What happened to the "club atmosphere" of Audiogon?

I agree with the original poster, although it's always subjective as to how far "downward" the site has drifted. Some would say a little bit, some would say a lot.
I do know that before 2007, I had never had anyone scam me, but it has happened 3 times in the past 7 years. Is that a little or a lot? A perspective of the people who were here 14 or 15 years ago adds insight to the original question. How long have the posters been on this site? I've been here almost 14 years. I like the site, but am still not a fan of the change several years back when it was more of a "gentleman's site" but was then clearly changed to "corporate mentality" in that say, a buyer is FORCED to use Paypal for buying, and cannot send a check, which means the site has an mutually beneficial arrangement with Paypal. (Does anyone wish to dispute that?) THAT part of it feels like cattle being herded.
Manners are certainly less in evidence than 13  years ago,  but that's been evident since technology has risen. People are just more curt, period. 
I wholeheartedly agree about people's buying habits when you are the seller: they do seem to want to buy something right off the bat $100 less than you are advertising for. In that case, I use the Nancy Reagan mantra: I just say "no."

Lots of good observations in this thread.  Yes, the old sense of community at Audiogon has changed, and not for the better.  Yes, the hobbyist orientation of the Audiogon ads has changed so that today a high percentage are dealers.  Yes, there are more scammers today among the Audiogon buyers and sellers.  But then similar changes have occurred at other audio sites as well so the change in Audiogon ownership is not solely responsible.  The bottom line for me is that the Audiogon forums are still useful (even if the quality of posts is not what it once was) and the ads are still a good place for buying used equipment.  

However, for selling items, Audiogon is no longer my first place to run an ad due to the fees and restrictive policies of the new management.  For me the Audio Asylum classifieds are now the first place for trying to sell.  They don't have as many views and it may take longer to sell something, but so far I have been able to sell the items I have listed and each experience has been a positive one.  There are other alternative sites as well.  

So while things have changed, there is no benefit in complaining about how the old days were so much better.  Embrace the present.  Appreciate Audiogon for what it has to offer, but at the same time explore other options for both ads and forums.  This is not the only game in town.

Is there a union we can withdraw from because of this?   😳

Been on this site for many years ... the only time I had a problem buying used components was when a seller forgot to pack the carpet spikes with the purchased speakers... he then mails me eight sharp spikes in a regular paper envelope.. envelope came torn with zero spikes. When I informed the seller he blamed me for his ineptitude ( I will spare you his expletives as I don’t think the PTB will post this if I do). I continue to purchase from dealers and independent manufacturers that post on this site. I live the discussions, sharing information, reviews  and opinions shared here.

I first joined Audiogon so I could buy stuff. I've more recently been
a regular poster and am enjoying stepping out some,getting my feet wet. I'm not tech savvy so have been judicious in my posts but certainly appreciate those people who have strong backgrounds in the audio world and I find a certain sense of kindred spirit here that 
has helped me progress in my audio endeavors. Certainly a good healthy benevolent approach prevails among members......I've gotten good help directly and also by just reading threads that applied to something I might want to know.  I don't have a veterans perspective here so I understand the frustration of long time members,but my
perspective may give a balance to the frustration and show that newer members are getting good rewards and good vibes along the way. This being said I also recognize that some threads degrade into mud slinging and harsh tone.......O well such is thread life everywhere. For what it's worth,I just last night joined Audio Circle.
It's a whole different thing over there.....my first impressions are mixed so it may be just an adjustment period,but lots of rules,can't search on this site,or do that,a more distinct and structured initiation than I found here. Initiation here is way less formal ......you jump in and off you go....  After my start at AC and subsequent checking things out earlier today....I must say I felt I'd come back home just to click for Audiogon.......a comfortable place. Much more to say but word escaping me for now.......I guess in a long rambling way I'm saying I like it here . I hope for the more battle-worn members it might be a good thing to hear stuff like this,as have other members 
also expressed their positive thoughts.