Is there a problem at AOS?

[RMutt]

I’d wondered why some members weren’t posting as much. As I hadn’t followed the more contentious non hifi related threads closely I hadn’t realised that there had been disagreement of the order described above. In the absence of an explanation I had come up with my own theory which was hifi related. This was related to the rise of digital playback and the average age of members. I wondered whether the discovery of almost plug and play digital, streaming etc. solutions and the fact that as people get older their enthusiasm for ‘faffing’ diminishes might be a reason. Younger people go straight into digital and the fashionable vinyl hipsters are probably not going to get into analogue to the levels of the past. There are endless tweeks to keep you occupied with analogue, not so much digital. I think some tried to, sort of, crossover the two. People advocating vibration isolation for even digital playback, surely just a hangover from vinyl with some companies trying to extend their lives? As people get older they are also probably getting to the point where ‘ endgame’ purchases have happened and passionate interactions with forums happens less. I suppose if other forums are buzzing it would disprove my idea. Are they?i

[struth]

I’d wondered why some members weren’t posting as much. As I hadn’t followed the more contentious non hifi related threads closely I hadn’t realised that there had been disagreement of the order described above. In the absence of an explanation I had come up with my own theory which was hifi related. This was related to the rise of digital playback and the average age of members. I wondered whether the discovery of almost plug and play digital, streaming etc. solutions and the fact that as people get older their enthusiasm for ‘faffing’ diminishes might be a reason. Younger people go straight into digital and the fashionable vinyl hipsters are probably not going to get into analogue to the levels of the past. There are endless tweeks to keep you occupied with analogue, not so much digital. I think some tried to, sort of, crossover the two. People advocating vibration isolation for even digital playback, surely just a hangover from vinyl with some companies trying to extend their lives? As people get older they are also probably getting to the point where ‘ endgame’ purchases have happened and passionate interactions with forums happens less. I suppose if other forums are buzzing it would disprove my idea. Are they?i

+1.
...all true.. most of the older, more regular posters dont post much..they are mostly settled and are much less active

[Marco]

I'd also like to pick up on a point Grant made earlier:

most of the older, more regular posters dont post much..they are mostly settled and are much less active...

That, IMO, is also a MAJOR reason why some feel that AoS has 'lost its way'. I certainly come into the above category. Whilst I'm still interested in hi-fi, it no longer holds the same level of interest for me (or was the obsession) it once was when I was at the beginning of my 'journey', keen and enthusiastic about all things hi-fi, and excited about trying different tweaks, etc. But if you're still in that zone, and deep into your 'journey', then you will look at things differently.

A disinterest in 'hi-end' audio is also why I no longer attend hi-fi shows, as I'm simply not interested in looking at or listening to ridiculously expensive systems, which sonically, largely disappoint, and besides I've never been a massive 'gear head', especially when it comes to new gear. Different with quality vintage stuff, so in that respect I'd derive more pleasure from attending Tonbridge than Bristol. Furthermore, I'm also more likely to go along to one of the NEBO meets than any 'professional' hi-fi show, simply because of the social angle and meeting up with friends.

And because I'm mostly settled (as Grant stated), in terms of having an interest in improving my system, I've got less to say on the subject, notwithstanding the fact that I'm disinclined to participate in topics that have been done to death many times before. That's not a criticism, simply a fact of how discussions on forums largely go round in cycles, or indeed circles...

Polishing fuses and dicking around with cables might be fresh, new and exciting to newcomers to the hobby (or those who are truly addicted to the whole tweaking/box-swapping thing), but not to someone like me who's been in this game since 1982, and posting on forums, talking pish about hi-fi (lol) since 1998, and thus been there, done that and bought the t-shirt! Plus also someone who is totally satisfied and happy with his system - and of course my love of music remains a constant.

Inevitably, you become a little jaded and run out of things to say... That's why I've been much less active on such topics. However, I still have a life outside of hi-fi and other passions/hobbies to indulge in, and enjoy chatting with likeminded people I consider as friends, so that's why I've mostly been active in the off-topic sections, discussing some of such with them. Fact is, life moves on, and we all evolve, so things simply cannot stay the same forever

Marco.

[AJSki2fly]

I'd also like to pick up on a point Grant made earlier:

.............

Inevitably, you become a little jaded and run out of things to say... That's why I've been much less active on such topics. However, I still have a life outside of hi-fi and other passions/hobbies to indulge in, and enjoy chatting with likeminded people I consider as friends, so that's why I've mostly been active in the off-topic sections, discussing some of such with them. Fact is, life moves on, and we all evolve, so things simply cannot stay the same forever

Marco.

Yes I agree Marco, I went through hifi upgrading in my twenties and go to a point where money and interest waned. Later on I moved to CD, a mistake at the time and the system went through various iterations until I reached a point I was reasonably happy with it. So buying HiFi mags, visiting shops and participating in forums waited.

4 years ago as some know I became interested in vinyl again, and due to illness had time to get involved in listening and HiFi again, it also helped distract me from my health issues. AOS I returned to and found the comradely and most interactions great, be up it about HiFi or other topics, and generally still do.

So even though my system is now relatively stable I enjoy the AOS interaction and hope to continue to do so.

[Marco]

Yes I agree Marco, I went through hifi upgrading in my twenties and go to a point where money and interest waned. Later on I moved to CD, a mistake at the time and the system went through various iterations until I reached a point I was reasonably happy with it. So buying HiFi mags, visiting shops and participating in forums waited.

4 years ago as some know I became interested in vinyl again, and due to illness had time to get involved in listening and HiFi again, it also helped distract me from my health issues. AOS I returned to and found the comradely and most interactions great, be up it about HiFi or other topics, and generally still do.

So even though my system is now relatively stable I enjoy the AOS interaction and hope to continue to do so.

And long may that continue, mate, as you're a valued member

That's the other thing about why the community aspect of AoS is so important, and the promotion of popular discussion topics other than just hi-fi - 'real world' stuff - it gives folks a reason to continue 'tuning in', forming a bond with others in the process, subsequently ensuring the forum's longevity long after people have moved on and their interest in hi-fi has waned...

Marco.