Has the forum died?

[chebby]

It can only be the content and people that use the forum - the way the forum has gone in my view is totally boring. Hardly any new chat, no new ideas, the same old stuff from the same old people.

Some fascinating stuff going on ...

Long time Hegel + ATC user converted completely to Sonos.

Good discussion about Exposure amps.

Excellent returning member's review of his new AVI ADM10s.

There is an interesting discussion of people's experiences with trying different op-amps in the Nord NC500 power amplifiers that reminds me of 'tube rolling' in valve amps.

And an assortment of questions asking all sorts of things like what FM tuners to use in marginal reception areas, how to get rid of hum on certain turntables, how to adjust a tonearm to avoid drifting when cueing, how to sort out a mains cable that was 'double earthed' and plenty more. (Luckily not too many "What speaker cable" questions.)

That's just a small selection from the last couple of days.

At least two of them came from new members and one from a returning member.

 

[ellisdj]

All those threads are started by people who are reguarly active on here, the same old names that I am familiar with.

Thats very limited content - nothing there of interest to me and likely a lot of other people.

If there was 30 new threads a week or even a day on a variety of topics there would be something for everyone.

 

[shadders]

It doesnt matter what is posted in a thread title or thread opening post the behaviour is the same from the same people - its relentless in fact. The last thread I started proved that what you suggest does not work.

Then you have thread on a specific product - how comes the forst 10 - 20 posts are not related to experience with that product - thats just self control from poster. Noone can control that, only the individuals.

Whether these people like it or not there are areas of the hobby, controversial or not that I am sure people would like to ask and talk about - but that is not allowed to happen because of the bahviour of certain people and how they post in those threads, more often than not in an insulting manner

Noone hurts my feelings or changes my opinion as I think I have proved by my sustained stance and I am about the only person to post about certain topics - but am I the only person buying these products - Of Course Not - so all these thousands of audiophiles that are also buying the products are not active in this community despite I am sure being very much aware of it. Why are they not - that is the question that needs answering

I think its a terrible thing. Go to the Bristol show there is a huge turn out - why are all those people not active on here - because I dont think it appears a very friendly place in general - well it is if you think the same way as a certain few - if you dont your called an idiot or worse. That is the sum of it.

Now if there was more content in general yes there would be some rubbish in some peoples eyes. but there also would be a lot more thats interesting to them as well.

If the ethos of the posters starts to change I think so will the amount of active users and posters and thats better for everyone. It cant be anything else

Hi,

You will never change the people responding. As per previous threads where you stated you did not want negative or disagreeing comments, most people adhered to this request. So it does work to some extent.

Of course there are people buying specialist cables, but it is possible that many just aren't bothered to join a forum, and accept the magazines reviews. Why would you join a forum if the magazine has already indicated the optimal cables?

People attend hifi shows, but, maybe they don't buy What Hifi? Maybe they aren't bothered about forums, are on other forums, happy for magazine reviews only, enjoy their hifi as is etc.

If you regularly state that you only want positive remarks, or shared experience statements in your threads or posts, you should be able to reduce the responses you have requested not to receive. There will always be people who disagree, so as per every other forum, it is par for the course.

Regards,

Shadders.

 

[ellisdj]

Not positive remarks only a Positive Forum - there is a big difference maybe I didnt explain correctly what I meant, I thought I did.

So that someone posts about a product doesnt matter what it is amp, speaker, cable or fuse. or someone posts about what they have been up to in tweaking better performance.

Then following posts and then related to the product - i.e thanks for the suggestion, I will try that, or I have tried it and think this could be positive or negative but at least the person has tried the aforementioned product. Its the same thing but its positive, we dont get that now, or only on certain products.

If we got it on everything more people would get involved and so on. I doubt only 20 people want to be involved on this forum, there is just not the content or attitude from those who post on here to facilitate it. The attitude needs to be better initally imo to facilitate a more active forum.

 

[shadders]

Not positive remarks only a Positive Forum - there is a big difference maybe I didnt explain correctly what I meant, I thought I did.

So that someone posts about a product doesnt matter what it is amp, speaker, cable or fuse. or someone posts about what they have been up to in tweaking better performance.

Then following posts and then related to the product - i.e thanks for the suggestion, I will try that, or I have tried it and think this could be positive or negative but at least the person has tried the aforementioned product. Its the same thing but its positive, we dont get that now, or only on certain products.

If we got it on everything more people would get involved and so on. I doubt only 20 people want to be involved on this forum, there is just not the content or attitude from those who post on here to facilitate it. The attitude needs to be better initally imo to facilitate a more active forum.

Hi,

Ok, but maybe your experience has been negative, but many new people posted recently, and replied thank you for the helpful posts and responses.

I think you may be looking for a forum where people are on medication for a truly positive only, lets hold hands and sing type of approach, to every hifi modification and experience.

Some people are just grumpy and negative. Many more are positive, which maybe you are forgetting.

Regards,

Shadders.

 

[chebby]

Not positive remarks only a Positive Forum - there is a big difference maybe I didnt explain correctly what I meant, I thought I did.

