Be nice to nOobs

David -
Welcome.
I'm relatively new to Audiogon myself.
Don't be put off by the lack of response. I've encountered this on a very few occasions. Mainly folks have been prompt and gracious in their replies. Even when following up with an emailed question about an old thread they'd posted. You can certainly learn a lot on this site. There are some amazing systems and people with a lot of experience relaying their insights.
Hope you find the gear you are looking for.

Welcome David. I'm not sure if this may be what's going on but I think sellers are more responsive on a newly listed item. I've noticed that if an item has been listed a long time the sellers tend to be less responsive. I believe this is because they're no longer paying close attention to the ad as they would a newly listed one. It's also possible they have sold it and simply are administratively incompetent not identifying the item as sold (which is still rude).

In any event, now that the "Church Lady" has joined the forum, maybe folks manners will improve ;-)

.

Thanks for all the input (I won't say feedback!) and good ideas. From now on I'll specify my method of payment, and include my phone number.

Since John was kind enough to ask, I was originally trying to buy Bel Canto Ref. 1000's. When that failed, I tried for a Plinius 9200, a Bryston 4B ST, and a Bel Canto integrated amp, all to no avail. I have Gallo Ref. 3.1 speakers running on a NAD 370 integrated which actually sounds pretty damn good (high current capability?), but I'm interested in checking out other amps to see how much more sonic goodness I can squeeze out of the Gallos. (If you have any input/ recommendations on good electronics for these speakers, my e-mail is attaway_d@hotmail.com)

Best Regards,
David

Hi David, as others mentioned, no response is just plain rude, and that has not been my experience here. Sometimes you will see the seller finally get around to marking the item "sold" shortly after you e-mail them, which might indicate he had already sold it before you responded. You should still get a response, but everyone does not operate that way. Just hang in there, and be very sure you are clear in your offer. In other words, if it is an item you really want, from a well-regarded seller, make it clear you are making a firm offer, and not just kicking tires.

To Mrjstark, I must take exception to your profiling everyone with feedback scores over 300 as "in it for the money," and those with scores over 100 as being insensitive to newer members, or that they "don't remember the day they started." That is just plain not true here and paints a distorted picture for David. One of the best things about this site is the wealth of information offered to the newer members by those with more experience, and even by some folks in the industry. Also, many with higher feedback scores are not in business, but have simply been at this a while, and enjoy trying new equipment. My current feedback score is over 300, and I have lost money overall. However, I am willing to sell for similar prices to those at which I purchase, and sometimes for less, just for the opportunity to upgrade and to try new stuff. In the meantime, I get to enjoy using the equipment I purchased.

It is a general observation, not a rule to go by.
There are great, helpful, knowledgeable audiophiles out there.
Don't get me wrong, I am not pointing fingers at anyone.
But through closer look at the treads, posts and activities, you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to put peaces together and figure out who is who.
I don't see anything wrong in making a few $$$ here and there, I just wish that cards were on the table.
I agree with you that I might have exaggerated a little in my previous post. However my general experience and opinion is unchanged.