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Something to tell us? Suggestions on how we may improve the site? Ideas for threads?
Let us know here!
Dear Moderator (Hi Rob)- I opened a topic in Musical Compositions called Recordings To Die For. It's had only a few looks and absolutely no replies. So, I start to think . . wa's up with that? Then it occurred to me that there is no such as a recording to die for. So, how's about softening the title to Desert Island Discs. And remove my explanation, too, please. Add something of your own if you would like. Maybe that won't be so intimidating. Thanks. Jim
Hi Jim
I'll nip in as Rob isn't on line yet. I'm sure he'll give his own thoughts when he arrives.
We can change the title if you wish (I like 'Desert island discs') but I don't think that's the problem because the thread was called 'Albums to die for', or whatever, on Hi-fi Corner, and it took off big time.
No, the problem I think is that unlike on Hi-fi Corner you haven't gone on to qualify the title by naming what your 'Recordings to die for' are. On HFC you named some interesting albums and described them in such a way that it stimulated interest in people to reply. You haven't done that this time that's why the thread has died.
The solution? Get writing what your desert island discs, or whatever you want to call them, are and hopefully the rush will follow! :)
Marco.
I agree with Marco.
I can change the title no problem and I'll add my faves, hopefully others will follow. :)
Oops, missed this section.
I kind of made a small suggestion here:
http://www.theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=340 :lolsign:
Cheers,
Mike.
Hi Guys,
cool to ask for feedback - constructive hopefully but here goes....
I like your site but there seems to be way too many rooms for the casual reader - add in the names being a little "creative" and thus mildly counter intuitive it makes it hard work to be here - not I am presuming your intention
anyway I have persevered and am starting to get the hang of things but to be frank until the site grows in number of posters its a bit too thinly spread I suspect
rgds
darren
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your feedback. I take your point, but the reason the rooms are laid out the way they are is to divide discussions into separate categories for ease of reference later.
This means, for example, that if you read a discussion about a certain moving coil cartridge six weeks ago and want to find it again to seek some further information then you simply go to 'Analogue Art' where it will be archived for your reference and easily found, rather than it being lumped together with everything else in a general hi-fi discussion area and lost amongst a multitude of other discussions. Every room on the forum is also actively used on a regular basis, which shows that the procedure is successful.
Also, although the titles of the rooms are indeed worded in a "creative" way, there is we think a pretty clear and accurate description underneath in 'plain English' of what types of discussion should be posted there. It's just a matter of reading the room description and seeing whether your thread topic applies to the theme of that room or is best posted somewhere else. It's a little different from other forums but I'm sure you'll soon get used to it :)
AOS is different from some other audio forums because we're not just simply a 'hi-fi and music chat room' but also a resource for useful information, some of it quite technical. There is a massive amount of experience and information here on hand for people to tap into, and we want our members to be able to access it at any time as quickly and as easily as possible, hence why we're currently compiling an 'AOS library'.
If you have any other suggestions then please let us know. We will always listen to the needs of our members :cool:
Marco.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrenw
Hi Darren
Have a look at AudioKarma for an example of veryyyyyyyyyy complicated and massive. Its like going for a row in the Atlantic, when you have been only used to a small boating lake.
Compared to other forums that have been around for years we are small but growing. AOS isn't for everyone but we both cherish and want to encourage all the members both new and old. AOS is an Oasis compared to the storm swept shores of many other places ;)
Thanks for the feedback.
Regards D S D L
Hi Marco and DSDL,
Thanks for the explination - I suspected it would be by design rather than oversight but wondered if it is putting off users - you say you want to grow the membership and I was simply offering my experience as a casual user of the site - if your target audience is dedicated users who are looking at it as a resource and thus willing to "learn" their way around then perhaps you are right to keep it as it is.
BTW I wasn't suggesting you only had one room but rather you reduced and categorised into areas that were more frequently used.
I think it will put off some users but you seem to believe it is part of what defines the AOS forum so no worries
I find it distracting and difficult to find my way around so will either get the hang of it or drift back to PFM, Wigwam WAD etc.
thought it was worth a mention but it seems you have fairly fixed views of how this place should look so no worries
final point (for me) is the LOGO is quite big which I suspect also contributes to difficulty in navigating round the site (for me at least) - perhaps its just me though....
rgds
darren
A couple of things that might help understand how many of us use the site...
- Clicking the logo takes you back to the front page, though I know what you mean about the size - especially when I'm surfing the forum on my mobile!