So that someone posts about a product doesnt matter what it is amp, speaker, cable or fuse. or someone posts about what they have been up to in tweaking better performance.

Then following posts and then related to the product - i.e thanks for the suggestion, I will try that, or I have tried it and think this could be positive or negative but at least the person has tried the aforementioned product. Its the same thing but its positive, we dont get that now, or only on certain products.

If we got it on everything more people would get involved and so on. I doubt only 20 people want to be involved on this forum, there is just not the content or attitude from those who post on here to facilitate it. The attitude needs to be better initally imo to facilitate a more active forum.

Starting to sound a bit like a cult. Happy smiley people who all agree with each other? It would be too weird.]

However, in keeping with the spirit of your posts ...

... yes that sounds like an excellent model for a positive and accepting environment in which to all enjoy and share our hobby. Please could you link to a forum that manages to practice what you have described, so we can get an idea of it in practice? Thank-you Ellis.

 

[ellisdj]

2 more grumpy old men posts there - negative towards the idea a hifi forum can be a positive place in general, people can disagree but they can also allow others to engage conversation - not try and shut it down with grumpy pessimistic views. Thats the killer.

Better attitudes will lead to more active content on the site which will lead to more topics to get people interested in and active in, so more people get involved and start more content so there is more there to discusss for all - a positive cycle. What is wrong with that, its not hard either - it should be like it anyway

Currently its a negative cycle and its been like it for ages hence the position where there are 2 threads about it - nothing demonstrates better what I am getting at

 

[shadders]

2 more grumpy old men posts there - negative towards the idea a hifi forum can be a positive place in general, people can disagree but they can also allow others to engage conversation - not try and shut it down with grumpy pessimistic views. Thats the killer.

Better attitudes will lead to more active content on the site which will lead to more topics to get people interested in and active in, so more people get involved and start more content so there is more there to discusss for all - a positive cycle. What is wrong with that, its not hard either - it should be like it anyway

Currently its a negative cycle and its been like it for ages hence the position where there are 2 threads about it - nothing demonstrates better what I am getting at

Hi,

Not at all. We have just stated the facts that there are negative people, that does not make us negative.

If you think it does, then the culture you are attempting to invoke is one of totalitarianism, where only nice, happy thoughts are pervasive, the one's in which you believe are the only possible constructive and acceptable comments allowed.

I have seen many threads and hence posts recently that are simimlar to your proposed ethos of the forum you wish to be a part of. Just because it is not all sweetness and light, doesn't make it a bad forum. There are many good posts and this has been commented upon by newcomers.

Don't mistake banter, or robust arguments within discussions as negative aspects, they are healthy.

Regards,

Shadders.

 

[tonky]

I forgot to put - dont worry lads keep up the good work, pretty soon you will have it just how you want it - with only about 20 people active on here all with the same views

Thats a grand prospect to consider.........

Aaaargh! Don't start another AVI DM10 thread!

Tonky

and PS Please respect your elders! - Grumpy old men indeed! - now who's being negative and discourteous!

 

[ellisdj]

Both sets of comments were negative. They were negative comments just about being positive.

Can't even be positive about being positive. No wonder it's like a ghost town on here

 

[Al ears]

Both sets of comments were negative. They were negative comments just about being positive.

Can't even be positive about being positive. No wonder it's like a ghost town on here

I for one would disagree with that last statement, we appear to have more new members arriving than at any other time I can recall.

 

[ellisdj]

How many new or newish posters in the top 3 topics on the forum right now - I had a quick flick through and saw the grand total of 0 - says it all.

 

[shadders]

How many new or newish posters in the top 3 topics on the forum right now - I had a quick flick through and saw the grand total of 0 - says it all.

Hi,

I don't see that as significant. Are the established people in the top three topics (of course, we must exclude this one), answering questions and sharing experience, or not?

A fail to see the importance of every comment being significantly positive only. There is always a neutral or negative aspect, if the statement discussed is in error, or has an alternative viewpoint.

You seem to be saying we must all meet your requirements for discussion, without providing the rules of what statements will or will not be seen by you, as positive.

If you provide a definitive rule based instruction set on how we must behave, then you may be able to achieve your goal.

Regards,

Shadders.

 

[drummerman]

PFM is much friendlier if that is what you're looking for. A lot of appreciation for others, the odd disagreement. Some good discussions, some (very) nice systems.

I like both, this and the PFM.

Generally I have no problem with the odd fisticuffs. This place is pretty self regulating on the whole.

Can't say it was much better when the mods were more active.

 

[expat_mike]

Where are all the hifi enthusiasts - there cant only be our resident 20 out there and I think its debateable calling some of them enthusiasts.

I see that you practice what you preach, and only make positive comments about other people.

 

[MajorFubar]

On the whole I do agree with Ellis's sentiments: it's wrong that any forum should feel hostile, be that for newbies or existing posters. It's just a given. But if someone comes along and says 'Hey I baked my speaker cable in 100% organic horse **** and you want to hear the difference it makes, totally makes up for the fact my lounge smells a bit and the wife has left me", are we supposed to say "cool good for you let's all try it" or are we supposed to say "Sorry but that's utter, erm, horse ****, even though I haven't tried it and never will"

 

[expat_mike]

In recent times, I have been trying, pretty successfull I think, to be polite and non aggressive in my posts even when responding to posts that are complete twaddle.

