Audiogon/Asylum and magazine reviewers posts

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.

KR I would encourage you and the other "processionals" to bring your knowledge and exchange up to a new level. When Audiogon was a ‘shot from the hip/ fist and cuffs' site it was a whole lot easier to participate. Now it requires thoughtful responses that might actually help improve ones knowledge or enjoyment of the hobby. I beg you and your colleagues to consider Audiogon for what it is, the premier Internet site for Audiophiles. AA has it's place, but in the past two years it has been left behind by this site and the participants who frequent it. I believe we would all benefit from the insight of "professional" reviewers if not only because you are exposed to so much more. Maybe a place for you to start is in the review section, are there other components you have heard or heard about that might be similar in characteristics that people might look in to? Do you have suggestions to the writer that might be useful to them, help them to improve the review for the next time? How about music, in your position I would expect you have found music we should all be aware of. Could you make some suggestions? It seems to me there is a lot you could do to improve the hobby. I'm not saying you should not enjoy the ‘wild west' at AA, but I do believe your position in the audio community requires you to do all you can to expand the hobby.