a moment to expressively thank Chicago Astronomer member Curt Renz (Centaur) for continuing to post incredible subject matter, answering inquiries and sharing his astronomical graphics with the community while I was doing other things. He did this without being asked...and I am forever grateful..... He is a true lover of the skies, a numbers genius and a all around cool guy. )
The Chicago Astronomer continues to grow and evolve. There will be an static ancillary website to the forum soon and expanding.
I dig the Chicago Astronomer and what we all represent...and hope to be doing it for many years to come with you all.
Ain't Astronomy just too cool?
Respectfully,
Joe