About users with hidden agendas

There are objective listeners, half-way objective, and the 'money talks' group. Hopefully a small minority in this forum. I am of course NOT thinking of those who disclose their attachments openly, who often contribute a lot to the forum (e g Ralph Karsten / Atma-sphere; Duke Lejeune / Audiokinesis, and Jonathan Carr / Lyra), giving their professional judgement without promoting their own products. 

It was Bob Dylan who famously said, money doesn't talk it swears. But maybe 'whispers' is often more precise. Camouflaged interests.

I think the situation is even worse, on the web. There is a new style of halfway-advertising, not clearly showing the money connection. Or, not new exactly, but certainly growing.

Lets say I search for user experience of product X. I Google X, but have to wade through ten or more pages of commercial or semi-commercial content, before I find something useful (actual user experience, objective listening). I wonder about tips and tricks, how to avoid this overflow of commerce, and instead get right to what I look for. Maybe someone can advice, or, if this is relevant for many here at the forum, it could be a new thread.

As long as manufacturers, sellers and others with commercial audio interests sail under their own flags, openly - and dont post to the detriment of others - I am OK with it.

I also have quite good experience with my Synergistic Research A/C Master Coupler X2 cables. There, my interests ends. No commercial or user affiliation.

Of course, a manufacturer or seller will be influenced by the product s/he makes or sells. Happens to all of us. We have the tendency to defend the gear we bought. Sounds like the best in the world.

But the purpose of Audiogon, the way I see it, is to invite all this variation, into healthy debate. Saving us all from doing everything on our own, helping us to become more critical listeners and experienced customers, avoiding bad deals and adjusting what we have.

I appreciate the posts from mahgister, basically saying you can treat your room for low cost, rather than invest in component upgrades. I wonder what can be done in a combined living / listening room, like mine.

I asked - how can we search better, on the web, for good user experience beyond semi-commercial information. Thanks to ricthetrick for comment. But not answered, so far.

Spot on, gemoody.

A badge is worthy of consideration. But maybe a dealer / manufacturer disclosure in the signature is OK as a first step. To make Audiogon a better forum.

Cool down folks. Even if Agon isn’t "political", everything is. Some are out to grab more cake. Some are accused if they dont have golden ears - or, some condition. Take it as it comes. Over here in Europe, many are concerned that the US will be polarized, paving the way to authoritarian rule. Support Agon as a democratic, decent, "talk of the people" kind of forum.