What Hi-fi Blogs.

[chebby]

What plans are there for the What Hifi Blogs?

They are pretty dire nowadays.

Are you going to let that section... 'wither on the vine'. or do something about it, or just rename it 'This Week In HD' and be done with it

 

[Joe Cox]

How do you mean they are pretty dire?

What would you like to see in there, Chebby?

At the moment that section is used for hands-on reviews and DVD/BD reviews when we do them, which will ultimately move in to the reviews section, and the occasional opinion post - see Andy's CES trends round-up and my post on curved screens. We'd like to do more but that's the case with a lot of things. The section will ultimately become part of the news channel but would still be interested to know what you'd like to see. Opinion columns?

 

[hammill]

This was pretty good

http://www.whathifi.com/blog/is-philips-flogging-off-the-family-silver-no-its-just-going-back-to-where-they-started

 

[chebby]

How do you mean they are pretty dire?

The vast majority of them are just 'The Week In HD' which are mostly just a subset of what we can find out from online listings, a Radio Times or our TV's own EPG.

A lot of the other 'blogs' are indistinguishable from 'News' items, or should be in the 'Reviews' section because they are, essentially, reviews.

Here are some examples of the kind of thing I miss...

http://www.whathifi.com/blog/1002160

... pick any three (or a dozen or whatever) and there is more insight, wit, flair and engagement than anything on the blog recently.

Some of those guides on setting up a NAS were genuinely funny and interesting to read even if you had no intention of setting one up yourself! (And evidently very useful to those who did.)

The company visits and company histories ("Industry insider") were excellent. Articles about various milestones in hi-fi and broadcasting and pioneering figures in the industry were covered so well that I have them bookmarked.

I haven't bookmarked anything from the blogs for ages.

Without being specific I just want something to read in the blogs now-and-then that looks like it was written by someone who gives a t##s!

http://www.whathifi.com/blog/90-years-after-its-first-transmission-bbc-radio-%E2%80%93-from-arthur-burrows-to-danny-baker

 

[Joe Cox]

Well we all give a toss, but cheers ;-)

Andrew obviously had a flair for blogs such as those and I agree with you they were always a good read but there's also the hard truth that hardly anyone read the majority of them, so we have to be realistic with how we use our time. We definitely have it down as something to do more of, more often, so will bear it in mind.

 

[John Duncan]

They may not have got as many clicks, no, but what was the time on the page? Now that you have a cool MPU that follows you down the page, maybe somebody actually reading something interesting for a while longer would be more attractive for the placer of that MPU? Dunno your numbers any more so can't really comment, but I was always of the view that interesting content would bubble to the top.

I'd rather read an opinion piece (even if it's written by a *** like me) than the news item on the Denon DAC, for example, which was...uninformative. YMMV.

 

[spiny norman]

Andrew obviously had a flair for blogs such as those and I agree with you they were always a good read but there's also the hard truth that hardly anyone read the majority of them, so we have to be realistic with how we use our time. We definitely have it down as something to do more of, more often, so will bear it in mind.

Hi Joe,

If you put your mind to it, do you think you could be even more patronising?

As a long-time reader of Mr Everard's excellent blog-pieces and industry analysis, I am sure he'll be very grateful that, after all those years of wasting his and your time with that nonsense that clearly no-one ever read, you found a way to show him the error of his ways. Is that why he left the magazine, since apparently the circumstances seem shrouded in mystery?

Clearly he really should have been writing 'All you need to know' articles littered with errors and incomprehension, reviews whose impenetrability is matched only by their flimsiness, and news stories clearly written by school-leavers. Primary school leavers.

However, good to know that despite the fact the blogs were stopped because they apparently didn't have any readers, you're planning to do more of them as part of your more realistic time-management. Makes perfect sense to me.

Anyway, any chance you could persuade any more of the mysterious WHSV cabal to show their faces on the forum more than once in a blue moon – hi, Ketan. Or is their contempt for the readers even greater than yours?

If that's asking too much, maybe you could simply suggest to them that they might try to show some evidence of giving a d@mn about their subject, if their writing skills extend that far.

Thanks, and bye

 

[Joe Cox]

It wasn't mean to be remotely patronising, just an honest answer. The blogs haven't been 'stopped'. I'll pass on all your feedback.

