Observations on Audiogon Posts

I agree with you completely,but unfortunetly some people don't ( or won't ) do there homework and hope someone elses suggestions will cut the trip short..Sometimes we all get a little gun shy too..Most don't want to make a costly mistake and feel if they ask questions it will help in the search..Sometimes it does help but often all it does is confuse the person even more...I can certainly relate to the problem........

Have you considered that people come here to learn and that many may not yet know: 1) that their own listening priorities are a key factor in building a satisfying system and 2) that it helps members of the community to respond if we know their priorities? I agree with your observation, but it's all part of the learning curve. I take as a good credit to this Audiogon community that so many are willing to come here and ask without a lot of fear of being derided, bashed or otherwise made to feel unwelcome.
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I totally agree with the two replies above. Not everyone is as experienced as you are.

Arthur

Good points. I'm not letting the lazy thinkers off the hook, but I think that what many people are seeking is validation. They've largely made up their mind and are now running interference against cognitive dissonance (i.e. buyers remorse). In other words, all they need or want is someone to tell them they are making a good choice, and they're off the races.

Interestingly, the validation doesn't even need to be specific (i.e. "the Megatron Kilobuck images better than a solo pianist at Carnegie Hall."). Rather, "You won't be disappointed," or "I have this model as well and it's fantastic" are the statements the buyer has yet to hear. Of course, there's that "objectivity" (as if ANY of us on this or any other forum are actually capable of being objective about our gear. . .it's OUR GEAR!

As a salesperson and sales trainer, it's a powerful bit of psychology to know about. Now, I expect to get flamed for that statement (bring on all the "smarmy salesperson" comments). But I respectfully disagree with the general notion that sales people end up taking advantage of, and foisting product upon the unwitting public. . .that's another thread completely and I'm happy to contribute a POV.

In reality, the buyer has probably conducted significant due diligence prior to getting to the point where they are asking for validation. Assuming that's the case, they've often qualified their choice across the objective criteria (price, build quality, environmental/system suitability). Now they just need to hear that they're right via that last bit of subjective validation.

On the other hand, some people are just lazy and want others to think for them. . .enter Sales Vulture (i mean sales person)!

most people already know what they want, and what they need. asking for opinions, is nothing more than that. the happiness one gets in this hobby is often a moving target.