Momentary Myopia Warning!
I joined AudioKarma five years ago today, many moons into a personal revival of hi-fi interests. I was not discussion-forum savvy (still not, obviously) and the site choices were daunting; I browsed but never jumped in. However, I saw an ad for the Southeast Michigan Audio Club (SMAC) in Stereophile Magazine that referenced this forum. I registered and managed to meet a local group of like-minded individuals. Too cool! I eventually stopped reading the other forums and just hung around here, trying to digest it all.
I've put my foot in my mouth a few times, but I've managed to learn, too. I've learned that first impressions are best balanced with long-term listening. I've learned the usefulness of room treatments in order to get better performance from one's gear. I've learned the advantages of clean records, especially as one's system becomes more revealing. I've had my mind opened to the reality that cables can make a difference and I've learned that I should keep my connectors clean. I've expanded my musical interests and discovered new artists. I've learned that just because something or someone gets rave reviews does not mean I'll like it or them. I've come to accept that just because we cannot measure or otherwise quantify something does not necessarily mean we cannot hear or otherwise qualify it. I've learned to appreciate the flair for DIY that exists here and I stand in awe of some of the talent on display. I've learned that something seemingly small can make a big impact. I've learned that it's actually OK to have a mixture of vintage and modern gear, tangible and virtual media, tubes and solid state, CDs and LPs and tape, Patrician and Plebian - heck even 2-channel and home theater. I've learned I don't have any time for purists and Zealots. I've come to admire those who are respectful of others' ideas, patient with others' questions, and mindful of what they say. I've learned to try to take a moment of thought before I click <submit> and sometimes better judgment becomes my ally. I've been inspired by the generosity shown by numerous members and I've tried to give back when I can. And I've managed to never type the word scr... oh, you know.
Today I find that I am enjoying this stuff more than ever and I credit the AudioKarma community for a large part of this positive influence as well as for getting me connected with a local group of really terrific folks, some of whom have invited me to play along and for this consideration I am very grateful. I'll continue to try to keep from taking myself, and all of this, too seriously.
As VinylRob says, "Happy Listening!"
I joined AudioKarma five years ago today, many moons into a personal revival of hi-fi interests. I was not discussion-forum savvy (still not, obviously) and the site choices were daunting; I browsed but never jumped in. However, I saw an ad for the Southeast Michigan Audio Club (SMAC) in Stereophile Magazine that referenced this forum. I registered and managed to meet a local group of like-minded individuals. Too cool! I eventually stopped reading the other forums and just hung around here, trying to digest it all.
I've put my foot in my mouth a few times, but I've managed to learn, too. I've learned that first impressions are best balanced with long-term listening. I've learned the usefulness of room treatments in order to get better performance from one's gear. I've learned the advantages of clean records, especially as one's system becomes more revealing. I've had my mind opened to the reality that cables can make a difference and I've learned that I should keep my connectors clean. I've expanded my musical interests and discovered new artists. I've learned that just because something or someone gets rave reviews does not mean I'll like it or them. I've come to accept that just because we cannot measure or otherwise quantify something does not necessarily mean we cannot hear or otherwise qualify it. I've learned to appreciate the flair for DIY that exists here and I stand in awe of some of the talent on display. I've learned that something seemingly small can make a big impact. I've learned that it's actually OK to have a mixture of vintage and modern gear, tangible and virtual media, tubes and solid state, CDs and LPs and tape, Patrician and Plebian - heck even 2-channel and home theater. I've learned I don't have any time for purists and Zealots. I've come to admire those who are respectful of others' ideas, patient with others' questions, and mindful of what they say. I've learned to try to take a moment of thought before I click <submit> and sometimes better judgment becomes my ally. I've been inspired by the generosity shown by numerous members and I've tried to give back when I can. And I've managed to never type the word scr... oh, you know.
Today I find that I am enjoying this stuff more than ever and I credit the AudioKarma community for a large part of this positive influence as well as for getting me connected with a local group of really terrific folks, some of whom have invited me to play along and for this consideration I am very grateful. I'll continue to try to keep from taking myself, and all of this, too seriously.
As VinylRob says, "Happy Listening!"
