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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The Chicago Astronomer Defended against a bad review...

I have been sitting on this since around 21 January 2005, debating if I should post it, but anything that concerns the Forum is of interest to the membership...

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Recently Curt was in the Astronomy.com forum, and while answering a question of a Chicago area amateur astronomer, mentioned that perhaps he would like to stop by the CAF, and use us as a resource. Some new guy - "Anthony" - on the Astronomy board, piped in and posted that he was not particularly fond of our site. That we were too political and weird.

"I have to say that I wasn't exactly fond of that Chicago board. It just seemed rather politically motivated and full of conspiracy theorists... Not a whole lot of knowledge or insight to be gained. Just my two cents".

www.astronomy.com/asy/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13377

Curt stated:

"I haven't the foggiest notion to what you may be referring. Are we talking about the same website? Please explain in more detail what you mean by "politically motivated" and "conspiracy theorists.

Joe Guzman does a marvelous job running the Chicago Astronomer website and its associated forums. I can only assume that you have run across some unusual posts that I had overlooked. Since the forums are open to the public, I suppose strange opinions could appear as is the case here at astronomy.com".

Curt stood up for us in a professional, but stern manner. He's too cool!

I have been getting quite a few hits directly from that thread, so people are stopping by to see for themselves.

But now...

While checking our stats, I find that new member Dave (Maddad), has placed us on his links page, that's cool, but the description of the site is what blows me away.

He writes:

"Chicago Astronomers' Forum - Observational astronomy with no trace of politics."

www.maddad.org/miscellaneous.htm

Two different people, with two different opinions. I think Dave is cool, his theoretical and cosmological slant is refreshing.


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New info as of 02 Feb 2005....

While checking the thread on the critical review, our pal and fellow Chicago Astronomer member from China, Hui, has piped in on the support:

"Yep! Joe's an enthuiastic man! Is there anything "bad" in the website? I haven't figured any out yet. It's a forum developing, and it's lucky for you in Chicago"

Way to go Hui!

I encourage you to visit the thread directly and read the exchange for yourselves. For me...I will answer soon enough in good time, but can't please all and I would fail if I tried. And that's all ok. Plenty of room on the net for all.

[Maddad]

Curt said:

It just seemed rather politically motivated and full of conspiracy theorists

Huh? Say what? If you want politically motivated, I'll show you politically motivated. The reason I go here instead of a couple of other possible cyber hangouts is that this forum definitely is not political. Joe, remember a few days ago when you noticed that I had a link to the Chicago Astronomer's Forum? Did you read the text after that link? I said, "Observational astronomy with no trace of politics".

Thanks for keeping it clean. And if you see this guy Anthony, how about smacking him upside the head for me?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Dave,

Thanks for your support and appreciation of our site.

I attempt to keep the site fair to all sides and opinions, as all are of value regardless of the position. No flaming, picking or outright attacks amongst each other here, as we are here to share our love of the skies. Plenty of other sites for that type of behavior.

I have had to ban only TWO members here for violating basic and fundamental rules of conduct, and I leave the critical posts on the board for all to read. Even they have some value.

So, let's all keep adding to the knowledge base and have fun doing so. I know I am!

[timothy]

jOE
Please don't sit on things like that, it just festers. Comments like his caused me great anguish for many months when I was on that site.
I was so happy when I came to The Chicago Astronomer, because the attitude here is positive and friendly and light. Just what I need and expect from the astronomy community.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Tim,

Sometimes to keep it light and friendly, I do keep negative and highly critical comments in my in box. But then it no longer becomes an open forum and a sinister undertow becomes viable. Not what I want nor will I foster here.

I brought out the criticism into the light of this board for our membership to view and or comment. .. And really, there are plenty of other forums and astronomical communities out on the net to satisfy everybody. So the comment was fine with me...and I thank all who have rebutted the opinion in our favor.

I am pleased with those of you who have decided to register and actively participate at the Chicago Astronomer. I anticipate logging on the the forum everyday to read your posts, enjoy the laughs and continue sharing our love of astronomy.

[Rocketman]

I know I sure like it here. I like your enthusiasm. I like the multiple forum areas too. Joe you are a top notch dude so that guy can take a flying... well... anyway. Besides... I do realize a lot of people don't like the "political" part of conversations, but I myself realize that political issues can arise when discussing just about anything, and I'm not the least bit worried about it. I've read most of the topics here, and in my short time I haven't seen anything questionable. I'm not even from Illinois, and I'm welcomed here. This is the most interesting Astronomy forum around.

