Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Sept 8, 2004 0:12:47 GMT -6
Thank you all for making "The Chicago Astronomer" Successful
Fellow Chicago Astronomers...
It is now September and the chill of autumn is now in the air. It makes for excellent night time observation sessions with the clearer skies and brighter stars.
To enhance my astronomical enjoyment, I created this forum to share my love of the night skies and learn from other amateur astronomers in the greater Chicagoland area. Nothing fancy, just a forum to allow subscribers to the Chicago Astronomer Newsletter to interact.
It has grown beyond my initial expectations. I originally thought that perhaps a small handful of us crazy Chicago Astronomers would chat and talk about our mucky skies. That was in May 2004.
Now September 2004, some four months later - we hit our 3000th visitor, and are 87 members strong, with many various topics, posts, and membership though out the world. I also receive hits from many varied and exotic countries...linked from many different sites. Some of the posts and subjects here are serious, some silly. But it's all good. It has carried us to the front pages of the Chicago Tribune, ranked us high, if not first, on many search engines and referred/linked to a few well established astronomer sites and lists. And as I write this...we are at 3075 hits....smoking!
Soon, I shall create an adjunct website to add content that I cannot readily do here and expand more features and data. Any suggestions will be most welcomed.
I have met, corresponded or otherwise interacted with many good and nice people who share the love of astronomy as I do. There have been a very small handful, (four), that took a negative route and attempted to discredit or dismiss my efforts here. That's expected and not an influence or factor here.
Next!!!...I say.
There is plenty for all of us to contribute and take here, more astronomical events to comment on, and with all of your continued participation, the Chicago Astronomer Forum will grow bigger, better and with full nightime vision!
Thanks for the ride and see you on the forums..