- A lot of us use the 'New Posts' link at the top, under the banner... this brings up a list of all threads updated since your last visit, ordered by when it was updated.
Hope this helps :)
Hi Darren
I must confess to having no real problems myself navigating the forum. I am more experienced in these maters now but not that long ago I was very much the PC, internet and Forum virgin so I don't myself understand what navigation issues you might have.
Anyway I for one hope you stick around.:) Once you get to know us all I think/hope you will value AOS as much as I do.
Regards D S D L
Nick
that was useful thanks - seeing all new posts was something I looked for and use on other fora so its handy to know there is on on AOS
I understand how those of you who have grown up with the forum find ways of making it easier to use - will shut up now as its pretty obvious that you guys are happy with things the way they are - will hopefully adjust and stick around - will certainly give it a try
Dalek - its not that I can't get around it is that I noticed how hard it is to adjust - like moving from PC to apple apple is different for the sake of it in some areas and different cos its better in others - I guess I was just wondering if the counter intuitive navigation on this site was done "on purpose" or that you guys hadn;t noticed how it felt to a new user - as you imply its probably just me but I am no internet virgin either so would be surprised if its only me that feels this way
rgds
darren
We'll keep an eye on things, Darren, and if there's a common theme in people's feedback we'll take it on board :) It's great that people like you care enough to raise these points. I'm sure that your experience isn't unique. Suggestions and constructive comments are always welcome.
Indeed they are. I did once express concern myself at there being too many rooms. Initially this was to stimulate discussions on specific topics that we hold dear and to focus readers' minds on certain aspects of the audio reproduction chain (i.e. ancilliaries) other than the obvious source-amps-speakers. As time has passed some of the rooms have been hugely successful, others less so and our AV room disappeared altogether.Quote:
Suggestions and constructive comments are always welcome.
The Strokes of Genius room is another requiring attention and rather than let it die, Neil has taken on the task of developing it.
The main - or rather default discussion area is the Blank Canvass, although if the topic of discussion lends itself to being in another room it will likely be moved.
I will re-visit the idea of consolidating rooms in the near future subject to agreement by the rest of the admin/mod team.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Toy
With the number of posts that build up on any forum, you're always going to find a point where it gets bewildering when you're navigating through it. Personally, I find the AoS approach preferable, because early on I saw things that caught my interest & I knew where to go to find them - back to the start. With the opposite approach, the panic sets in when you know you saw a thread of interest but you can't find it amongst the morass of other stuff. Maybe my brain is left handed & Darren's is right handed, I don't know, but I vote that you leave it as it is.
Where else can you get a chance to submit and read for free reviews (well written please with nice photos), that are both informative and educational...such as Barry D Hunts recent item on Ortofon, this is a fantastic well written item IMHO. However all submissions are very welcome, and please don't be put of because you think your not up to it. If you can hear.....get typing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Toy
Regards D S D L
Hi All,
Visitors to this forum over the past few days will already know that I am an audiphile virgin (but losing my innocence rapidly thanks to you guys :)). However these same visitors will also have noted that it does not stop me from holding firm (and usually wrong) opinions, so here I go again. I have just stumbled on this thread and I have to say that my initial reaction was EXACTLY the same as darrenw's - too many rooms and with counter -intuitive names. (That's why I have only just stumbled on this thread - too busy and confused navigating my way (not always successfully) through the other threads on which I have posted). darrenw said what I thought but put it much better than I could have done.
It is only thanks to the very warm, friendly, prompt and helpful response that made me stay around long enough to get hooked (you'll all be glad to hear !!):)
In short, I cannot speak highly enough of the atmosphere here but it is, at least initially, a little confusing - no offence to the hard working individuals who put, and keep, it together - you're doing a brilliant job !
Cheers, :cool:
Dave.
To add my tuppence worth, like Dave&Sue, I have only joined recently and it took me a while to get used to the site and navigate my way around.
The great majority of contributions seem to be responses to various threads and 'New Posts' is where I start. Typing various key words into 'Search' is very efficient and useful to me.
For members wishing to be proactive and not knowing where to place their new threads, the 'Forums Home' page lists the various pages and gives a short description of the appropriate content. If in doubt one can always ask one of the moderators.
One popular thread, maintained as a 'sticky', is the one where members list what they are listening to at the time of posting. Since this is so popular, could it be made permanent and not disappear from 'New Posts' after being read?