Keep up the good work Joe, and the gang.




When we look at Bellatrix.. we see Bellatrix.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Grady,

Heh...thanks for your support and active participation on the forum. It's the regular comments and posts that keep the forum fresh and progressive...regardless of the preferrence of content. But, we are all here in celebration of the skies, and I appreciate letting me play with you all.

It's as good as you all want to make it...or as bad.

[Maddad]

Chicago said:

Not Everybody Likes the Chicago Astronomer...

Makes you wonder what other kind of nutcases are out there in the world.

[billybad69]

What might turn real ametuer astronomers and proffesionals alike is the interjecting of non realistic conundrums.
Case in point the suggestions that NASA hides findings. The leading on that Profiteers like Hoagland, McCanney and most other freaks on Coast to Coast are viable in science acadamia.
Bashing of NASA time to time i see. When NASA is the best bang for buck this country compaired to all governmental administrarions.
The idea that ancient civilisations knew more than we know now. I can spend time and read even more of your message board Joe and keep pointing out falacys that critical thinking and realistic people see.
This message board does have a slant and does not represent REAL astronomers abroad. The old saying tell me who you walk with and i can tell you who you are applys the same in message boards.
Those who uphold the ideas of Richard Hoagland, and others like him, and bash NASA at just about everything; their credability factor really goes down.
You might have some people fooled in here Joe, heck you might even ban me from ever coming in here.
Fact is you are a sorry wanna be ametuer astronomer. Who knows how you have been able to pull off the crap you have. Be assured folks are watching you.
One more thing. The Astronomical and Scientific comunity at large I am sure have you shunned.
You do not represent in any way this genre of science just by the message board you operate.
Have a nice day.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Billyboy,

Glad to see you back again!

I have kept your acerbic posts from the past on the forum, (quite entertaining), as all opinions are of value somewhat...including this one.

I won't ban you again, unless you start attacking, but you are quite welcome to participate in our brand of "crap", as apparently you are drawn to our forum.

All points of view are welcomed here from Hoagland to Brahe to Horkheimer, and every one in between. Physicists, astronomers, exo-biologists, cosmologists etc...everyone has an idea, and to exclude anyone because they don't go with the flow is just ignorant.

In your posts, Billyboy, you have not contributed any significant astronomical or scientific content, other than attempted bashing, myopic criticisms and bitter personal views. You can continue your rambling posts as I'm not offended at all and rather enjoy your focused attention. Early on you wished this forum to crash and burn, but it has had the opposite effect. Keep up your brand of mojo, as we flourish as a result.

Thanks for the kind words!... ;D


P.S. Use spell check next time...

[jglover]

billybad69 said:

The old saying tell me who you walk with and i can tell you who you are applys the same in message boards.

Hardly, I participate in a wide variety of message boards, ranging from technology based boards to science based boards to artistic/photographic boards,etc. And trying to judge me by the message boards I participate in is just silly. Every board is going to have people with varying views and ideas on the subject and trying to say you can toss everyone into one category by the boards they frequent is just a little too much. I do not agree with everyone's ideas and postings on this board (just like all the other boards I post on) but I respect their ability to have and express those ideas.

[Rocketman]

Beware of the ignorances of the mainstream masses. Just ignore him.

[marscreeper]

I know i am new here but i have been following the C. A. family for quite some time...i am one of Rocketman's best freinds. I read from this forum every weekend, and i think Joe is a cool guy and knows what he is talking about. So here's to you Joe and Rocket ....and all the others on here....keep up the good work....MC

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I knew I liked you from your first post!... ;D

Now, where should I send you the cash?

Thanks for your unsolicited support!...

[marscreeper]

I assume it is ok if I call you Joe.....thanks for the good words MC

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Call me Joe? Let's see...

Names taken...

Big daddy,
Governor,
Your Eminence,
My Liege,
Bossman,
Squire,
Sir,
Compadre,
Mr. Guzmán,
Hefe,
buddy,
Chicago Astronomer...

Joe seems to be free....it's yours!...

[Maddad]

Rumor has it that he's responded to other names too.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Especially from a young lovely... ;D