I tuned in Audiogon Forum because I have had good experiences on other forums (not audio related) and because I felt ‘comfortable’ with the general tenor of the contributions. I was also quite impressed that some dealers, and even more, some manufacturers (most notably, Atmasphere), would deign to post on technical issues without making even a veiled sales pitch. In a word, I was impressed by the sincerity of many of the posters, including several of those who have reportedly been banned, especially oldhvymec (if I’ve spelled his handle correctly) and the aforementioned hemhtz (again, I don’t know if I’ve spelled his name correctly. Personally, and in my experience, a Forum needs its ‘steadies’ the people you can count on for an opinion one way or the other; they function as signposts, as it were, weathervanes, to tell you which way the wind is blowing, or the tide is turning. They can get tiresome at times, because the other regulars have heard it all so many times before. But there is still comfort in that, for me. I can understand, and have some sympathy, for any new moderator who might feel constrained (or threatened), but ideally, the Forum’s ‘public square,’ free speech’ nature levels the playing field. Because I haven’t been a witness to the vitriol that some describe, perhaps I am naive to stick up for those I don’t even know, but then again, us Old White Guys need to stick together (although others would say we do entirely too much of that).
Anyway, to answer the original question, I tune in to learn from others more knowledgeable and/or more experienced than myself. As well as to share my experience where I feel others might find it helpful. Have my posts ever been ego driven? More than likely. Have I recommended gear I own? Yes, on the basis of my experience. Hopefully, in the spirit of, here is what I found, your mileage may vary.
I find that most of the contributors speak in the same vein, and when absolutes are laid out, there is usually some solid experience, education, or training to back the claims up.
Like others I decry a peeing contest that some of these discussions devolve into. Perhaps, if we sense it coming, we can choose not to respond. Better to NOT have the last word than spoil the thread for all who come after. But then, many of us (myself included) are learning proper manners all over again in this digital age.
