Re: [APML] Mission Statement Change?

[Gene Horr <genehorr@texas.net>]

Chuck Vaughn wrote:
> 
> List,
> 
> I've beeen wondering if it's time for an official change in the
> mission statement of APML. Here's the current one from the welcome
> message:
> 
> "This list is for the discussion of Film Astrophotography. The list
> is limited to film photography only. Discussion of CCD cameras
> should be limited to autoguiding only."
> 
> This hasn't been valid for sometime. Certainly we've embraced CCD
> images, some discussion of camera capabilities and certainly many
> types of image processing. I would not want to see APML become the
> SBIG list plus film, but offical acceptance of certain aspects of
> CCD imaging seems to be in order, even if limited to common topics
> between the two forms of imaging.
> 
> Perhaps something along these lines might be acceptable:
> 
> "The list is primarily for Film Astrophotography, but discussion
> of CCD autoguiders, processing techinques common to film and CCD,
> and presentation of CCD images is acceptable. Discussion of CCD
> only topics is discouraged."
> 
> Just my thoughts. It's up Gene and the rest of you.

I did follow this discussion a couple of months ago.  The problem I had
was that I could not see a clear advantage one way or another.  All of 
Chuck's points are valid, but on the other side look how much CCD-only
traffic occurs as it is.  Loosening the reigns could only make it worse.

Right now I am heavily leaning towards keeping the list statement as
it is.  While it is skirting the edge of interpretation, discussions of
imaging processing does for the most part apply to film use.  If the 
discussion starts to waver too much you have a stopping point that you
can use - "does this apply to film?".  If we add a line adding CCD-
related processing discussions to the statement that stopping point 
gets moved further away.

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

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