Homophobia in the UK audiophile industry

[Neil McCauley]

http://www.hifianswers.com/2015/08/homophobia-uk-audiophile-industry/

[walpurgis]

That was all rather a while ago Howard. What prompted you to post this, have you seen a recent instance of something similar?

Certainly I think AOS is a place where all are welcome and no bias is shown against differing 'types' of people.

[Gordon Steadman]

That was all rather a while ago Howard. What prompted you to post this, have you seen a recent instance of something similar?

Certainly I think AOS is a place where all are welcome and no bias is shown against differing 'types' of people.

Not all forums are as open minded as this one Geoff. There are some who are openly homophobic. However, it would be interesting to know what prompted Howard to raise this now.

[Neil McCauley]

That was all rather a while ago Howard. What prompted you to post this, have you seen a recent instance of something similar?

Certainly I think AOS is a place where all are welcome and no bias is shown against differing 'types' of people.

My motivation was, as you'll see from the opening sentence in the post on HFA, that I was asked the question: "Howard I heard this rumour that you observed homophobia in the industry in the 1980s?".

I agree your sentiments re AOS; this being he only forum I am registered with. That said, yes I have seen what I perceive as homophobic comments on at least one non-UK forum and although posted, were quickly removed.

[Neil McCauley]

Not all forums are as open minded as this one Geoff. There are some who are openly homophobic. However, it would be interesting to know what prompted Howard to raise this now.

Yes, I believe some are openly homophobic. That said, one of any persuasion can find evidence of prejudice against them if they look for it.

Why now though; I was asked the question "Howard I heard this rumour that you observed homophobia in the industry in the 1980s?" and a honest reply seemed appropriate.

[RichB]

There is a certain demographic which goes with our hobby so I'd expect some views to be more prevalent amongst that group. These are as unrepresentative of society at large as our own demographic.

[walpurgis]

I can't speak for other forums, as I only look at others occasionally. No doubt every area of life has a minority who will be prejudiced against others seen as being different, for whatever reason. Maybe race, religion, sexual orientation and so forth. Most people have a balanced outlook in my view and just get on with their lives without letting such notions get in the way of their interacting with others.

[Neil McCauley]

I can't speak for other forums, as I only look at others occasionally. No doubt every area of life has a minority who will be prejudiced against others seen as being different, for whatever reason. Maybe race, region, sexual orientation and so forth. Most people have a balanced outlook in my view and just get on with their lives without letting such notions get in the way of interacting with others.

Quite so. However ... what shocked me then and in recollection still does is that one maker (or perhaps one employee of that maker) should express, if not evangelise an opinion about a competitor expressed exclusively in sexual terms.

This thread, merely a link and without comment was not intended as a catalyst for a discussion of prejudices in the vast world outside our tiny audiophile one.

[walpurgis]

This thread, merely a link and without comment was not intended as a catalyst for a discussion of prejudices in the vast world outside our tiny audiophile one.

Well it caused me to make just such observations and no doubt others may feel the need to add something.

[Neil McCauley]

Well it caused me to make just such observations and no doubt others may feel the need to add something.

Oh dear - are you upset about something?

From my perspective, anyone can make any comment about this topic or indeed any other. Adding observations might broaden the debate, in which case this is in my view most welcome.

As for me in terms of comments re this topic I have nothing worthwhile to add to the story as posted on HFA that I can think of right now. That said, if you are inviting me to comment then I'll do my best to respond in both a polite and objective manner if you think I might have something of further relevance to contribute. Thanks. Regards. Howard.

[Gordon Steadman]

Oh dear - are you upset about something?

From my perspective, anyone can make any comment about this topic or indeed any other. Adding observations might broaden the debate, in which case this is in my view most welcome.

As for me in terms of comments re this topic I have nothing worthwhile to add to the story as posted on HFA that I can think of right now. That said, if you are inviting me to comment then I'll do my best to respond in an objective manner if you think I might have something of further relevance to contribute. Thanks. Regards. Howard.
:confused::confused: Surprising reaction.

[agk]

I hadn't even considered it until I saw this thread. Why would I? This is a music and kit forum as I understand it.
Should this thread be in "abstract"?

[Neil McCauley]

I hadn't even considered it until I saw this thread. Why would I? This is a music and kit forum as I understand it.
Should this thread be in "abstract"?

I think you might be correct. Let's see what the moderators think.

[walpurgis]

Oh dear - are you upset about something?

Not sure why you said that Howard :scratch:.

[Neil McCauley]

Not sure why you said that Howard :scratch:.

My male menopause I guess. It's such a trial!

[walpurgis]

My male menopause I guess. It's such a trial!

Yes. You're probably just a grumpy old sod like me. :lol: ;)

[AlanS]

My motivation was, as you'll see from the opening sentence in the post on HFA, that I was asked the question: "Howard I heard this rumour that you observed homophobia in the industry in the 1980s?".

I agree your sentiments re AOS; this being he only forum I am registered with. That said, yes I have seen what I perceive as homophobic comments on at least one non-UK forum and although posted, were quickly removed.


Yes, I believe some are openly homophobic. That said, one of any persuasion can find evidence of prejudice against them if they look for it.

Why now though; I was asked the question "Howard I heard this rumour that you observed homophobia in the industry in the 1980s?" and a honest reply seemed appropriate.


Well you got my attention for the first and last time. I shall not read hifianswers again.

The nebulous "someone asked me" really riled - a typical journalistic fabrication could be a mere invention why not indicate who did this supposed asking?

