Feedback/Ideas for New Magazine?

Plato, how could I refuse someone with such a gift for humerous diplomacy?

Mhu, that's not a bad idea, in fact, I thought of it the other day and then forgot about it. One of the books I've been reading on successful marketing states that any site that has a certain amount of traffic could be used to derive income from banner ads and such. If the companies are not audio companies, then there should be no conflict of interest. There are potentially many other businesses, like the ones you suggested that may be open to advertising once I get an established flow of traffic. I think maybe sporting goods/wear, automobiles, watches, wines (thanks Slappy!), and many other types of non-audio-related industries would lend support and advertising dollars once I cross the required hit threshold. Good point!

Unsound, that's right -- you can't refuse; it is not permitted! I'll add you to my list. Thanks :)

I would be interested in everyone's views of an opinion piece I wrote recently in UltraAudio on some of these issues. I have no doubt that there is a degree of cynicism about the review process and some of it may in fact be warranted, but let me know what you think. the link is www.ultraaudio.com It is a part of the Soundstage network. Once you enter the Ultra site go to the Opinion section and look for my piece which was published on October 1. The piece is called Obligation and Integrity in the Audio Community (or something very close to that). I actually briefly discuss the idea of a subscription based magazine. Others I know are toying with the idea and have even more substantial plans than those outlined in this thread. I am very interested in what members of the community think
Thanks,
Jules

Jules- I read your piece last night and I must say I was very impressed. Excellent writing and a very calm and impartial view of the industry. I'd recommend anyone interested in this hobby who takes the time to look at reviews give his article a read. That said, I don't know if I agree regarding the narrow margin of excellence you cite as one of the reasons for universally "positive" reviews. Perhaps reviewers have cultivated objectivity far beyond my capacity for same, but I tend to be pretty picky about what sounds good to my ears, and what I don't like. That is not to say that what I don't luck is necessarily a bad component, but more likely doesn't combine well in my system, or simply does not suit my tastes. I don't think I have the vocabulary nor the discernment to write a review like the more "informed" ones I read in the rags and online. It all comes down to what the component does to the sound for me, and I tend to speed-read the technical stuff (which may be another man's desert) and go right for the listening impressions and try to get an overall sense of those. Blah, blah, blah.....anyway, I enjoyed the piece Jules. Some of the insight into the review process you offer was eye-opening and your suggestion of disclosure was refreshing, though I doubt that would ever happen. Hope you at least get some pizza out of it...heck, I'd take you out for a slice if you're ever in Seattle and I have nothing to peddle....well, my Muse rig is up for sale...perhaps you could say a few good words about that and I'll throw in a beer! I look forward to reading more from you.

Best,

Marco

For those A'goners wishing to read Jules' article here is the link:
http://www.ultraaudio.com/opinion/20031001.htm

Jules: well written & does convey our collective concerns of the audio industry today. Indeed we are plagued by much skepticism that is hardening into cynicism & butt of much of our cynicism is directed at those 2 magazines we can find at our local bookstore. I also agree that fully disclosing the reviewer's/magazine's ties with the manuf. will go a long way in removing some of our skepticism.

However, what I don't understand is how will a subscription-only magazine solve this problem?
S'phile is a subscription based magazine. It's cheap but still subscription based.
TAS is also a subscription based magazine.
Richard Hardestry's Audio Perfectionist is also an (expensive) subscription e-magazine.
J. Peter Moncrief's IAR is also a subscription e-magazine of sorts - it's free on the web but costs you if you want his archives.
The last 2 magazines do *not* accept any advertising whatsoever & so their views should be neutral/call-a-spade-a-spade.
Do the Audiogon members here put any more faith in the reviews printed therein??
Have all or many Audiogon members of both types - those that have slammed S'phile & TAS & those who haven't - gone running with their money & subscribed to Audio Perf. & IAR??
If not, why would they subscribe to one published by Plato?

On a related note: I personally find more even-handed reviews on soundstage.com esp. when one component is reviewed by 4 reviewers. I also find that Soundstage reviews more price-wise diverse equipment. However, I do find some co-relation between their advertisers & that manuf's equip. getting a good review but it *appears* to be less blatant. Maybe this website is the better of the worse?

A friend & myself were discussing this issue some time back & we likened the evolution of the audio industry to maturation of an economy. When a country is poor & trying to bring itself out of the dumps (think Germany & South Korea) all the workers are earnest & put in their best. Goods from such countries are hailed to be excellent unanimously. As that economy matures, these same goods now become commodities. Manuf. is mechanized & millions are belted out en-masse. What started out as being built for the cause is now built for commercialization & revenues dictate the strategy more than anything else.

Audio too started out this way in the 1950s & 1960s. There was virtually no hype & even tho' the equipment wasn't that good, it was built be craftsmen & designers who were true to the cause of audio: accurate reproduction of music in the home environment. As this industry has matured, has it become a commodity item where marketing hype over-rules (by a long margin) the true reason of building audio gear? is this a natural cycle for this industry as it is for many other industries? If so, we are those unfortunate souls who will witness the "corruption" of this industry & the audio industry will never return to its former glory. Those among us for older vintage will remember those hay-days with much fondness & with good reason.
Seems like a fatalistic attitude on my part. Not so! I'm merely posing some questions for this forum at large. And, asking whether we are seeing a natural progression of an industry to which we seem to be the unfortunate witnesses.