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3 Ingredients to a Healthy Audio Community

Through my own personal audio journey, I have learned to value and hopefully embody 3 qualities: humility, respect, and a sense of community. I hope to inspire dialogue about how our lovable audio community can be more like a (functional) family, and less like NBA players talking trash (no offense intended to basketball lovers).

I've learned the hard way that most, if not all, of my preconceived notions about audio have been wrong. For instance, let's talk about cables. I used to think that they had no bearing on sound quality. But, when I actually tried cables that used scientifically researched and proven technology, I had to admit that they do in fact make a huge difference. What I needed was to approach new technology with more humility, realizing that my opinions may be wrong and that other's thoughts and experiences are just as valid as my own. In fact, others' who have actually tried something that I have not have a much more valid perspective than I do, since they have first-hand experience and I do not.

There's a word for this attitude -- respect, that's right. I definitely need more of it, especially online where I don't actually know anyone else and they don't know me. I struggle with this one. If I feel someone is wrong, I want to hop right in and call them out. But, I don't know that person. I don't know if they are new to audio, or an experienced engineer. I don't know their qualifications or experiences. And, I don't know what they're going through in their life. So, who the hell am I to say that they are wrong and/or that I am right?

If I can nail the above two character qualities, I can help contribute to our community of music and audio lovers and not just leech off of it. If we all work to exhibit more humility and respect, we can forget about who's right or wrong, and just focus on helping each other enjoy what we have, and hope to have. For ultimately, this hobby is not about correctness but about emotionally engaging with and enjoying music, both individually and collectively.
128x128daveman2
jrpnde
271 posts
 
A+ to daveman2.....Mostly, this forum is very informative. No two people will have the same opinion about everything. But, for me, I like to hear from others about their preferences and experience with music and equipment. Have gotten some valuable information about technical issues.

So... Thanks to all who provide input in a constructive manner. No need for unrelated opinions such as political, religious, or philosophical statements from those who can't find something good on Netflix. Good job Dave.
 
blainer55
47 posts
 
Very helpful forum! 
I learn something useful here every time I log on. 
Thanks to all.
maxlove1
20 posts
 
Hear, hear.  Pun intended.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
@teo_audio 
Retort is require to correct problems, and if it’s all virtue signalling and consequence.... then we get killed for raising the correct questions.
So, good luck finding the median.

I think this is right, and if I understand it it means --

We don't want "virtue signaling" -- we want virtue; that is, self-control in how we signal, avoiding ad hominem attacks.

We want "retort" in the sense of logical rebuttal, done with respect and civility.

Finding the median? The arguer really has two jobs, logical and emotional. The logical job is to present the argument in ways that highlight the facts and stakes as they see them and to push back against claims which seem false or exaggerated in ways that simply present counter facts or demur. The emotional job is the one featured in that scene with Luke and Yoda -- to look into oneself and reflect on whatever makes one want to strike out in anger; and then tame that part of oneself. It's the bigger challenge for all of us, so perhaps having a bit of tolerance for other's foibles (aka "humor") is the key ingredient, after all.


spenav
421 posts
 
Agree with the OP. Also sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.  We cannot convince everyone. That’s just the nature of the beast. At times, people just have to be called out, respectfully too. 
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