Re: [APML] CCD on APML (was: NGC 7331)

["Frank Barrett" <frankb@celestialwonders.com>]

I know I've already chimed in on this in my previous thread, but let me
make a few observations.

First, I can see the side of those individuals who are only doing film, or
are just getting started with film.  Where else on the net can one go to
learn about film scanning, what films work for AP, and other issues that
are ONLY FILM related.  No where.  I looked high and low and it wasn't
until I found APML did the lights start coming on.  Heck I was shooting
with TMAX before I found APML!  For those folks, the legacy of APML should
live on.  As I said before the pioneers and experts in film AP are HERE
and we shouldn't drive them away.   On this I think we can all agree?

Second, I've also observed that many who have chimed in who are doing film
exclusively have expressed an interest in getting into CCD in the future. 
That seems to be a common thread.  In fact many APMLers are active on the
CCD lists.  So I'm wondering if this list isn't a good place for those who
are making that transition.  Tony's experience should tell us something. 
At first he was frustrated with moving to CCD, now he's in love with it. 
APML could be a good place to share the issues of moving from film
technology to CCD technology.  Again I think this is the best place to
learn from that perspective.

And lastly I want to comment on the quality of this list.  There is more
technical content on this list than just about any other list that I
follow.  I would say the the majority of posts on the SBIG list could be
categorized as either, "Look at my pretty picture", or "Oh, that's nice". 
Not that posting pretty pictures is off topic, I really enjoy viewing
everyone's work.  It's my way of living vicariously through the work of
others since I can't afford that $40K setup.  It's just that I want to
learn.  I crave knowledge as much as I admire good work.  APML is a great
place to learn.  I'm not sure why we can't agree to embrace new
technologies as well as we progress in our learning experiences.

So I'm not sure what's the right answer.  I suppose if there is enough
support we could agree to leave APML as a strictly film only list and
start a new list somewhere (yahoo?).  The new list could be dedicated to
astro imaging without regard to image acquisition be it film, CDD, webcam,
 digital camera, or whatever.  If enough people feel strongly about this I
think a new list could work.

As for me, regardless of what the list decides, I will continue to lurk on
APML and contribute when I can.

Frank
http://celestialwonders.com
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