The spectroscopic monitoring programs carried out by the Spectroscopy Group of the German "Vereinigung der Sternfreunde" are reviewed in light of current research. Potential benefits for the professional community in collaborating and obtain long-term monitoring data otherwise unaccessible due to telescope time restrictions are summarized. The contribution highlights results on specific objects of wide interest, such as the well investigated Be stars ≥ Tauri or the S Doradus type variable P Cygni.
Spectroscopic Hα observations during the recent eclipse of the long-periodic M2 Iab+B binary VV Cephei are reported. Next to the delay of mid-eclipse with respect to the published ephemeris, an increase of the line emission after the event is reported.