Vendors Who Post


There are a number of vendors who post to Audiogon discussion threads. I think we can fairly assume that all of them have disclosed that there are in fact vendors and are not hiding this important fact. In my experience, most vendors are very helpful here and do not attempt to primarily use the threads as a marketing tool to solicit customers. They use the threads to give useful information pertaining to their products, to clear up misunderstandings about their products and to correct misperceptions about their products. Most vendors post in a professional way with an appropriate tone. But, alas, there are some vendors who are less professional than others on these forums, in my opinion. How do you feel about the vendors who post here?
sabai
My vendor is fully aware of Audiogon but does not partake. He took out a full page ad in Stereophile back in the 90's and that was all it took to get his name out there. He managed to garner many lifetime customers from that ad from all over the world. He doesn't make a ton of money but enough to sustain. He truly enjoys his work and is the most honest person I know. He is the reason I will never buy from Audiogon any longer and it has nothing to do with Agon. I'm just fortunate enough to buy new and I want him to succeed. I don't want the retailer to go by the wayside. I like going to the shop with tunes in hand and listen to 4 different systems.
As long as they are honest about themselves being a vendor and they post professionally I have no problem. An example is Albert Porter. He is a vendor and has been a solid contributor here for a long time. Follow that pattern and there will be no problem.

If a vendor is posing as a customer or trying to sneak in a review about a product or even if they are trying to sell in the forum to me that is a no go.

I remember some time ago there was a vendor trying to generate buzz about a turntable lift. They tried to pose as normal posters here touting the product. They got caught that they were a vendor. It was a good product but no one took them seriously after that.
What if the vendor/mfgr is using different usernames to promote the wares and bash other mfgrs wares while hiding behind a moniker? Would you want to know?
I CAN APPRECIATE people who have heard A LOT of different components and set-ups both in stores, homes, and audio shows. whoever they might be. but of course the more transparent their contributions the higher they rank as someone whose primary role is to offer their help. "IMHO" is okay when making comparisons between how two "component-X's" sound. since these forum articles appear all over google and elsewhere, it's nice if someone really has been there and done that. that's a very cool thing (imho). reliable information doesn't have to come from (only) reviewers, manufacturers, dealers, etc. but if they're really making an effort to "fit in" and be a fellow listener, i could sure use some good advice.