ATM S&T format

[mkoloski@orednet.org (Michael Koloski)]

I can live with the new S&T format.  Some of you may recall
that last month I sent a letter to S&T anticipating the worst
from the editor's announcement of a format redesign.
Fortunately the new format is not the visual hodge-podge 
that I experienced with Natural History.  But there are some
problems.

1.  I notice a substantial increase in "non-words".  Check out
page 28 and 29 for instance.  "Words" must be sacrificed to
make room for the "graphics".  Unless the graphics (eg, photos,
charts, tables) convey information equal to or better than the
"words" lost there is a net lose in information.  I see that 
happening here.

2.  I find the informational text blending with the advertisement.
Not a problem for the discerning, critical reader but a clue
toward a possible trend in shifting priorities.

3.  Subtle but portenteous--check out photos on pgs 31,38,62,
75,76,78,93,112, etc.  Pictures of people by their trusty scopes.
This could be the first steps of Narcissistic "turning-inward"
where the media becomes the message.

4.  Check out the cutesy cartoons.  No biggie, I don't really mind
them it just seems to emphasize how broadly S&T is trying to
appeal.  Berth and depth are not always compatable goals

So, what to do.  Well, I think griping is futile.  I got the standard,
"we have routed your message to the appropriate editor" response
to my first message.  Frankly, life is too short to shovel against
the tide.  So, my plan is:

        a.  Continue to subscribe to S&T.  Let's face it, even a
dumbed down mag on the heavens is still pretty good stuff
        b. Subscribe to ATM Journal
        c.  Depend on the atm list and on-line
resources more.

There is one big concern that I can see.  Many of you have alluded to
it here on the list.  How will persons discover that they too can
build telescopes better than some of the stuff advertised in S&T.
Maybe ATMA needs to take out a standing 1/2 page ad in S&T
telling people that there are alternatives to Meade, Celestron and
Orion.  Whew!!! Meeting adjourned.  Mike

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