Lay Off the Newbies!


I always try to keep my posts constructive, but there is something that regularly goes on here that I think is detrimental to our hobby - A newbie has a simple question and a bunch of neurotic geezers (of which I include myself) jump on the guy with a million rules and rituals he must follow to achieve his goal, which ends up discouraging the guy right out of hobby. There was one analog thread on static where I recommended Gruv Glide and you geezers started in with so much BS- humidifiers, move to another climate, expensive gimmicks, etc, that GG would kill him and his records.  The end result? By the end of the thread, he sold his analog rig because he couldn't deal with the stress.  In a recent digital thread, you guys are recommending a newbie buy 20 year old transports.  All this does is just make newbies so stressed out that you'll drive them to MP3s.  Newbies need simple answers, commensurate with their experience level.  Buy a Rega table, screw in a Rega cartridge and play records.  They have plenty of time to turn into us.  Somehow we survived, listening to our Sansui receivers and JBL L-100s in bedrooms thick with pot smoke and spilled Boone's Farm.  And we made it.  Sometimes I'm amazed as well.  Let the young have fun while they can. Be well.  
chayro

Showing 1 response by ross6860

I rarely post here, but do read a bit.  I'm active on another audio forum.

I'm not a newbie, but I also don't have tens of thousands of dollars tied up in audio gear.  I actually have other hobbies that take up my time, interest, and disposable income.

There is definitely a condescending tone from some members  if you aren't "in the club" or don't have expensive gear.

I did say some, not all members. 

Best way to kill a hobby is to discourage people from entering it.

FWIW, guitar and bass forums are far worse...