You have the right to post here as a trade member. Just like all trade members should you not be posting this publicity for your web site (your product) in the trade area allotted to you?

I am a stubborn person when presumed upon as this attempt to promote your web site purports to be a friendly human (none trader) chat.

[struth]

Dont really see the relevance of the thread tbh but i will move it to abstract for now.

[Oldpinkman]

Undoubtedly homophobia was a problem in the trade itself back than. I referred to that in my Happy Anniversary thread. But much less now. Within forums its divided. PFM is positively PINK. In others it is easy to detect some traces, but I don't think its a major issue - and certainly not endorsed or tolerated by any forum officially. I have seen some rants - but usually in the sort of places you'd expect to see such things - hardly a mainstream forum - just a bunch of malcontents

[Joe]

AoS seems to have more than its fair share of cross-dressers.

[StanleyB]

I can't quite see what one's sexuality or sexual preferences could influence one's taste of music. Why I have no objection to anyone from the LGBT community, what about those who are involved in multiple relationships, adulterers, and abstainers? And then you have the case of what kind of music wine, beer, rum, or whiskey drinkers prefer. I am of course drawing on personal experiences as examples.

[Neil McCauley]

Well you got my attention for the first and last time. I shall not read hifianswers again.

The nebulous "someone asked me" really riled - a typical journalistic fabrication could be a mere invention why not indicate who did this supposed asking?

You have the right to post here as a trade member. Just like all trade members should you not be posting this publicity for your web site (your product) in the trade area allotted to you?

I am a stubborn person when presumed upon as this attempt to promote your web site purports to be a friendly human (none trader) chat.

Points noted and thank you.

[Neil McCauley]

Yes. You're probably just a grumpy old sod like me. :lol: ;)

Yes, I guess that's true.

[Neil McCauley]

Dont really see the relevance of the thread tbh but i will move it to abstract for now.

Thank you. Makes sense to me.

[Neil McCauley]

Well you got my attention for the first and last time. I shall not read hifianswers again.

The nebulous "someone asked me" really riled - a typical journalistic fabrication could be a mere invention why not indicate who did this supposed asking?

You have the right to post here as a trade member. Just like all trade members should you not be posting this publicity for your web site (your product) in the trade area allotted to you?

I am a stubborn person when presumed upon as this attempt to promote your web site purports to be a friendly human (none trader) chat.

As an after thought, perhaps you might complain to Marco?

In answer to your question re the person who asked, they used a pseudonym with a numerical email address. It did cross my mind to engage GCHQ to identify the person to who had the temerity to even ask the question, but realized it would – correctly – be perceived by them as trivial request.

May I ask, do you have a view you’d like to share re historic (as far as we know) homophobia in the industry? Thank you. Howard

PS: Is there any reason why my opinions are subordinate to yours? I certainly don't feel mine are superior to yours.

[Neil McCauley]

I can't quite see what one's sexuality or sexual preferences could influence one's taste of music..

Me neither.

However what I observed was a turntable maker attempting to influence the perception of a peer competitor with at least one retailer (i.e. me) in the 1980s through sexual innuendo rather than, say, comparative objective performance measurements, reliability / unreliability issues or excessive performance claims.

[AlanS]

As an after thought, perhaps you might complain to Marco?

In answer to your question re the person who asked, they used a pseudonym with a numerical email address. It did cross my mind to engage GCHQ to identify the person to who had the temerity to even ask the question, but realized it would – correctly – be perceived by them as trivial request.

May I ask, do you have a view you’d like to share re historic (as far as we know) homophobia in the industry? Thank you. Howard

PS: Is there any reason why my opinions are subordinate to yours? I certainly don't feel mine are superior to yours.

Just to let you know I shall not be reading or replying to your posts and attempts at generating interest in your product. I am not interested in conversation with you. Were we in the physical world you and I would be in different rooms.

[Macca]

. Were we in the physical world you and I would be in different rooms.

You are and you are.

So that's okay then.

[Joe]

You are and you are.

So that's okay then.

Unless Alan S is a ghost of course.

[Macca]

A bit difficult to post on the internet whilst leading a non-corporeal existence, though?

[Joe]

A bit difficult to post on the internet whilst leading a non-corporeal existence, though?

Nah; if ghosts can walk through walls, posting on the internet should be a doddle.

[Macca]

Remember Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) ?

It always troubled me as a kid that he could walk through walls but the floor seemed to be solid for him. If a wall cannot impede him how come he doesn't just drop through the floor?

[Joe]

Remember Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) ?

It always troubled me as a kid that he could walk through walls but the floor seemed to be solid for him. If a wall cannot impede him how come he doesn't just drop through the floor?

I did watch it, but never analysed the 'science'. That's the great thing about me, I can suspend my disbelief so easily. It's why I've ended up with a cupboard full of fancy cables.

[walpurgis]

Remember Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) ?

It always troubled me as a kid that he could walk through walls but the floor seemed to be solid for him. If a wall cannot impede him how come he doesn't just drop through the floor?

Ghostly MagLev shoes! :)

[struth]

Remember Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) ?

It always troubled me as a kid that he could walk through walls but the floor seemed to be solid for him. If a wall cannot impede him how come he doesn't just drop through the floor?

White ghosts are devil proofed

[Gordon Steadman]

Remember Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) ?

It always troubled me as a kid that he could walk through walls but the floor seemed to be solid for him. If a wall cannot impede him how come he doesn't just drop through the floor?

Selective ghostliness. A bit like my hearing:lol: