Giving Advice without recommending your own equipment


I've noticed over the years that you can't ask a general question on Audiogon without getting people answering who with a specific model recommendation.  They  think the answer to every question is to just buy their model.  For example:

OP:  What is the difference between R2R and FPGA DACS.

ans 1:  I have a model x that is R2R and you should just buy it.  it is spectacular.

ans 2:  I have model y what is FPGA and it is spectacutlar.  buy it.

ans 3:  I have model z.  I don't know if it is FPGA, R2R or what, but you should buy it.

ans 4:  I have owned both.  I found the FPGA to have the following attributes..... and the R2R to be more ......  The models i owned were not exactly in the same price range so YMMV.  But my opinion is that I like ______ better.

Which of those answers sound more useful?  I'm just suggesting that your advice is more meaningful if you can refraim from recommending your latest and greatest piece of equipment.   I would totally ignore answers 1 thru 3.  Ans 4 is well thought out and give you a useful opinion.

Sometimes people ask for specific model advice from people who have heard certain models.  Of course 99.9% of the comments come from people who love their model x.  Apparently nobody ever buys something and decides it is not that great (I wonder why there is so much used equipment for sale).  But comments about specific models are appropriate then.

Just a few thoughts about how to navigate theough the forums and sort the wheat from the chaff.  there is lots of good advice here and lots of bad advice and this is more of an example of useless advice and how to avoid giving it.

Jerry

128x128carlsbad2

Fair comment. I'll mention equipment I have owned if it is directly on point, or I am trying to put into context what I am hearing given the strengths and limitations of my systems. I tend toward those companies which are one man bands-

I’m not sure what specifically happened but I agree. Some things really bother me too. People asking for recommendations but not describing their systems or their budget of the items they want to try or buy. This hobby can get big and expensive. When money was falling out of the sky it was no big deal. Now it is the opposite or close too it. I have encountered similar situations from legitimate business. Some have nothing to do with audio at all.  Almost blatant disregard for customer service. I really hope it has not hit anyone too hard. Going forward trust everyone, but verify. Get it in writing and CYA. I really feel this is the new policy. Please be cautious. If you look at some of these names and number posting you are looking at some very knowledgeable people. Again, I’m sorry you had a bad experience and I truly hope you come out way ahead. 

I like that people are enthusiastic about their gear.  Keep on recommending!  

Questions are equally important.  Ask away!

It's a forum, not pay for advice, like, for instance, psychiatry.  Get some!

Great post!  It's really bad form when someone responds totally off topic and appears to have not even read what the OP wrote.