@mapman ,
I agree. I'm not sure what it is. I'm on other forums unrelated or less related to this one and folks are more open and excited just to have others with the same interests to "talk to/with"--i.e. guitar forums, diy audio forums, etc. The consumer electronics side of things is really bizarre to me in this way.
For instance, on diy audio threads or guitar threads, people are more apt to just help. If they cannot help or offer something meaningful, they don't jump in. Here, there are tons of trolls, haters, malcontents, and people who engage in schadenfreude. What gives?
Now--full disclaimer--there have been soooooo many here on Audiogon who have helped me over the years! But it is something to me that many threads I put up involve people making off topic comments, arguing, etc. Bizarre!