About users with hidden agendas

I agree with much of the above about be wary of the hype. Some of these guys that are making comparisons with gear costing thousands of dollars but they have one speaker in a corner and the other in a hallway with no reflection point (like mine). They will go on about how a cable swap changed their life and now their whole music collection is complete again, etc. How do we find the line between being enthusiastic and sharing experiences responsibly for people looking to sort through the information? Some of these guys are just enthusiastic, maybe their system is spiritual to them, or maybe they like attention... Some do provide information to others that see them as an authority, so not discounting them either. I do believe we have a number of trained salesman (not in audio) that are just having fun. Believe me, I'm about free speech and would rather have people post fantasies than not be able to post, but reader beware, you have to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

As far as dealers posting here goes, there is an internet marketing phrase known as "being an authority in your field".  Also 'being present in your market". Both of these methods build trust and are known to lead to sales. Isn't this what our experts and very interested dealer/owner participants are doing? These audio sites are the target market, or at least some fraction (I question if this is the actively employed portion when I look at post counts 🤣). Good for them for being creative about it and not just continually throwing their name and product as being better than the post above (trolling) but I'm sure all methods work.

I've been a member of this site since 2006 and have seen all kinds of posters come and go. There have always been individuals making money by guiding conversations, pitching products, and placing their contact information in threads. I've been contacted through PM by owners, distributers, and dealers. This is the great land of warm calling. Granted the site was created to sell used gear, so they likely get a buyer that wants a discount, but the audio forums are cash cows, and I'm sure must be a part of the marketing plan for many in the business. 

The reality is many users do not like being pitched, and clearly observe the behaviors and patterns. Many users are supporting their "friends" too. It never seemed to be the intent of the forum in the good old days and things change. There is no shortage of people to call out this behavior, and it must be more difficult for the people in this industry to navigate the rough waters, as seen here live this morning. 

  I feel like a Zoom meeting is in order!

I'm not sure of the intent with TD on this thread, but I think he may be winning this battle. Is the opposition saying that he starts posts and tries to sway people to his products without identifying himself as a designer? I think he is posting to generate conversation and have people become more comfortable and trust him and his business. He can have a disrespectful tone at times, but maybe he never learned to play nice with all people. What do you want him get counseling or go to confession? I didn't read this whole thread but what's the reason for tearing him a new one? 

Interesting. I didn't catch these patterns or behaviors in those threads because I didn't read through them. They're the type of threads where people just get on a rant and someone disagrees, etc. The only threads I have less time for are the ones where the new owner of a product is so thrilled with X, that they tell everyone else they need to buy it and argue with everyone that doesn't agree with them. 

I have seen some posts where TD insults people and later says they insulted him, etc. The whole accumulation of this stuff is the rickety bridge I usually try to avoid on the path towards audio ecstasy.