Vendors Who Post

THough I would not censor them on Agon, I am not comfortable usually even with vendors that disclose that offer reviews or endorsements of others products even if sincere or accurate. Its hard to tell sometimes if they sell what they are touting. And did they actually pay for what they tout? There are many things I might endorse if given, loaned or specially discounted for to me to try or buy. As a buyer, I want to know if something I can buy is a good value. Expensive things should all be exceptional. If not, why bother? Things can get very grey when there is always a best (fill in the blank) of the day, until the next best (fill in the blank) is discovered. At least professional reviewers don't sell or profit from what they tout (do they)?

I have no problems with vendors that actually design the products they sell and disclose as appropriate that they are vendors of that design. I expect that they will each think they have a great product if its their own design especially when others agree. Who wouldn't?

Who cares? If you effectively cannot filter the quality of information, then banning or censoring specific people really won't help you.

Of the vendors posting on these forums, those I give top marks to are Robert Neill of Worldwide Wholesales (HiDiamond Cables), Bobby Palkovic (Merlin Speakers) and Ted Denney (Synergistic Research). They distinguish themselves by their professionalism and their amazing knowledge base coupled with impeccable integrity. Unfortunately, there are some vendors here who do not come close to their "standard of excellence". There must be other exemplary vendors who post here that I am not aware of.

Vendors are people too, no problem with them posting...however they do need to disclose their status.
There are some that don't disclose they are a dealer for products that they post on/in.
Problem is how would Audiogon or anyone on here know who is whom. Beats me.

Bottom line, in general, respect and integrity are the keys. Respect is earned usually. Integrity is established over time. Forums provide the means but there are risks. Censorship is bad. Antisocial behaviors should not be tolerated in a social medium. Censorship might be considered a form of antisocial behavior.