Audiogon/Asylum and magazine reviewers posts

Trelja - I certainly agree with your point about the reasons for substandard writing quality often seen on A'gon, but feel that when it comes to the reviews in particular, this ought not to be an acceptable excuse. Thanks for including me on your 'list', but I would have to disqualify myself; I know I don't have what it would take to be a reviewer that *I* would want to read for long. I don't have the experience - or the interest, frankly - to imagine myself trying to pursue that kind of thing for real. I don't go to the shows, or even the dealers very often, I'm not 'widely listened' enough, I don't belong to an audiophile club or have 'audiobuddies', I don't have any actual writing credentials, I don't know enough about classical music in particular, I don't know enough about the technical side of the audio arts, or its history - I could go on.

But more importantly than any of those personal limitations (shared though some of them may be with other A'goners), I acknowledge what I think many of us would have to concede about "professional" reviewing, if we were to really be honest about it: that I simply wouldn't have the stomach for it. Talk about robbing passion - and never mind passion for audio, what about for music? Fun as it may be to daydream about constantly getting in new toys to play with, I can't imagine anything more dampening to the spirit of actually enjoying listening to music, than to have to continually tear apart the system, tweak new setups, substitute comparision pieces, make notes while listening, and always having to write a damn article on a deadline about what you heard, month after month after month. Maybe this just means I'm a 'music-lover' more so than an 'audiophile', but even as far as the equipment goes, I imagine it would be tough not begin regarding everything in somewhat of a blur, or to start becoming paranoid about really trusting yourself to maintain an accurate mental hierarhcy of all that you've been exposed to - or to keep caring as much as you would ideally want to.

And then there would be the very sorts of things alluded to above: people hounding you or following you around at audio shows; people emailing you with their takes, or why yours is right/wrong; people posting about you in less than glowing terms on internet forums. Who needs it? Some are going to be cut out for this sort of attention, but I definitely would not be among them. The whole high end hobby is too permeated with neuroses, agendas, inflamed passions, and simple BS for me to want to be that much a part of it, because what I like is to listen to music, first and foremost. Writing about gear and systems can be fun when you feel like it, and that's where the Audiogon forum comes in handy.

I, too, agree with your post, when you say that reviewers make mistakes, are not always terribly insightful or prepared or thorough, and are not to be believed 'sound unheard' 100% as though they were truly golden-eared - I realize that's a mistake many novices will make, but have encountered enough instances where I felt a respected reviewer must have had their ears in a jar by the bed that day to know better myself. But I also agree with Kirk when he says that not only are there skills to be mastered in order to be a great reviewer that will weed out most, but also that the very process could turn what is supposed to be a joy into a grind. And so I tip my hat, for at least the effort if not always the result, to those who are willing to shoulder the chore for our benefit and entertainment, and to take the flames as well as the hosanas, risking their own personal enjoyment of that which they presumably love as much as any of us (and don't get paid much for their trouble, I am sure).

Another sterling post, as usual, Zaikesman.

This time we agree almost uniformly(see below). Especially, in the area of the grind eroding the love of the hobby. In my own life, I live with this very same thing. Perhaps the only topic on the same level as audio to me is food. I love to eat, but love cooking maybe even more. Since I was a child, my family and friends have pushed me to get in the field, and eventually open a restaurant. I have standing job offers, and even financial backing. My reason for not doing so is just as you mentioned. I would never want my passion to become its own worst enemy, a job.

The one premise I have to disagree with you on is your opinion that you wouldn't make a fine reviewer.

Have a great day!
Joe

Trelja and Zaikesman: Your very well-written and very well-considered posts prove Mr. Rubinson's point -- he is not needed here. I don't necessarily understand why Mr. Rubinson prefers to spend his time "shooting from the hip" on the Asylum (which I take as indicating some need to reassure himself that he is more knowledgeable than others), but I will factor that in whenever I read one of his reviews.

As a newbie with a lot to learn, I appreciate your passion for the hobby and your willingness to share your knowledge. I respect your choice to remain committed amateurs, but I would prefer to read your thoughts to Rubinson's any day.

Trelja, as a fellow food lover, I have to ask -- have you read The Soul of a Chef, by Michael Ruhlman?

I did not say that I liked to spend my time 'shooting from the hip.' I ascribed that to the general style on AA which, I must admit, is often entertaining.

I guess KR's suffering our ongoing biting at his ankles just proves my point, although I'll grant that maybe he doesn't take it badly - or give a hot damn. I submit that's part of the reason HE'S the reviewer in this exchange.