Where have the long-time regulars gone?

Hey Scott,
Thanks for including me in your list! I haven't disappeared, but like Tireguy my personal life got kind of hectic, then my work life got busy, and now it's the end of the year again. I was asked by a friend recently to put together for her a list of my favorite recordings purchased in 2002, and it reminded me of how I loved your Jazz List of 2001 last year at this time. I hope you will have time to do a similar list of this year's best in jazz, in your most-valued opinion. My list for my friend is in the alt.country/singer-songwriter vein, and I found I had many excellent recordings to recommend to her for this year.
I hope you are still enjoying your system, your music and you job hunt! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all the other regulars and irregulars. This is a great site, whether for buying, selling, learning or just shooting the breeze. I never tire of checking out the forums each day. Like others, though, there often isn't a lot I feel the need to chip in on.
--Sarah

Bring back Carl!

Damn !!! I didn't know i was missing !?!?!?! Do i need to make MORE posts ??? : ) Sean
>

I am not on your list, but am diligently working at being a long time regular. I don't know much, have bought and sold a lot of stuff, and have definite absolutely right opinions on everything. I think that qualifies me for these forums.

Hey, I'm with you Sean! In fact, I just read your most excellent and detailed (as always) post tonight concerning the Phillips SACD1000.

I can understand the burnout that a lot of you old pros must face from time to time. Yet, the individual and collective contributions to this site from many of the posters on this very thread have produced tremendous long-term benefits to many, many newbies who silently read and absorb, and then one day will make better, more clearly guided decisions as a result. Many of you, in fact, have had a direct impact on my desicion making as I've built my system this past year. Bob, I have you to thank for your famous "it's like a $10,000 component upgrade" comment concerning the Wattgate 381 outlet. I don't know how to quantify it exactly, but the best description I could give it is "Ahhhhhhhhh" - for my system anyway, it was the 'missing link'!!! When you made that comment, I immediately took notice (and so did many others) but only because your opinoin has a high degree of credibility which has been built through knowledge, experience and a fair bit of hard work, I'm sure. Certainly, it takes time and effort to post (if nothing else).

Of course it's not just about buying the right components, is it? It's about having a place to go where you can expect to find an open and honest dialogue for all audio related topics. Anyone who hangs around this site for very long (and has an ounce of common sense) will quickly learn who the naysayers are and see their true colors. It doesn't take a genius to spot a fool, so don't be discouraged by the small minority of idiots in the crowd. It sure would be nice, however, if everyone could limit their comments to match their level of direct experience and/or personal knowledge of the subject matter at hand.