Twl, well said! I am from the old school of motorcycling and find it insulting the way the "new crowd" handles themselves on the highways and byways of this great nation on 2 wheels. But I refuse to give in, and wave to my fellow biker, regardless of make or model, or how old they are etc.
I have been into music and stereo equipment for over 25 years and have seen all types of people. When Marantz and McIntosh were the big things, there were the snobs putting their noses up at Pioneer and other similar equipment. When you are all of 14 years old, you don't have the resorces to afford the higher end pieces. But I still dreamed and looked at "The Big Ones" because it interested me.
Now there are the raging debates at tube vrs. solid state, cd vrs. vinyl, horns vrs. planars, format vrs. format and certainly brand vrs. brand. That is always going to be in this hobby. I am enthusiastic about music and stereo equipment and will deal with all that, because I like almost all music, and can tolerate the stuff I'm not overly excited about. Same with the equipment, I used to be totally vinyl, and still very much appreciate it, but life has brought me to digital and I'm just as much into it as my old Oracle turntable, although I miss such a pretty piece.
As for the manners of most people on the internet, well, that leaves much to be desired. In a society that has become more and more dependant on the internet, and offices that rely on e-mails instead of talking with each other, coldness and rudeness has entered the mainstream. It's easy to be rude to someone you don't have to face. It's easy to to ignore someone you don't have to hear what thier objections or hard asked questions. I sometimes feel that our society is loosing it's daily skill to talk face to face with each other. A perfect example is going to the grocery store and while you are standing in line the person behind you is on their cell phone the entire time, and would rather place that call while in line then have to talk with you or say good morning to the lowly cashier. It's almost like a diversionary tactic to get away from actually talking to someone you don't know.
I have no problems with cell phones, and yes I have one as well. But I use manners and think of others when I do use it. I would much rather talk to a person on the street, in the airport, standing in line with me at the gocery or my neighbors than talk on the phone. And, when I'm on the internet trying to sell something, even if I'm offended by an offer, I politely tell them no thanks. I appreciate it when I do get a response of "thanks but..." when I'm trying to purchase or bid on something.
We are still dealing with people and in this case (A-gon) we are dealing with them on the internet. Lets show the new folks coming into this that we are enthusiastic about our hobby and use some courtesy! Lets show each other that we still can be polite no matter who they are or what they have asked or offered.
Remember, we live in great times to be able to do this. We can chat with people from around the world about something that most of us are passionate about, or at least would like to sell something that others are passionate about. We can get instant responses from owners, musicaians, manufacturers and stores. It is wonderful! Only a few years ago, we had to wait for answers, and had no contact with so many people into this hobby, if you could even find them in the first place, after all, where would you meet people of the same interest except for electronic shows once in a while or maybe a small local club.
Lets all try to do the right thing, enjoy the music, enjoy our equipment and each other!
Sincerely with high hopes, (I will get down off my soapbox!)
Matt Loriot (hifirush, and yes I do have a name!)
