Why do Audiophiles feel the need...


Why do so many audiophiles feel the need to post opinions on gear they've never owned or had such limited experience with that their opinion is valueless to the OP? Not only here, but on other audio forums, at least 50% of the posts (and I think I'm being generous) start with: I've never heard the XYZ but...

When I was participating in an auto detailing forum, teaching myself the finer points of achieving an exquisite auto finish, if someone would ask about brand X polish, I would never see a post stating: "I've never used it, but..."

My opinion is that many people spend so much time dreaming about this stuff that they've convinced themselves they know what it actually sounds like. I know it's only a hobby, but I think a poster who asks about a specific piece of gear is better served by opinions of those with experience with that gear. Maybe it's just me. Sorry if I offended anyone.
chayro

Showing 2 responses by stevecham

Sort of like 3rd grade soccer where the kids don't understand yet the importance of position; everyone runs toward the ball. And sort of like behavior reflective of our times with corporate media blitzes, case in point being the current swine flu epidemic. From the pop media standpoint, we're often led to believe there is nothing else happening in the world of greater importance, that we should all run toward that issue, even though tens of thousands die each year in this country from "normal, boring old Type A influenza" every year.

We want to participate in communities that are meaningful to us, Audiogon is such a community. As in life it is important to contunally separate the wheat (opinion based on direct experience) from the chaff (opinion based on wishful thinking).
We're all largely advocates and my sense is that we would benefit by increasing our inquiry to advocacy ratio. Anyone else share this sentiment?