The Alt-Az Initiative is a catalyst for the development of low cost, lightweight, modest aperture (2 meters and less) alt-az research telescopes. Such telescopes, especially when automated and networked, can be cost-effective tools for dedicated research programs including low and high resolution fiber-fed spectroscopy as well as optical, near infrared, and high speed photometry. To date, two full conferences and eleven workshops have been completed. Twelve technical initiatives have been completed or are underway. These include optical designs, lightweight mirrors, active primary mirror controls, and direct drive motors and controllers. One low cost, lightweight, technical demonstration telescope with lightweight mirrors, a lightweight structure, and direct drives has been completed. Some Initiative developments are being utilized in the production of the PlaneWave Intruments 0.7 meter Corrected Dall kirkham (CDK 700) telescope. A 24-chapter book, Lightweight Alt-Az Telescope Developments, based on these meetings, initiatives, and the demonstration telescope, is in final editing. This Yahoo Discussion Group was established for the exchange of technical information with the goal of encouraging 0.5 to 2.0 meter lightweight alt-az telesope developments.