"Junk" LP listings on audiogon - get rid of 'em

I've read and agreed with all of the points above being made. While i've found some "gems" ( at least to me ) here on Agon, i've also experienced the same "how long does this list go on for" feelings.

As such, i tend to agree with limiting the total number of "free" ads ( which includes "wanted" ads too ) that one can have running at one time. After this limit has been hit, "free" ads are no longer free but $0.50 apiece. Since this is next to free and one can list several items in each ad, it is not really cutting into the profit margin on any given item being listed for sale. If one can't organize their ads well enough to limit how many free ones that they have running at one time and feel that $0.50 is a rip-off to list items for sale here, one can always go to Audioshopper, Audioweb or Rec.audiomarketplace and clutter up those forums and do it for free.

This approach doesn't crimp the lifestyle of those that occasionally take advantage of "free" ads and encourages others doing so on a regular basis to minimize wasteful use of bandwidth. If they refuse to do so, they can pay the piper, which also helps to support the site that they are taking advantage of. Seems like common sense to me and nobody loses out so long as they aren't greedy. Sean
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Ed - you've TOTALLY MISSED the point...but, if it's any consolation, I agree with the points you did make...all the best, Bizcut1.

Bizcut1, what really is the point, then? And how would you address the issue?

If the is issue is, on one hand, "audiophile" quality LP's, please provide us a definition of "audiophile" quality that can be applied consistently and appropriately. Would my second pressing of Cat Stevens, which is sonically excellent, be excluded because it wasn't half-speed mastered, for instance?

If it is, one the other hand, an issue of LP condition, tell us how a standard of, say, NM- or better can be applied on listing posted by private when the actual condition of the LP cannot be verified. Would this not lead to even more "stretching of the truth" in listings?

From a buyer's standpoint, the only salient point I can see is that one must sift through multiple listings to perhaps find that one that appeals to them. From a seller's standpoint, the only real point I see is that the "gem" I may post for sale would get less exposure amongst the otherwise "junk".

With respect to listings being free, I always figured that the goal of the 'Gon folks was to provide and easy and cheap forum in which make available MUSIC.

But, hey, I'm open to ideas. If you've different slant on this than the one I am reading, I'd like to hear it.

Good points, all...let's see...

"Audiophile" quality. True. In the eye of the beholder. Believe me, I am not a snob or highbrow when it comes to this subject...my feeling is that, a lot of times, when a person posts their entire record collection (as some post here) it usually contains a lot of junk.

Your Cat Stevens record would not be in that category and should therefore be given serious consideration by serious buyers...but how can it be if it is "buried" among hundreds of cast-offs?

Rating a record - very subjective. Again, you're right, this would probably open up another can of worms but - maybe, just maybe, if a standard was set some folks would try to live up to it and when they didn't - well, that would be between the buyer and the seller. But, at least there would be some standards.

You know, I didn't mean to start an argument over what was or wasn't an "acceptable" recording...I never said that. Yes, yes, it's all MUSIC - I get it, I get it, no need to beat that one into the ground any further - but, a lot of it is CRAP, with no yard sale to find a final home in. And, when you purchase a record through the 'net, with all the costs and waiting involved, wouldn't it be nice if it was a quality one? You can't see it, so - how about some standards?

Good weekend all!

Bizcut1

To Bizcut1: If I "totally missed the point" then you won't mind me starting a thread about the overabundance of ported-bass speaker listings whilst quoting you: "I'm just tired of wading through scores of "crap" listings...if I want to do that I can always log on to eBay..."

Touche-
Ed
:-)
Have a great week!