Barry
Delighted to read that Dave&Sue are starting to get the best out of their system - it's that sort of news that makes this forum so worthwhile, great fun to read and be part of.
Guys,Quote:
To add my tuppence worth, like Dave&Sue, I have only joined recently and it took me a while to get used to the site and navigate my way around.
I must admit to being somewhat perplexed that people are finding the forum difficult to navigate or confusing. However, quite obviously this is an issue for some new members and so deserves to be looked at.
For us it seems very straight forward...
When joining, the first thing you should notice is the 'Welcome' area; therefore one click here should reveal that the done thing is to pop in and say a quick 'hello' by introducing yourself, your system, and your taste in music. After that, there is 'The Gallery' area where you post pictures of your system (if possible). Then there is 'Our Ethos', which you read and digest before posting, and after that you reach the main area of the forum and 'Blank Canvas', under which is (we think) a clear explanation of what topics belong in there. The same applies with the 'Digital Impression' and all the other rooms.
Yes, I agree the names of the rooms are 'arty' and somewhat non-specific, however, the description underneath each room should provide all the information that is necessary as to what topics are contained within. Therefore I'm struggling to understand where the confusion is... :scratch:
Could I ask that those who initially struggled with the layout inform us of exactly what the problems were so that we can try to rectify them? I should point out that reducing the number of rooms right now is not an option, so suggestions as to tweaking the layout only will be entertained.
Just to underline the procedure we would like all new members to follow when first joining the forum is:
1) On completing registration go to the 'Welcome' area and introduce yourself, as outlined above, making sure that you include your proper first name in your signature and basic location details (town and country) in your profile.
2) Read and digest 'Our Ethos'.
3)When time permits, post pictures of your system in 'The Gallery' area.
4) Participate at your leisure in the main discussion areas of the forum.
5) No PMs should be sent until at least steps 1) and 2) have been completed.
I look forward to hearing any further suggestions :)
Marco.
Marco,
your explanation is very clear. But, I don't think forums can read as linearly as you suggest. I came in through a link to a specific thread and it took me a while before I got round to reading the Welcome sections.
If you want people to carry out specific actions as part of their joining the site perhaps you could include those actions in the welcoming e-mail that gets sent out? Or, make it very clear right at the point of registration that specific things are 'required' as part of being a member of the site.
Hope that makes sense.:idea:
Peter
Hi Peter,
Obviously not! ;)Quote:
Marco,
your explanation is very clear. But, I don't think forums can read as linearly as you suggest.
I read things (anything - books, forums, whatever) from the top (beginning) and then work my way down. Regarding the forum, this is presuming of course that I arrived initially at the homepage. If not, I would always start from that point with any forum and proceed from there.
Presuming one adopts this (rather sensible) procedure when joining AOS, would you agree that everything is pretty much self-explanatory?
I'm just trying to get a handle on where exactly the confusion lies :)
Marco.
Yes, actually. I find the forum quite easy to navigate around. I can't remember exactly what e-mails I received when I joined (I'll have to dig around and find them), but I know that the 'requirement' to sign in and say hello first was easy to pick up once in if not specifically stated at the door (so to speak).
I read books from beginning to end too, and could never understand why you would want to read them any other way. Forums, on the other hand, are a different beast altogether!
Hi Peter,
Indeed, however I don't think it's too much to ask to start at the beginning of the homepage and work your way down through the rooms and topics, where everything should become clear. This seems normal and eminently sensible to me...
If you adopt some other policy when joining then we can hardly be held responsible in that respect for the ensuing confusion! :eyebrows: ;)
Glad you're enjoying it here, btw :)
Marco.
Yes, I do enjoy it here a lot. I really should participate more. I know I certainly have a lot of questions that I want to ask!
The question is: Where does the homepage begin? This site has the member/hello type section at the top, Lenco Heaven has a similar section in a different place. So, there isn't an obvious starting point (like the first page of a book). Logic does lead you to the Entrance Hall, but forums in general don't follow a consistent logic.
I realise I am talking slightly askew to the main comments here. I think the different sections are fairly explanatory. But, I'm happy that this probably because my weird logic follows the logic of this site ;)
Here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/index.phpQuote:
The question is: Where does the homepage begin?
If the above is not showing on your address bar then you're not at the homepage, and also unlikely to be able to follow the 'correct procedure' when joining as a new member ;)
If everyone joins on the homepage then 'logic' should dictate that you start at the 'Welcome' room (at the top) and then work your way down, observing (and acting on) the contents of the rooms in the 'Entrance Hall' in the process, before reaching the main areas of the forum...
