Often threads are followed by people who don't add to the discussion and who may not even be registered ('members') at diyaudio... a.k.a. 'lurkers' - though that name puts a negative connotation to people who may be genuine 'learners'
So when you answer a question, it's often not just the OP who you are helping - so I don't see a problem with extending the discussion if it can be useful to others. Sometimes I see threads where the original question is of the type:"Just give me the answer; I don't want the theory", and more explanation can be helpful to people who come here years later for information.
I think we often mistakenly assume that we are having a conversation with a small group when we participate in threads - sort of like a few people in the corner at an electronics club meeting. The reality is that it's more like being in a 'panel discussion' at the front of a large meeting hall, with the proceedings recorded for posterity.
Ok, I take it back. At the end not having enough likes, would be a hint of dislike.😀
I meant the ones that run to 50 pages, 49 of which are nothing to do with the topic!
A classic ploy used often by leaders of all types is to characterise 'change' as good and support for it as open-minded, while opposition to 'change' is bad and implied to be closedminded; they hope people won't notice that opposition is often on a matter of principle or simple preference, not 'change' itself. The usual result is that leaders feel that they have to 'change' something; the next leader may well undo the change, so everyone has to waste their time on change instead of whatever the real issue is.leadbelly said:
Much better to judge things on their merits, whether they are good or bad in themselves, rather than whether they require 'change'. I welcome change when it is the right direction.
Not always wrong, often completely beside the point. It's frustrating. As though the question was not understood at all.
I've often wished for the same thing, but it would be a tough call. When is the answer complete and correct (enough)? Maybe allowing the OP to decide could work. That would be a significant change in how threads progress.
I think adding a "dislike" button would be hilarious frankly. I'd bet a coffee and donut that the "this opamp sounds better" post get more likes and the "1/4 page on why the designer chose the opamp they did and why you're unlikely to do better" post gets more dislikes.
But not everyone is as cynical as me.
.. I am sort of wondering how you'd define a "Guru". Most people have a field or two in which they are very knowledgeable, some have many fields where they have a little bit of knowledge, and then there are those like me that are doomed to an eternity as n00bs.
If "Guru" status could be given within some defined fields, I dunno, like "Component design", "Amplifier topologies", "Digital circuits", "Analog circuits" and so on, I would probably be OK with it. But giving someone "Guru" status just because they have popular posts would be wrong.
If "Guru" status could be given within some defined fields, I dunno, like "Component design", "Amplifier topologies", "Digital circuits", "Analog circuits" and so on, I would probably be OK with it. But giving someone "Guru" status just because they have popular posts would be wrong.
"Guru" is one of those words that should be put back in it's box and left to it's original meaning only.
Yeah, I don't think you could make a system that would work. Remember, the newbie could be an audiophool, and wanting an audiophool answer. This lack of objective measure screws everything up.
On another forum I post about about my 1980 motorcycle, I occassionally get answers from gurus, guys who used to race it when new, race it now in vintage races, or still hot rod it. Their answers are an order of magnitude more useful than anything else, and there is no special tag on them. So obvious and yet so elusive for some members on this forum to see the equivalent.
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Gpauk, Yes, except for Nelson Pass, he should have a general Guru status IMO. Maybe one or two more that can have it, but no more than three Guru's total.
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And quantity is not the same as quality, unless another AndrewT comes along. Wonder if there could be some other measure or "Quality badge" that could be in the "Donation badge" area.
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And quantity is not the same as quality, unless another AndrewT comes along. Wonder if there could be some other measure or "Quality badge" that could be in the "Donation badge" area.
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I take everything here at diyAudio with a bucket of salt, as the real learning takes place inside my head, not necessarily straight off the page ....... sometimes months later, just like the proverbial lightbulb. The only guru here is the one in my subconscious that points me, prods me, nay - even shouts at me as to which is the right way to go towards audio enlightenment. Don't worry, that was deliberate pretentiousness as a ploy to wind up one of the cardigans here who has lost his buttons. 😛 Actually, I don't need spoon feeding .....
I lurked here for about a year before my first post. Sure did have to fight my corner until I got my credibility. Now everyone is nice as pie to me - well maybe not some, but I forgive them as they seem rather unhappy - not my fault. 😱
diyAudio is a great place, just a bit hard to get your footing at first. Maybe it's because I wear sandals instead of slippers. Never mind. 😉
ToS
Yep... DIYA is good... Just - don't let the turkeys get you down!
I've met a lot of very smart folk, and they'd all eschew the designation "Guru".
In my experience, the smarter people are (and that's not correlated with IQ!!) the more they think they need to learn. Makes sense to me.
I've met a lot of very smart folk, and they'd all eschew the designation "Guru".
In my experience, the smarter people are (and that's not correlated with IQ!!) the more they think they need to learn. Makes sense to me.
A good point. I often think about that when answering the same question/debunking the same BS over and over again...
Jan
I started in electronics in 1980.
As time goes on I am still learning.
Had a new amp design yesterday oscillate despite being well damped.
On top of that the technology moves on and new stuff comes out.
So it always a catch up situation.
The beginners forum with a few amps with full construction details sounds like a great idea to me! We have talked in the past about sub-forums for technical discussion, as opposed to building. I think we decided back then that tags would probably be better.
This was tried. Does anyone remember "The Tweakers Sactuary"? It lasted about a week. The forums purpose was made clear, but those that did not like people talking about things that they felt were not based in science trashed the place.
Tony.
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