Re: TM & ATMJ #1

[Atmj1@aol.com]

Telescope Making Reprints - Revisited 2 (page 1 of 4)


Even before Captain's took over ATM Journal, I cared enough about our craft to
humbly ask all of you for help. Today, with absolutely no financial interest
in ATMJ whatsoever, I feel I have a right to let my hair down and speak like a
full-bore, card-carrying TN with 38 years of dedication, in asking for more of
the same. 

I have read continued comments and responses to the perceived TM reprint
dilemma and I get more concerned everyday. 

To quote a verse from the late Michael Murphy's WHAT'S FOREVER FOR:

"…WHEN RIGHT THERE IN THEY'RE HANDS IS A DYING ROMANCE AND THEY'RE NOT EVEN
TRYING TO KEEP IT ALIVE."

Many of you have sent messages of undying support for the Journal to my
private email. I thank you all for that. However, the Journal needs to be
talked up here (on the List) a bit. If it is considered self-serving, I'm
sorry. 

Anyone who knows me knows that in the shop, I can act like a real hotdog. They
also know that, when it comes to the Journal, I am not in the thrill seeking /
ego boosting mode in the least. Dozens of well respected ATMs can attest that
what I have done for the Journal, I have done for the right reason -- to serve
the ATM community. 

Once upon a time, a fellow got so angry with me because I didn't publish his
"letter to the editor" (I was publishing NO "letters to the editor" at that
time) and failed to publish his article ahead of about 15-20 others that
Richard Berry had sent me at the termination of TM, that he went off and
created his own vehicle for propagating his opinions. Conversely, I refused to
publish an article of my own (in a magazine that was TOTALLY mine), until
issue #4, so that it would be part of the MIX and not just me having MY way
with OUR publication.

When TM folded, I did not call to say "Hey, look at me. I'm gonna be a hero."
I called Richard Berry and Peter Ceravolo to ask if I could be of service in
any way to prevent TM's demise. Yes, I worked quickly to make my intentions
known. However, it most definitely a PLAN B.

Now, I have said all that to say this:

The DYING ROMANCE I speak of is ATM Journal. No, the Journal is not dying. We
are increasing in numbers every week. However, if over zealous folks with HTML
software keep popping up and splintering our efforts with another me-too FAQ
telescope making page, the Journal will continue to grow too slowly. If it
grows too slowly too long…well, you do the math. Between two of our issues,
paper prices rose 25% and postage went along for the ride. Those increases
weren't budgeted and I can assure you that the money to stay afloat could have
been used in any number of deserving ways.

(Continued…)