Spiny Norman - so you're slagging off everything we do and all our writers... and then asking if they'll come on the forums more? :rofl:

 

[spiny norman]

Spiny Norman - so you're slagging off everything we do and all our writers... and then asking if they'll come on the forums more? :rofl:

No, of course, it was a hilarious idea, hence your 'rofl'. And attacking your readers when they complain is a much better use of your precious resources, isn't it?

Just thought it might give them a way of showing they know what they're talking about and are engaged with their readers, but probably hardly anyone would read that. Stick to the fourth-hand new stories taken from tweets by unknown sources; much safer plan of action.

Afetr all, you clearly know best, as your responses on this thread make abundantly clear.

 

[professorhat]

Spiny Norman - so you're slagging off everything we do and all our writers... and then asking if they'll come on the forums more? :rofl:

No, of course, it was a hilarious idea, hence your 'rofl'. And attacking your readers when they complain is a much better use of your precious resources, isn't it?

Do you read the magazine spiny?

 

[spiny norman]

Do you read the magazine spiny?

Yes: it has wordies on it telling you which monthy it is and what's in the magaziny. Have you gone all Russell Brand, prof?

Seriously, though, yes: have been a reader of the magazine for several decades, and old enough to remember when Haymarket sustained three hi-fi magazines pitched at various levels, and had real enthusiasts onboard like Kettle, Hughes, Steward, Howard, Gold and even that chap who became the DG of the BBC for about 10min.

OK, so some of them embraced some of the more loony audio dogma of the time, but at least they always wrote engaging, entertaining stuff, even if the brief-lived experiment in filling the magazines with motoring writers blathering on about the expensive systems they'd bought because they were so well paid did put the teeth on edge a bit.

However, I read the 'last man standing' less frequently than once I did, because a) it only takes about 15min cover to cover, b) most of it is on the website for free, and c) every time I do read it I do so with a heavier heart at the level of howlers, poor writing and grammar, and sheer incompetence on display. Somewhere in there is a really good magazine fighting to get out, or maybe it's too late now.

That's what makes me sad. And just a bit angry.

 

[professorhat]

Do you read the magazine spiny?

Yes: it has wordies on it telling you which monthy it is and what's in the magaziny. Have you gone all Russell Brand, prof?

[Whoosh] ... not a clue what you're on about...

Seriously, though, yes: have been a reader of the magazine for several decades, and old enough to remember when Haymarket sustained three hi-fi magazines pitched at various levels, and had real enthusiasts onboard like Kettle, Hughes, Steward, Howard, Gold and even that chap who became the DG of the BBC for about 10min.

OK, so some of them embraced some of the more loony audio dogma of the time, but at least they always wrote engaging, entertaining stuff, even if the brief-lived experiment in filling the magazines with motoring writers blathering on about the expensive systems they'd bought because they were so well paid did put the teeth on edge a bit.

However, I read the 'last man standing' less frequently than once I did, because a) it only takes about 15min cover to cover, b) most of it is on the website for free, and c) every time I do read it I do so with a heavier heart at the level of howlers, poor writing and grammar, and sheer incompetence on display. Somewhere in there is a really good magazine fighting to get out, or maybe it's too late now.

That's what makes me sad. And just a bit angry.

Okay, it just seemed weird to me that you might actually read the magazine, given the vitriol I've seen you spew at WHF and its staff on the forum over time. I see now that perhaps it's meant to "shock" them into making a magazine more to your tastes? Good luck with that.

 

[spiny norman]

[Whoosh] ... not a clue what you're on about...

You know, the spiny of the magaziny: the bit that holds all the pagies together. You asked whether I read it.

Okay, it just seemed weird to me that you might actually read the magazine, given the vitriol I've seen you spew at WHF and its staff on the forum over time. I see now that perhaps it's meant to "shock" them into making a magazine more to your tastes? Good luck with that

I started out in hi-fi reading the magazine, probably before most of the current bunch producing it was even born. It guided me to buy my first system, enthused me to improve it with tips and hints, got me to the point where I wanted to read more and explore other magazines (at one point I was buying half a dozen or so a month, and couldn't wait for lunch-breaks, etc to read every page of them), and helped me develop a life-long enthusiasm.

