[APML]: Computer Enhancement

[celstar@wi.frontiercomm.net]

I have been struggling with some aspects of photo enhancement
myself. Every time I see an "excellent" astro image, then read that
it was computer enhanced, my heart sinks a little. I realize it is a
fine line that can be reasoned both ways.  

I have read that part of the beauty of astrophotgraphy is that it's
not easy, and that a great astrophoto results only from many hours
(years ??) of experince brought to bear on alignment, film selection,
guiding, hypering, waiting for perfect skies, trial & error etc.
Are we skilled photographers, or just good with a computer program?

A recent posting said that computer enhancement can turn a so-so
image into a great image. Personally, I feel that enhancement 
should be used sparingly and true to the original image, not to add 
color that isn't there, or remove star trials due to guiding error. 

Question: Are computer enhanced images allowed in astrophoto 
        competitions such as that at Astrofest?

Joe C.