I've been a Guide user since version 3. It's on every computer I own (including my Mac using an XP emulation). At the public observatory where I'm a docent we use TheSky for controlling the CCD imaging telescope which is on a Paramount, so I'm reasonably proficient with that.

The observatory is now well into a project of building a 1 meter telescope which will use Mel Bartel's ALTAZ tracking system. I suggested we use Guide for pointing the telescope. The response was, "People already know how to use TheSky. Why should they learn a new program? What's so great about Guide?" ... a fair question, and to be fair, the response also included, "We could use both. Just pick your preferred software when starting up."

Now I must admit, I dislike TheSky. It seems overly complex and clumsy. It often doesn't have the information I want (or I just can't find it.) I don't like how it looks, and it very expensive.

I realize that these objections are (except for expense) either purely subjective or could just be the result of my relative unfamiliarity with TheSky compared to Guide. I've been using Guide so long every that every other planetarium program just looks wrong.

Please help me answer their question, "What's so great about Guide?"