2. misc-audio
  3. 170711-84906

Adding a “safe haven” forum for discussion of tweaks?

I think we can all agree that threads about tweaks like fuses, stones, mats, power conditioners etc. stir up all kinds of controversy, conflict and ill will.

 

Short of banning discussion of these controversial topics, is there another solution to this problem?

 

I got this idea from teo_audio’s comments about a solution implemented at Canuck audio on another thread:

 

“Canuck audio tames it by having a cable and tweak area for threads. Where any counter to the idea that such things are functional (in attempt or in analysis), is not tolerated.

 

Meaning.. threads where people discuss tweaks, or mods or cables and so on, if a naysayer posts there, and interrupts the discussion, in any way, they get their posts deleted. And...if the given naysayer can’t hold their tongue, after said deletion-ish warnings..... they will, rapidly, via any repeats in behavior, find themselves banned from the forum. They have to grow up, or get lost.”

 

You may not like parts of his description, but I think the idea has real merit.

 

I propose a new “safe haven” sub-forum, with some special rules, for the discussion of tweaks. These rules would ONLY apply to this specific sub-forum, the current rules would continue as they are in all other areas.

 

The special rules would be along these lines:

 

Posts that categorically deny the possibility of tweaks having any effect or value are not allowed.

 

Posts proclaiming tweaks to be “scams” “cons” etc. are not allowed.

 

Posts that directly state, or imply, that another poster is lying, are not allowed.

 

Posts that make absolute negative statements like “Science proves it can’t work.” are not allowed.

 

Posts demanding measurements, controlled listening tests etc. are not allowed.

 

Posts that express skepticism (without making absolute negative statements), ask tough questions, or request more information are welcome.

 

Of course, some who hold the above opinions may object, but they would still be able to express those opinions in all other parts of the forum, just like they always have.

 

What do you think?

tommylion
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 

I have no problem with honest debate and I abhor censorship. Where I draw the line is when a poster slams a product without ever trying it, and in effect, becomes an arsonist in an attempt to burn a small business down. I realize that it may be unintended, but knocking a product without direct knowledge/experience of said product is harmful to the manufacturer.

Over the years, this has happened to several products that I’ve introduced, or reviewed here on Audiogon.

We all know about SR fuses, but how many remember all of the flack I took about PPT products initially until others took the plunge and tried them.?

And then the latest was the recent poster who claimed that he got the same results from two small ficus trees behind his speakers that I am getting from four Shakti Holograms, claiming that they were over-priced. He’s never tried the product and has never heard them in someone else’s system. He has NO clue whatsoever.

Ben Piazza, the developer of the Shakti Holograms, like Tim Mrock of PPT (RIP), and Ted Denney of SR, are small businessmen operating on small margins. . Unwittingly or not, why do these negative posters continue in their attempt to destroy these businesses without a second thought?


Those who have not tried the products in question in their own systems have no credibility in their remarks. Nuff said.

Frank

berner99
216 posts
 

Another approach is that e.g. every post in a certain forum/subforum must have the word:

HEARD or NOT HEARD

at the top of every reply to indicate whether the person was speaking from experience or not. This way people could easily ignore the replies of people who have not heard whatever was being discussed..  Replies without that could be deleted but perhaps not necessary since interested people could just scan for replies with HEARD at the top.

jdane
183 posts
 

An ignore feature would be helpful, I suppose.  But I don't really find the most egregious examples of this all that bad (have you ever seen what goes on on, say, a sports board?-- I don't think I've ever encountered racist, sexist or homophobic b.s. here.) The only time I do mind is when someone new asks a question and is reviled because that issue was discussed a year or two ago.  How is anyone coming to this site with a question supposed to know that?  (If it's like: is SS better than tube, a simple response  'this is unanswerable as the following specific threads show' should suffice). At least someone asked what each one of us here has at some point asked themselves.   I've asked some pretty basic and maybe what seem stupid questions here, and I've always gotten civil responses (or simply been ignored, which is fine also).  

tablejockey
3,890 posts
 

It's here

https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/etv.mpl?forum=tweaks

fuses, stones, mats, power conditioners etc. friendly.

 

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