It ain't that difficult, I don't think! :)
Let's hear all about those questions you'd like to ask...
Marco.
P.S Can you do me a favour and add "Peter" to your signature, so that it appears underneath all your posts? Ta!
Tis done (I think) - I was wondering how long it would be until someone asked.
I'm quite happy with the forum, so I'm only talking to help, I hope you know that. The point I'm trying to get across is that forums in general don't necessarily read from the top down. Or, I suppose more correctly, people don't approach forums as a thing that starts at the top. It's a bit more look at the picture and dive in to the appropriate bit. At least, that's how I think people approach forums. The thing that I was trying to say might be useful was a more specific hint (instruction) in the welcome e-mail everyone gets specifically pointing them to the Entrance Hall section first.
I suppose another point is that people won't necessarily read what is in each section, even if they go through them in the order you would like them to. It was some time before I got round to reading about the Ethos.
Of course, and I appreciate your input, Peter :)Quote:
I'm quite happy with the forum, so I'm only talking to help, I hope you know that.
I think you're absolutely right. However, much time was spent organising the layout of the forum so that when presented with the homepage above new users are then 'guided' through the rooms from the 'Entrance Hall' (there's a clue in there!) into the main areas of the forum where the posting procedure should then become self-explanatory. AOS is a bit different from other forums and for good reason. Obviously if you skip bits and 'dive in' somewhere else then confusion is a distinct possibility... It's like reading a story in a book: if you start in the middle then you'll probably miss the plot! ;)Quote:
The point I'm trying to get across is that forums in general don't necessarily read from the top down. Or, I suppose more correctly, people don't approach forums as a thing that starts at the top. It's a bit more look at the picture and dive in to the appropriate bit. At least, that's how I think people approach forums.
Good idea - however, we don't like too many 'rules and regulations' appearing in the welcome email as it can put people off. We'd rather that new members discovered details of the required procedure from the information contained in the 'Entrance Hall' and throughout the forum in general, even if it takes a little while for it to sink in :smoking:Quote:
The thing that I was trying to say might be useful was a more specific hint (instruction) in the welcome e-mail everyone gets specifically pointing them to the Entrance Hall section first.
Marco.
Indeed - which is why I thought a strong hint was more in keeping.:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Is it possible to have a system where the first post of a new member generates a second welcome type email? This could be congratulating them on losing their 'Art of Sound Cherry' and it could have a few pointers in it........Quote:
Good idea - however, we don't like too many 'rules and regulations' appearing in the welcome email as it can put people off. We'd rather that new members discovered details of the required procedure from the information contained in the 'Entrance Hall' and throughout the forum in general, even if it takes a little while for it to sink in
Just an idea.
I'll have a poke around and see, Chris :)
Marco.
Sounds like a nice and friendly way to help guide new members down the path of enlightenment, if it can be done...
See me? I'm full o' good ideas..................well that's what I think they said!!
By the way, I think the Entrance Hall is a great name for that part of the forum.
http://www.entrances2hell.co.uk/Quote:
Originally Posted by symon
well its a few weeks since I joined and I am not finding it much easier to be honest - pleased to see Marco that you are asking for views - perhaps we can discuss when I come to you
think hard about the number of rooms - I know you dont want to change it at the mo but its a big issue - some of them could be joined with no loss
will have a think as I surf but the big point here seems to be guys are willing to work through it cos everyone is friendly and supportive - as it gets bigger it will be hard to spread the love so my guess is you will lose members who surf in, lurk and bugger off cos its too hard work
PS that banner is a PITA when surfing on my phone!
rgds
darren
No worries, Darren. I think we'll need to because I just don't get what the 'difficulty' is :confused:Quote:
well its a few weeks since I joined and I am not finding it much easier to be honest - pleased to see Marco that you are asking for views - perhaps we can discuss when I come to you
:)
The banner stays as it is, though.
Marco.
Hi DarrenW
I must be honest in that I just don't get what the difficulty is either. Trust me there are places that are awkward to navigate around but IMHO AOS is not one of them and as to the number of rooms look at AudioKarma (sorry to go back to them all the time...great forum, but MASSIVE.) It does not seem to cause them any issues...massive active membership too.
Maybe you could tell us/describe how, in a step by step way, as to how you find AOS awkward to use...this might help us understand where you are coming from.
Regards D S D L
I should add that one of the most important reasons why there is a good (and we think relevant) selection of rooms is that in some ways AOS acts as a 'forum within forums'.