You put your hand on your heart (or on your hat) and tell me you think the current woeful publication could do any of that. 0r even tries to. There's a lot of talk about how the hi-fi industry is in decline, and young people grow up thinking an iPod and a tinny £100 Bluetooth speaker is all they need for great sound: I think WHSV's role in the creation of that situation, and the devaluation of the term 'hi-fi' to mean almost anything that lights up and makes a noise, is hugely underestimated.

 

[chebby]

... I agree with you they were always a good read but there's also the hard truth that hardly anyone read the majority of them...

That's disappointing to know.

Do you think that's because the 'Industry Insider' articles were not given enough prominence?

For instance, once they had 'rolled off' the first couple of pages, older blogs were almost impossible to find, using the problematic site search tool, and only easier to find on Google if you knew (or remembered) relevant subject keywords / author etc.

Do you think it might be because the readership / demographic are less willing to read a lengthy article nowadays (no matter how interesting it is) because it won't all fit on one tablet screen and can't be 'consumed' in less than a minute?

If the latter, is it always right to pander to the taste for bitesize 'blogettes' for those who can't get their heads around anything much longer than a few tweets and a picture?

To be fair, I suppose that's not your job. The 'lowest common denominator' approach must kick in with a vengeance when trying to sell advertising space next to content that requires a tad more concentration than the attention span of a Mayfly with ADHD

Maybe I just have to be grateful that AE wrote such a great body of work over the last six years or so and 'cherry pick' the best ones to move onto a memory stick for future (private) enjoyment and reference.

 

[professorhat]

[Whoosh] ... not a clue what you're on about...

You know, the spiny of the magaziny: the bit that holds all the pagies together. You asked whether I read it.

Ah! Because I missed a comma - most amusing!

Okay, it just seemed weird to me that you might actually read the magazine, given the vitriol I've seen you spew at WHF and its staff on the forum over time. I see now that perhaps it's meant to "shock" them into making a magazine more to your tastes? Good luck with that

I started out in hi-fi reading the magazine, probably before most of the current bunch producing it was even born. It guided me to buy my first system, enthused me to improve it with tips and hints, got me to the point where I wanted to read more and explore other magazines (at one point I was buying half a dozen or so a month, and couldn't wait for lunch-breaks, etc to read every page of them), and helped me develop a life-long enthusiasm.

You put your hand on your heart (or on your hat) and tell me you think the current woeful publication could do any of that. 0r even tries to. There's a lot of talk about how the hi-fi industry is in decline, and young people grow up thinking an iPod and a tinny £100 Bluetooth speaker is all they need for great sound: I think WHSV's role in the creation of that situation, and the devaluation of the term 'hi-fi' to mean almost anything that lights up and makes a noise, is hugely underestimated.

Wow, I'm sure they'd be flattered by your estimation of their influence over the "yoof today". I'm also equally sure you're wrong, but there you go.

My point really was if you are trying to provide helpful, constructive criticism to the WHF staff in order to help the poor uneducated souls (who apparently haven't even managed to struggle their way through secondary school) create a better magazine / website, I don't think you've quite got the tone of your posts right.

If on the other hand, you want to appear as an abusive t**t, then carry on as you are.

 

[CnoEvil]

You put your hand on your heart (or on your hat) and tell me you think the current woeful publication could do any of that. 0r even tries to. There's a lot of talk about how the hi-fi industry is in decline, and young people grow up thinking an iPod and a tinny £100 Bluetooth speaker is all they need for great sound: I think WHSV's role in the creation of that situation, and the devaluation of the term 'hi-fi' to mean almost anything that lights up and makes a noise, is hugely underestimated.

I suspect it has been "watered down" with horizons that have been expanded, to appeal to a wider audience, and as such has lost it's mojo for the older enthusiast, who is looking for a much deeper insight and more eclectic range of 2 channel products. It's a hard balance to get right and greatly depends on what audience is being targeted.

Like you, I find little appeal in the current format.....but there are other more specialist publications which cover that.

 

[Joe Cox]

... I agree with you they were always a good read but there's also the hard truth that hardly anyone read the majority of them...

That's disappointing to know.

Do you think that's because the 'Industry Insider' articles were not given enough prominence?

For instance, once they had 'rolled off' the first couple of pages, older blogs were almost impossible to find, using the problematic site search tool, and only easier to find on Google if you knew (or remembered) relevant subject keywords / author etc.

