Hi Simon,
Good post!
Absolutely spot on. That is *precisely* what they are for, or indeed should be. However, it's certainly how we view things on AoS.
That's why unless someone is stating their opinion or experience as FACT, no 'proof' or evidence of whatever is being reported is needed. If willingly offered, that's different, but no-one here will ever be badgered into giving it. Information provided, therefore, simply acts as VALID subjective experience or opinion, which others reading can treat as they wish (question, accept or dismiss).
That is conversely also why where any arguable 'grey area' exists, no matter how small, no-one here is automatically right or wrong, or gets to conclusively (or arrogantly) judge as 'nonsense' what is simply someone else's contrary experience or opinion. Posting on hi-fi forums isn't (or shouldn't be) like sitting an exam, or where 'scientific facts' are formed!
They exist as places for people to conduct informal chats, with other (hopefully) like-minded enthusiasts, on topics of mutual interest, in the hope that sharing collective experiences may be helpful to others. That also applies when technical matters are being discussed, and where two educated and experienced professionals disagree on something that, despite what one of them may think, isn't of a black or white nature.
Indeed, which is why on AoS we believe very much in allowing discussions to evolve 'organically', rather than conforming to some rigid notion of what is considered as 'correct'. Despite what some may think, hi-fi forums don't double as formal debating societies, therefore neither should discussions therein conform to their rules.But when people present an argument that is ludicrous to most, it will come across in the thread anyway.
Precisely. No-one here has a 'right' to *anything* other than being treated with due courtesy and civility, and we proactively moderate all discussions here with that in mind.People do have a right not to be offended especially when you admit you are causing offence by virtue of comments you say are crap. You've no idea what your offence does to someone, and no you don't have the right to offend someone on someone else's forum who sets the rules for how people engage with each other.
Robust debate here is allowed, and indeed actively encouraged. The problem often is in applying that 'robustness' solely to the subject of the debate, not the debater..... In that respect, we have one simple rule: always play the BALL, not the man!To be honest if this was my forum I'd maybe allow people to engage in a bit more robust debate....
Marco.