New-ish to Audiogon Forums... Is it always like this?

I think an open ended question like recommendations for a new piece of gear is an invitation for people to chime in with their favorites, wish list items or in some cases, what they own. There are some deep pockets of knowledge here, depending on the thread- for example, if you searched set up for Avantgarde Duos, a subject in which I participated some years ago, you’ll get invaluable info from owners and from Jim Smith, who used to be the US distributor and is known as a set up maven for systems (he comes to your house by appointment and spends a couple days with you).
Ditto on other subjects, including tube variations, old tone arm applications, etc.
I use Audiogon for what it is, and don’t begrudge anybody for what it isn’t. There are/were some great participants here and you can get very granular on certain topics. One member had figured out how to replace the pump in his Audio Desk US RCM and laid out the specifics. That’s gold in my book.
I was going to say "welcome to the asylum" but that name is taken by another forum.

What community forum doesn't have its share of nonsense, hostility, ignorance, conceit, naivete and conversely insight, empathy, experience and humor? Seriously, name one. 

Yes, it's the norm.

I miss Almarg.
He wrote the most concise, detailed and helpful posts here on Audiogon.
RIP
Bob

I might be ignorant on this but it would be helpful if there was a notification when someone posted in a thread that one is taking part in. I have seen people refer to me months later. By that time it’s moot.