For example, someone who is only interested in computer audio and has no interest whatsoever in anything analogue, can simply 'live' in the 'Digital Impression' without having 'alien' discussions getting in the way of what interests them, and vice versa for someone only into T/Ts, etc. It's the same for people who are mainly into D.I.Y - they have a section all of their own to 'play in'.
In effect, one can simply ignore the areas of non-interest on AOS (or conversely find areas of interest) quickly and easily. This is quite difficult to do, IME, on other forums which simply have an 'audio' section, as one often has to sift through pages of stuff of no interest to find something worth reading...
It also keeps infamous and often controversial stand and cable discussions at 'arms length' in its own separate section without 'infecting' the main part of the forum ;)
Lumping rooms together would be counterproductive to achieving the above, hence why we're reluctant to do it :)
Marco.
earlier in the thread you asked if I could put things a bit clearer and I think I now can - AOS feels like a pub in oulton I went into when I was young - not quite the village of the dammed but a definite sense that the regulars crowded round the dartboard had a say in most things and didnt encourage others to contribute (not by direct action but more by accident due to complexity of structure, rigidness of mindset and an overall feeling of dictatorship) nothing wrong with this but it does end up with me visiting here less often and going back to other fora
if you are serious about making this place a bigger force on the hifi scene then you do perhaps need to engage in some honest appraisal of how it all works and how to get new members to start posting - think deep south inbreeding - you may end up with crooked green teeth!
take a look at any thread on here and you will see the management team take up a goodly percentage of the posts and usually end up directing the direction of the thread in some way
not looking to criticis but as you asked I thought it only fair to respond - having been here a month or so now I am sure its got too many rooms and the titles are difficult - what are the social clubs about for instance - why have em if they are not working?
just seen a note from someone about having more rooms than members and other new members have commented about complexity, one asking of there was a classifieds section and suggesting it as a good idea
I think I have been here long enough now to know this post will be rationalised away as the others seem to have but I chuck it in as a last ditch effort to get you guys to relook at the AOS and think about a change or at least tweak of direction.
rgds
darren
Hi Darren,
How's it going? I hope all is well :)
I honestly don't have a clue what you mean, mate, and why you feel like this... It really is a massive mystery to me :confused:Quote:
earlier in the thread you asked if I could put things a bit clearer and I think I now can - AOS feels like a pub in oulton I went into when I was young - not quite the village of the dammed but a definite sense that the regulars crowded round the dartboard had a say in most things and didnt encourage others to contribute (not by direct action but more by accident due to complexity of structure, rigidness of mindset and an overall feeling of dictatorship) nothing wrong with this but it does end up with me visiting here less often and going back to other fora
Perhaps you could explain what you mean by "rigidness of mindset and an overall feeling of dictatorship". This is especially perplexing! :scratch:
Darren, we'd like to do what we can to help but when you appear to be on a completely different page from the rest of us it is very difficult.
Can you be more specific please and less cryptic? What do you mean by "honest appraisal of how it all works and how to get new members to start posting"?Quote:
if you are serious about making this place a bigger force on the hifi scene then you do perhaps need to engage in some honest appraisal of how it all works and how to get new members to start posting - think deep south inbreeding - you may end up with crooked green teeth!
New members are posting - and regularly. Do you want some examples? :)
Not everyone will always post often. The forum is constantly evolving. Some people pop in and out, some stay longer, some are here everyday, and some drift away - that's life. I don't think it's something you can accurately analyse.
I take your point, but why is that necessarily a bad thing? The thing is, "the management team" have lots of combined experience to share, hopefully to help people with less experience get more from their systems and music and/or assist with any enquires. In fact, this is indeed the case.Quote:
take a look at any thread on here and you will see the management team take up a goodly percentage of the posts and usually end up directing the direction of the thread in some way
As you know, I’ve been more than helpful with your cartridge conundrums, as have others. What should we do, sit back and ignore people? I have to deal with numerous queries everyday both from people asking me for advice on the forum and by PM. I can't help knowing stuff, Darren.
You suggest to me what I should do (and others in the management team) and we'll listen :cool:
The social clubs were a mistake and not my idea. It was a new facility offered by the lastest VBulletin software upgrades, which didn't work out. Beechy will answer this one for you. I think they should go.Quote:
not looking to criticis but as you asked I thought it only fair to respond - having been here a month or so now I am sure its got too many rooms and the titles are difficult - what are the social clubs about for instance - why have em if they are not working?