Do you think it might be because the readership / demographic are less willing to read a lengthy article nowadays (no matter how interesting it is) because it won't all fit on one tablet screen and can't be 'consumed' in less than a minute?

If the latter, is it always right to pander to the taste for bitesize 'blogettes' for those who can't get their heads around anything much longer than a few tweets and a picture?

To be fair, I suppose that's not your job. The 'lowest common denominator' approach must kick in with a vengeance when trying to sell advertising space next to content that requires a tad more concentration than the attention span of a Mayfly with ADHD

Maybe I just have to be grateful that AE wrote such a great body of work over the last six years or so and 'cherry pick' the best ones to move onto a memory stick for future (private) enjoyment and reference.

I'm sure the 'unique' nature of our website's design doesn't help. Hopefully in the not too distant future that will be rectified.

The vast majority of people who use our site do so for buying advice, so it seems sensible to use the majority of our time serving them, which means reviews of kit they want to buy, stories on new products coming out and how to/everything you need to know style pages, which have proved very popular. You have to remember the people who use these forums are not always indicative of our wider audience and readership. That said, we still do more traditional hi-fi products than anyone, high-end kit etc. And also, that you're never going to please all of the people all of the time - hence people moan about us reviewing £100 Bluetooth speakers while others moan about the Temptation section!

 

[spiny norman]

If on the other hand, you want to appear as an abusive t**t, then carry on as you are.

And i thought we were having a sensible conversation. Then you go and use such immoderate language, which is surely both uncalled for and contrary to the rules around here.

Ho hum...

 

[spiny norman]

Hopefully in the not too distant future that will be rectified.

Remind me: is that excuse about to celebrate its second birthday, or its third?

 

[BenLaw]

If on the other hand, you want to appear as an abusive t**t, then carry on as you are.

And i thought we were having a sensible conversation. Then you go and use such immoderate language, which is surely both uncalled for and contrary to the rules around here.

Ho hum...

I think abusive tart probably sums up your stance and post pretty fairly.

Oh, and I'm guessing Joe's earlier 'rofl' was a comment on the fact that you laugh at your own 'jokes' ALL the bloody time. You stop it and maybe he will.

 

[spiny norman]

I think abusive tart probably sums up your stance and post pretty fairly.

Oh, and I'm guessing Joe's earlier 'rofl' was a comment on the fact that you laugh at your own 'jokes' ALL the bloody time. You stop it and maybe he will.

Again, there's no need to swear, even in a semingly Pavlovian response: I post, you carp.

But thanks for your contribution to the conversation chebby started. Most helpful.

 

[BenLaw]

I think abusive tart probably sums up your stance and post pretty fairly.

Oh, and I'm guessing Joe's earlier 'rofl' was a comment on the fact that you laugh at your own 'jokes' ALL the bloody time. You stop it and maybe he will.

Again, there's no need to swear, even in a semingly Pavlovian response: I post, you carp.

But thanks for your contribution to the conversation chebby started. Most helpful.

'Semingly'? Struggling to take your spelling and grammar criticism seriously.

 

[professorhat]

If on the other hand, you want to appear as an abusive t**t, then carry on as you are.

And i thought we were having a sensible conversation. Then you go and use such immoderate language, which is surely both uncalled for and contrary to the rules around here.

Ho hum...

Rather than responding to the (believe it or not) actually serious advice I was giving, you've chosen to concentrate on one word - would it have made a difference if it had said "an abusive EDITED"? Either way, it's an accurate description of your current behaviour, whether you like it or not.

Which kind of reinforces my original belief that you couldn't give two hoots about the magazine / website's direction (there you go, language all the family can enjoy), and would rather just spout hate and venom at them.

As I said previously, if your agenda is truly what you say, and you honestly think this is the way to go about it, "Good luck with that". Unfortunately I think everything I say is lost on you.

 

[spiny norman]

'Semingly'? Struggling to take your spelling and grammar criticism seriously.

Phew! Just when I thought you weren't going to undermine yourself by being petty...

 

[spiny norman]

Not sure I can be bothered to continue to attempt to discuss further what I do feel is an important topic.

Good job derailing there, professor; and good luck with the campaigning, chebby, though I can't help feeling you may have hit a brick wall of refusal to listen on several fronts here.