Adding a “safe haven” forum for discussion of tweaks?


I think we can all agree that threads about tweaks like fuses, stones, mats, power conditioners etc. stir up all kinds of controversy, conflict and ill will.

 

Short of banning discussion of these controversial topics, is there another solution to this problem?

 

I got this idea from teo_audio’s comments about a solution implemented at Canuck audio on another thread:

 

“Canuck audio tames it by having a cable and tweak area for threads. Where any counter to the idea that such things are functional (in attempt or in analysis), is not tolerated.

 

Meaning.. threads where people discuss tweaks, or mods or cables and so on, if a naysayer posts there, and interrupts the discussion, in any way, they get their posts deleted. And...if the given naysayer can’t hold their tongue, after said deletion-ish warnings..... they will, rapidly, via any repeats in behavior, find themselves banned from the forum. They have to grow up, or get lost.”

 

You may not like parts of his description, but I think the idea has real merit.

 

I propose a new “safe haven” sub-forum, with some special rules, for the discussion of tweaks. These rules would ONLY apply to this specific sub-forum, the current rules would continue as they are in all other areas.

 

The special rules would be along these lines:

 

Posts that categorically deny the possibility of tweaks having any effect or value are not allowed.

 

Posts proclaiming tweaks to be “scams” “cons” etc. are not allowed.

 

Posts that directly state, or imply, that another poster is lying, are not allowed.

 

Posts that make absolute negative statements like “Science proves it can’t work.” are not allowed.

 

Posts demanding measurements, controlled listening tests etc. are not allowed.

 

Posts that express skepticism (without making absolute negative statements), ask tough questions, or request more information are welcome.

 

Of course, some who hold the above opinions may object, but they would still be able to express those opinions in all other parts of the forum, just like they always have.

 

What do you think?

tommylion

@larry5729 

Been on forums for decades, I was a moderator for Audio asylum for the first couple of years back in the late 90’s.  
Best to learn how to read between the lines and to ignore some posts, then it is to complain about it..  

Many of these people have invested lots of money and time into their systems and think they have all the answers. There is a lot of good information and entertaining conversations at times. Best to just deal with it as it will never change. Just think of it as a bunch of colorful characters bursting at the seams to spread their knowledge. Enjoy the forum and the hobby, most of all.. the music.

I think if someone is a soothsayer or attacks someone with a cute sarcastic statement they need to support themselves with facts.  I think people need to express themselves and at times disagree with them.  They can be polite and also realize there are novices in this group that joined this group to learn.  If we lose this, we will lose the spirit of this discussion group.

Does anyone else find it weird just how many times and ways this kind of conversation comes up? Too many members here carrying baggage from past threads (like people in new relationships) on the ready to dump it on a post for the world to see. It only has to have a tangental relationship to what's being discussed and then it's, hey look, someone shat the carpet.

All the best,
Nonoise

Let me give you my take on this. I will even state that I think most tweaks are ludicrous. I think threads on the latest color of SR fuse while Ted laughs his way to the bank are 3rd level ludicrous. So that is where I am coming from. So how do I "police" myself?  Best to give examples

- Someone starts a thread who has bought purple SR fuses and want to discuss it. Have at it. I am not going to participate

- Someone starts a thread and says hey, I have the orange SR fuse, and I am considering the purple fuse, and wants to discuss it. Have at it, I am not going to participate.

- Someone starts a thread and says I have never used fuses and I am considering it, what do people think?  That I will participate in, and whether you believe in fuses or not, you should have no expectation of being able to say anything you want without having to defend it. The old mantra sticks, entitled to your own opinion, not our own facts.

- Now if someone says I am thinking of trying fuses, can people who have used fancy audio fuses before give me some feedback, well then again, I am not going to participate.

The "safe haven" idea works, only if it has specific moderation. I don't really feel that is censorship because almost all "clubs" have some basic membership rules and requirements.

If you want a whole website that is a "safe space", that is a bad idea. That is an echo chamber, and everyone in it just stagnates, never learns, never moves forward.

Arguing, even heated arguments, on forums, is good. That is the whole point. Nothing ever moves forward if everyone just agrees with everything. It is even okay to say that what someone wrote it stupid, if you give a reasoned argument why you think it is stupid. What is not okay, is to just call someone stupid. What is not okay is to make posts intended to only denigrate someone but have little to no relevance to the thread topic. It took me about 10 posts here to figure out that that happens far far too often here, and it is far too accepted a practice, and there is no hesitation once it starts for others to jump in and do the same thing. There are quite a few posters that should study the list of logical fallacies, and make a concerted effort not to use them.   https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/

 

It all comes back to maturity. You want your "safe haven". Do you feel you earned it?  Can you read through that list of logical fallacies above and state confidently that you rarely are guilty of these? Cause if you can't, that "safe haven" will just devolve and become an empty space.

 

 

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