It's been ages since I logged into my HF account (not that it would be banned, it's under a different username anyway). I figured out a long time ago that the place had turned into a giant hype machine, no doubt other newbies will continue to do the same. This whole thing is super creepy though. I don't understand Jude's obsession...

Being anal retentive, I'm more concerned with what I did to deserve not being given an [applaud] [no touchy for you Claritas!] tag line to my avatar credentials.  As far as I can tell, I'm the only one still remaining sans badge.  Pffft with all this Jude psychocentric petty satrapy BS, it's about me. 

This is after all a social interface, first and foremost, and I'm feeling all singled out and rejected.  Is this what you're talking about, marvey? 

Ooooh...  You know you're not paranoid if everyone is actually conspiring behind your back.  Just sayin'...

I apologize for any down votes I may have given anyone by wildly clicking on those links for some kind of response to a hidden chatroom or something.  Feel free to retaliate.

Meanwhile, how 'bout that Jude highhandedness, speaking of megalomania...  It's about him; pay no attention to the man behind the bewilderment.

***
Dogpile!  Considering how many Claritas! I may have clicked on by mistake, this smacks of classic group mind chicken pecking.  You guys are so gracious and forgiving.  Love you, too. 

hello,

this whole passive/aggressive "hidden" banning on HF is just a symptom of a greater issue in the hobby.

the real issue is that the more mainstream press (e.g. NYT) is citing HF as THE site for headphone hobbyists.

so, what happens with a newbie or a confused shopper at Best Buy?

why, they head over to HF and spend way too much on FOTM or whatever the current hype train recommends and get soured on the whole thing.

there really are not enough B&Ms out there to audition cans. the only real way to even get close to that is meets, which we all know are not the best way to audition gear.

i have been extremely fortunate to have participated in three loaner tours on CS, and those tours have influenced future purchases. the generosity of the pyrates here is astonishing.

the opinions expressed on CS are honest, well-reasoned and not hype. the opinions on HF are in many cases fanboy driven, or financial gain driven or new toy syndrome in its worst form.

the fact that HF is opposed to the free flow of information on the web needs to be pointed out. that's not a declaration of war it is speaking the truth.