Wow. Sounds like somebody got up this morning, slipped into a new pair of BVDs and forgot to take the cardboard out of them first?
As a group we're probably not the guys who, when turning into our street driving our hot rods, depress the clutch and rev the engine just to get attention. I also doubt that we get happy with our volume controls with little, or no, regard for the comfort and well-being of others. Especially, or friends/neighbors. That's not us. And I think the contributors to this discussion have clarified their positions on this.
A few comments on noise pollution:
I have very nice, highly tweaked outdoor music system that's generally played at "normal conversation" levels with family and friends by the fire pit. We have an additional outdoor system at lake home 100 miles away. Some homeowners there seem to have a bit of problem defining the difference between a family subdivision and a resort and the appropriate/corresponding noise levels. I found that communication and education (along with a teaspoon full of tolerance) is helpful in this situation.
Just some thoughts:
Educate your neighbors. Understanding the power/distance relationship is helpful. Getting speakers closer to the listeners and using arrays can provide a quality music venue while substantially reducing the sound/noise escaping the target listening space.
Every homeowner as an investment in their property. They have paid for the right to define what THEIR outdoor experience is and have no right to impose their "outdoor experience" on someone else's outdoor experience. Yes, it is rude, and selfish IF they know that their sound/noise is dimenishing the quality of someone else's investment in their experience.
Those playing music loudly "assume" that others are enjoying their music. They are convinced that they are "party central" and acting as a uncompensated DJ providing a valueable service to the community. Don't make this assumption! Have a nice conversation/interview with all neighbors within earshot and get their permission to "share" your music. Some people may be too nice, or feel intimidated to say no. Read their body language and act accordingly.
Your neighbors may not like your music. Music to you may be extremely objectionable to others. Even if what you're playing is on their Top 40 all time hits list, they still may not want your music/noise to outpower their background music and/or conversation.
Ask for, and give permission to others for "special occassion" rowdiness. Just announce a timeline and stick to it. And, invite them if the event is not too personal.
