My general rule is not to join any club or blog that would accept me as a member. Somebody needs to be responsible for keeping the riff-raff out, right?
Audiogon's been my lone exception for many years now and I'm just constantly amazed that I haven't yet been permanently booted off this highbrow and esteemed audio forum with extreme prejudice.
I mean, I've been kicked out of a lot worse clubs, blogs and forums than this one for a lot less: The Ferocious Flatulence Fraternity for using a Bic lighter and burning down the clubhouse, The Mean Boy Club for complimenting another member on his merciless callousness, The Fight Club for insufficient kidney punches and nutcrackers, The Women Haters Club for 'unenthusiastic misogyny' and The Satire Club for excessive irony.
I love you all for tolerating me,
Tim
XOX
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We live in a country that's the poster child for free enterprise, freedom of speech and mildly restricted capitalism. We're bombarded almost from birth with thousands of advertisements on a daily basis for every product under the sun on every available medium.
Being good capitalists, some manufacturers/retailers/non-hobbyists have recognized the opportunity that audio forums represent for a bit of free marketing. This has been going on here and elsewhere for many years and, personally, I don't think it's a big deal. I've grown rather fond of identifying 'shilliness' attempts and calling them out when necessary.
Why's there a sudden interest and urgency to stop this practice now? Unless you're from another planet like elizabeth, it just becomes 2nd nature to ignore these ads or forum shills and quickly move on unless you're interested.
Wait a minute, the OP who instigated this manufactured issue has the user name "viridian". Do you think he's one of those whining little green lizard-like slimy crybaby type creatures from the planet Virid?
Tim
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Hello Elizabeth,
Have you been reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy?
If not, I think you'd enjoy it. Excellent stuff.
I was wondering why all the cuttlefish in my neighborhood have been acting so cocky but your confession explains everything.
Thank you,
Tim
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Elizabeth: "Viridian is a blue-green pigment, a hydrated
chromium(III) oxide, of medium saturation and relatively dark in value.
It is composed more of green than blue. Specifically, it is a dark shade
of spring green."
Hello Elizabeth,
So, you know this little whining, crybaby blue-green creature from planet Virid? Careful, you're giving us clues about your home planet.
Tim
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I just wanted to add that I think we're lucky to have industry insiders, like almarg and others, post on various subjects here on Audiogon. I've found their contributions, based on years of experience and accumulated knowledge, to be very valuable and hope they continue to post as long as they're willing and able.
Thank you all,
Tim
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almarg: "Noble100 4-17-2019 I just wanted to add that I think we're lucky to have industry insiders, like almarg and others, post on various subjects here on Audiogon.
Thanks very much for the nice words, Tim. For the record, though, I do not now nor have I ever had any affiliation with any individual or organization in the audio industry, other than as a customer. My professional background is in defense electronics, primarily analog and digital circuits for airborne radar systems. Best regards, -- Al" Hello Al, Sorry about that, my error. I meant to mention atmasphere as the industry inside, not yourself although I do appreciate your forum contributions, too. Thanks, Tim |
How about absolutely no changes are made and we just informally refer to regular forums here as "Danger Zones" just because it sounds more exciting and cool.
Do you have what it takes to enter the Danger Zone? Don't even think of entering if you're a whining little crybaby blue-green lizard like creature from the planet Virid (sorry viridian) or any other creature from one of those other planets in the infamous Whining Reptilian Belt.
Entrance requirements are ice in your veins, balls of steel ( elizabeth, you don't qualify literally but you do figuratively.), the ability to think for yourself and the ability to distinguish those manufacturers/retailers providing useful information and opinions based on their vast knowledge and years of experience from those manufacturers/retailers just engaged in unwanted 'shilliness' or salesmanship.
Caveat Emptor is the motto in the Danger Zone.
Tim
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Agreed. I think all manufacturers, retailers and dealers should identify themselves as such and each of us can take that into consideration when reading their posts. Generally, I find these individuals are very valuable sources of information, suggestions and opinions.
Tim |
My take is that this entire thread is a bit ridiculous and has been going on far longer than the topic merits. I believe the OP, viridian, likely intention was just to stir the pot since I doubt anyone would have such delicate sensibilities, and such a lack of confidence in their own abilities to discern between shilling and informing, that they'd plead for some sort of censorship and protection.
What are you so worried about, viridian? What's the worst thing that could happen? My suggestion is you either get a backbone or rent one, call your mommy, get some counseling or buy a pacifier.
Love,
Tim
XOX
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viridian: " “I consider myself a well adjusted and reasonable individual with a distinct lack of psychological issues and peculiarities.” Of course you do, LOL."
Well, I definitely did consider myself well adjusted and reasonable up until that unfortunate sexual molestation and murder of that young women. Okay you got me, let me just say I still consider myself a reasonable individual with the 'well adjusted' personality trait accuracy still awaiting the court appointed psychiatrist's final determination based on his extensive examination of me. Hopefully, I can report back on this open issue prior to my execution.
Tim
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viridian,
I'm just interested about what motivated you to start a thread, which in my opinion is much ado about nothing, in the first place. Why exactly do you think this is a big issue and why do you have such difficulty discerning between legitimate and shilling posts?
I'm not itching for a fight, I consider myself a well adjusted and reasonable individual with a distinct lack of psychological issues and peculiarities. However, I do admit I am the curious and analytical sort, which explains my interest in your reasons for posting on this subject.
" Please feel free to abstain and let those interested continue." Actually, my interest in your post is waning precipitously and I've contemplated abstention but I also enjoy slow-motion car wrecks, like this thread, in which no one is seriously injured.
I don't believe I've stooped to personal attacks upon you or belittled you, at least not in any manner that would cause any durable harm, so I therefore don't think an apology is merited.
I agree that we all have our viewpoints and that is what makes these forums both interesting and challenging. I suggest this thread should proceed and develop unfettered by any unwarranted moderation and with my sincere commitment to continuous consideration of abstention.
Tim
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