I would like to thank DDC for making the effort. You were rather confrontational when you first started posting, but noticeably changed your style, and are now an approachable and knowledgeable source of advice on several areas that are often asked about - especially small desktop speakers, and active speakers, spring to mind.

 

[ellisdj]

On the whole I do agree with Ellis's sentiments: it's wrong that any forum should feel hostile, be that for newbies or existing posters. It's just a given. But if someone comes along and says 'Hey I baked my speaker cable in 100% organic horse **** and you want to hear the difference it makes, totally makes up for the fact my lounge smells a bit and the wife has left me", are we supposed to say "cool good for you let's all try it" or are we supposed to say "Sorry but that's utter, erm, horse ****, even though I haven't tried it and never will"

Major there is no need to say anything at all in this instance - however the attitude of people on this forum would be to tell the person what an idiot they are, they are stupid for not abx blind testing and stupid for not realising that its all in his head. With several sarcastic comments thrown in for good measure. Is that person going to come back, does that inspire someone else to get involved in the future or start their own thread on something they have done.

Thanks for your post it actually works very well in highlighting the situation that I feel is a major no pun factor

 

[MajorFubar]

Thanks for your post it actually works very well in highlighting the situation that I feel is a major no pun factor

First of all, seeing that I'm probably one of the people you think is unnecessary unpleasant at times, I'd like to make it unequivocably clear that I virtually never intend my responses to be personally insuting, and if you have ever felt personally insulted in the past by anything I've said to you then I'd like to offer an unconditional apology because I nearly always enjoy reading your posts even if sometimes you're a bit - erm - blue-sky thinking and I wouldn't want you to feel discouraged from contributing. But back to the point I perhaps unsuccessfully made, if Person A says "x" and person B knows "x" to be rubbish, is it wrong to say so, even if only from the perspective of helping others with less knowledge to get an informed opinion?

 

[ellisdj]

Major you might have mis interested my comment there . I don't get insulted I don't remember reading anything insulting from you either. However some comments from some people are very insulting at times. We are all guilty me included but I never set out to do it its quite often in defence of a position I should never be put in.

I think in answer to your posts no there is no need to tell that person they are wrong. If horse manure cables improves their enjoyment a you won't change their opinion on them with a negative comments and b there is no need to comment at all to tell the person they are wrong.

If someone asks will horse manure will make a cable sound better then that is different.

But on this forum people can't wait to get in there and discredit another and that can make the forum feel hostile at times.

Do you think that is right it's an open hifi forum at the end of the day

 

[MajorFubar]

Do you think that is right it's an open hifi forum at the end of the day

That's a very obvious no...it should never feel hostile and intimidating. But we'll probably have to agree to disagree, in so far as if someone posts something which is quite ridiculous (or could be perceived to be) then a forum which doesn't welcome an alternative opinion isn't an open forum, it's a dictatorship which only welcomes agreeable opinions.

But I will take on board the view that it's not what is said but how it's said and make every attempt to improve the way I engage with people whose opinion is ridiculous. OOPS *dash1* I mean, "whose opinion is opposingly different to mine" ;-) :-D

 

[MajorFubar]

We are all guilty me included but I never set out to do it its quite often in defence of a position I should never be put in.

Yeah I can associate with that tonight. I disappeared from the forums for a bit to grieve, bought myself a new pair of speakers and have found myself on the end of personal attacks on the thread I put up as a review, from someone I don't know, but worryingly who seems to be following my inter-forum posts a bit too close for my liking.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

I Agee with you but your got to be pretty thick skinned sometimes on here .

i have learnt somethings on this forum but sometimes people can talk complete **** sometimes . I am no expert but I know what a good sound sounds like and you do not have to be brains of Britain to find the perfect hifi just some basic understanding not a man in a white coat with a science degree .

if I know how to answer someone question I will answer it but if I do not know then someone else will answer it . life is to short ... to wast it *good*

 

[drummerman]

In recent times, I have been trying, pretty successfull I think, to be polite and non aggressive in my posts even when responding to posts that are complete twaddle.

I would like to thank DDC for making the effort. You were rather confrontational when you first started posting, but noticeably changed your style, and are now an approachable and knowledgeable source of advice on several areas that are often asked about - especially small desktop speakers, and active speakers, spring to mind.

Pretty much the only thing daved... recommends. Heyho.

 

[davedotco]

In recent times, I have been trying, pretty successfull I think, to be polite and non aggressive in my posts even when responding to posts that are complete twaddle.

I would like to thank DDC for making the effort. You were rather confrontational when you first started posting, but noticeably changed your style, and are now an approachable and knowledgeable source of advice on several areas that are often asked about - especially small desktop speakers, and active speakers, spring to mind.

Pretty much the only thing daved... recommends. Heyho.

Your attempt at humour is pretty wide of the mark. Heyho to you too...!