Has the focus of the forum shifted? Is it the marketing, promotion and cheerleading arm of selected companies? Has advertising changed the landscape?

[Another Johnson]

Im taking the fith amendement i decline to answer the question

The Fifth? Or a Fifth?

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...as your legal advisor, hiccup, I recommend both.

 

[beaur]

Nice post. The OP asked us to read the thread and form our own opinion. I do not see any evidence of actual wrong doing and the accusation is vague at best. The burden of proof has certainly not been met in my opinion.

I have been accused of being overly enthusiastic about certain products that I have in my system, even a shill for a dealer, a guru, and was even accused of being a member of his cult. Such unfounded claims are simply nonsense. Many of us come here to learn and to share our enthusiasm for things about the hobby that we have recently discovered for ourselves. It is all in good fun in the hope of creating some kind of convivial atmosphere around this fascinating hobby. This guru/dealer friend of mine once told me that the best thing about the forum and the hobby for him has been the people he has met along the way.

Regarding the appearance of impropriety or conflict, I am for some standard disclosure and then each of us can factor that into his own decision making process. Most if it is basically entertainment. Some of it is valuable information. We make of it what we will. I think Steve has created a very nice forum. I wish him and the forum continued success.

Peter,

Going to state a few things in the first paragraph for the "transparency" adherents. We've never met but we do share an acquaintance with you svengali whom I haven't spoken with in some time but still respect and have had the pleasure of listening to his system before. I agree with your approach to a system but differ in what the goals are and how to get there.

Now to the reason for the post. Thanks for putting your journey for all to see and giving what I suspect are your unfiltered opinions. This post encapsulates how I tend to approach my home system and how I approach life quite frankly.

What I have noticed about most people critical of reviews and the audio industry is that they don't seem willing to offer up how they choose equipment or approach reviews. It boils down to "the system is corrupt" then nothing else.

For me it's pretty simple get all the information possible then verify. No matter who it is if you read/listen to them enough a pattern of likes/dislikes emerges and you can favor people based on the convergence of your shared likes/bias. Even if payola exists, that reviewer isn't going to be wildly divergent in the equipment they want in house, they have their preferences after all.

Addressing mostly positive reviews, have any of you listened to a variety of equipment ad shows/dealers/friends? There's a lot of stuff out there that I wouldn't buy and don't like but that doesn't make it "bad." I haven't seen an unmodified piece of gear break or spontaneously combust in some time. Most gear is well made and works as intended even if (you) don't like what you are hearing. The rising tide floats all boats as far as I am concerned.

As for forums and cheerleader as presented by the OP, I couldn't care less. Anyone on this forum should be free to express their opinion on gear they have direct experience with regardless of affiliation. Fairly easy to tell who's a shill and who is genuine if you just pay attention over time.

Beau

 

[admin1959]

It is very easy. There are others that pay more than you....

Sorry, that is BS. I am really getting wracked off with this thread. It was clearly started to cause trouble / controversy and moaning. It is going nowhere, and is carrying on with false stories and accusations.

1. I know Steve W really well. I have worked with him for a few years as well. He is the most transparent, heart on the sleeve and honest decent guy I have EVER worked with - period. I would let him look after my dogs and that is saying he is like a brother to me.

2. He is a genuine audiophile, who has used thousands of hours of his life and counting, to provide a stable, honest and fair environment where audiophiles can share experiences. And more recently brands as well. This was because at the time, he found there was nowhere to do that. You only have to look at other forums to see the brands bashing, negative and angry keyboard warriors who seem to either try to gain fame by creating stories, lies, or generally negative opinions on almost everything.

3. Steve W is also getting on in years, I hope he doesn't tell me off for saying that. Besides that, he finds a ton of energy to share his enthusiasm of audio, products he hears and likes, his own system, his exposure to other member systems.

4. Steve W has on many occasions said IHO some products that are both cheaper and NOT a sponsor sound better than his own gear, some of which may be a sponsor.

5. Steve W has NOT got any of his systems for free. I have an idea who has spread that lie. I am calling you out now, to cease it. You know who you are.

6. Some on here who were recently banned, then went onto Facebook or Audio Shark to slag off WBF. I say, goodbye. Anyone who gets banned on WBF, there is a big reason for it. We take it very seriously. WBF is NOT a boys club, or a buddy certain brands club. Forums without a strong and fair moderation will damage brands, damage members reputation, basically a race to the bottom, while using it for that member to get YT of FB hits. Also the quality of the content nose dives into personality attacks. We are discussing audio products - unbelievable.

Again, if a member or brand on WBF has a gripe, contact us, or the WBF mods. If you want to continue creating lies and negative damaging character assassinations, accusations, then just leave WBF. No problem.