As for "too many rooms/titles are difficult", we've already been there, mate.
Well, that's obviously nonsense. We have 1229 members... I don't see 1229 rooms! ;)Quote:
just seen a note from someone about having more rooms than members...
Are these old posts you're referring to? We've got a classifieds section, and very busy it is, too - it's called 'Private Exhibitions'...Quote:
and other new members have commented about complexity, one asking of there was a classifieds section and suggesting it as a good idea
Nothing is ever "rationalised away", I can assure you. The trouble we have is understanding exactly what the problems you've got are, simply because we just don't 'get' them. It's almost as if you're watching a different 'programme' from the rest of us.Quote:
I think I have been here long enough now to know this post will be rationalised away as the others seem to have but I chuck it in as a last ditch effort to get you guys to relook at the AOS and think about a change or at least tweak of direction.
I'm sympathetic, Darren, and want to help, but I'm honestly at a loss a) to understand much of what your issues are, and b) what exactly you'd like us to do about it :confused:
Marco.
To further compound how you appear to be out 'on a limb' with your view of things, Darren, here is a typical comment from new members joining AOS, from Bubba45, who just joined today:
If things were genuinely as you see them, would we be likely to recieve comments such as this on a regular basis? :scratch:Quote:
Basically I joined this site after browsing the web for info for a restoration of an old TT2 that I have just finished. I had a look at a few different threads and was basically enticed to join because most of the threads were from like minded genial folk who love hifi.
Marco.
Nothing personal Marco, (hopefully you know me better than that ;)), but why not let the Abstract Gallery die a natural death - why the constant appeals and apparent determination to keep it open? - if it was serving any useful purpose it would flourish - let it go.
Like I said above, nothing personal :) - you ask for opinions and that is mine - reducing the number of rooms is no bad thing anyway, IMHO.
Cheers,
Yep, point taken Dave. I see that as being a potentially interesting part of the form and was just trying to keep it 'ticking over' :)
Out of interest, what do you make of Darren's remarks above, from the view of a relative 'newbie'? :smoking:
Marco.
I think I can still classify myself as a relative newbie ;) and I do understand some of Darren's points. But, I need to think out how to express it. I want to make comments which, without care, could be seen as especially negative and whining - which is not my intention. I'll be back...
Hi Peter,
Cheers. It's important we get to the bottom of this, so we can try to help. Remember, please also make alternative suggestions to what you perceive as a problem - don't just highlight the 'problems'... Offer possible solutions, as you see it :)
Marco.
Symon,
I like your style.
This place is quirky. We like it that way. It is an oasis of eccentricity in an otherwise over-regulated and charmless world.
At Marco's request and without thinking too long about it, I offer my off-the cuff comments on Darren's post..
Please bear in mind when reading this that no offence is intended to anyone - crticism and opinions were invited and that's what you have got. Unless I am kicked out for posting this :lolsign: - unlikely unless the Management Team are not the people that I believe them to be - I expect to remain an enthusiastic member of the forum for the foreseeable future. Even with it's perceived imperfections it is still a valuable source of information and humour and also a nice place to feel that you belong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrenw
Cheers,
A fair post Dave. You obviously get what we are about. :) Unfortunately, I don't think Darren does. His criticisms are fair but along with them comes a distinct impression to me that he doesn't really get what AOS is about.
I've said this umpteen times already but the admin team here play dual roles of running the site/moderating and contributing. The two roles are not played out simultaneously.
Just a small point in the face of accusations that we run this place as dictators, how many forums have an area where members can be openly critical of how the place is run?
I can't think of any, but we mad-boy masochists can handle it 'cos we're thick-skinned and tough as a Rhino's botty! :lolsign:
Dave - all fair points. Nothing is perfect, including this place, but I think you essentially 'get' what we're about :cool:
One thing Steve touched on, which is core to our ethos, is quirkiness and eccentricity in terms of the forum's content; this is very much the case here, but it's coupled with genuine knowledge and experience in many areas, which makes AOS a first-class resource for a multitude of information on all aspects of audio. We think outside of the box, and so encourage our members to do likewise.
AOS will always have a strongly defined 'flavour' because it's full of colourful characters. We don't do bland. So those who are after 'safe' or 'run-of-the-mill', in terms of an audio/music forum, or think in shades of grey instead of multicoloured rainbows, then perhaps here isn't for you ;)
Marco.
Dave.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco