CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS

Lobby => Headphone, IEM, and Other Audio Related Discussion => Topic started by: Jay_WJ on April 16, 2014, 09:02:21 PM

Title: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Jay_WJ on April 16, 2014, 09:02:21 PM
Would you please forgive my ignorance and explain why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?

If this topic is not appropriate here, a private message would be appreciated as well.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Deep Funk on April 16, 2014, 09:30:11 PM
Apparently the royal courts at HF do not appreciate pirates who sail on the waves of sound (measurements).

Lurk, read and you learn more...
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Jay_WJ on April 16, 2014, 09:41:11 PM
I can roughly guess. The problem is, I've decided not to waste time at Head-Fi, except for looking at some information occasionally. Any specific incidents in the past?
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Deep Funk on April 16, 2014, 09:48:43 PM
Just lurk, read and enjoy this forum. I love this place because of the diversity and honesty.

I used to like HF but that is in the past now...
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: shipsupt on April 16, 2014, 11:37:47 PM
Yup... it's all peace and love.  Head-Fi has its place and there is still room for Changstar!  Big inter web and all that.

It's like Head-Fi is the NFL, and we're kind of like the CFL.  No, wait, we're more like a cross between the XFL and the LFL... No wait, we're more like Australian Rules Football. 








Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Maxvla on April 17, 2014, 01:16:22 AM
I'd prefer to think of HF as the NBA and Changstar as the Globetrotters. Less commercial, less stress, more fun, more individual skill.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Tari on April 17, 2014, 01:56:34 AM
They are two forums competing for some of the same readership.  Considering HF makes some amount of money from views/clicks and accompanying sponsorships at least partially based on those metrics, its good business practice to not end up directing to the competition.  Its like allowing an ad for home-made bespoke suits in the Men's suit section at Nordstrom.  Sure, this cottage-industry tailor will never truly chip away at Nordstrom's clientele, but those who do end up going to him will often never be seen at Nordstrom again.

The stated reason (was it Joe?) was people saying less than complimentary things about Jude/HF in the past. 

I think everyone kind of assumes the worst about everyone elses' motivations (ie this site is trying to usurp HF or besmirch it) and that certainly doesn't help things. 

In the end, while there is probably some degree of bitterness for some members over various incidents, Changstar has definitely evolved in the last number of months from being "not HF" to being its own niche place with its own interests and vibe.  Its core is also generally fairly fun-loving and irreverent, so no harm no foul, especially as this is the internet and no owners here make any real-life money from it. 

Specific past incidents are not worth dredging up as they are just that, in the past. 

HF is a privately owned and operated forum and certainly has the right to police itself as it will.


Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Maxvla on April 17, 2014, 02:13:24 AM
HF is a privately owned and operated forum and certainly has the right to police itself as it will.
Or deny benefits that were paid for, as I'm finding out from Amos, right now. When he restored my ban he removed my Contributor rank (which removes ads as well as other smaller perks) that I paid about $100 for a few years ago.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Anaxilus on April 17, 2014, 02:22:02 AM
Wow, I'd be asking for a refund straight from Jude.  That's the kind of nonsense I couldn't stomach.  Amos isn't stupid, the random and arbitrary application or misapplication of basic facts and logic drove me nutz.  Posting on HF can be like dating a bi polar sociopath at times.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: zerodeefex on April 17, 2014, 03:35:09 AM
Who knows?

I was attracted to this place because of the number of people who, like me, had meandered through a lot of bad audio purchases before getting here. It's refreshing to be somewhere where crap is called crap, the tone is irreverent, and the people can disagree with each other.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Eric_C on April 17, 2014, 03:49:58 AM
^ Likewise. I love this place for the frankness and everyone's experience. Really helpful when you don't have a boatload of cash to play around with, or an engineering background--I know I can count on you guys to cut through hype and whatnot.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: jGray91 on April 17, 2014, 11:27:43 AM
Who knows?

I was attracted to this place because of the number of people who, like me, had meandered through a lot of bad audio purchases before getting here. It's refreshing to be somewhere where crap is called crap, the tone is irreverent, and the people can disagree with each other.

Mine was a bit of this, but it was back when the name "purrin" and friends instantly twisted a few panties there and there was a crusade against his measurements and I heard that there was this new forum set up by purrin and friends to bypass the crusade. All told by a female shark herald, who is a special snowflake.

In any case, while I did lurk too much back then, I'm too lazy to scour my memories why Changstar is on the same level of vileness as nwavguy on Headfi.

Instead, here's a treasure hunt for you OP: somewhere in this site, purrin explained why Changstar is called that.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: complin on April 17, 2014, 12:12:50 PM
Basically Head-Fi is now a full commercial venture so its undoubtedly part of someones pension plan!
Its not only references to this site but others including Head-Case. Today its moderated with a very heavy hand and any dissenting opinions, criticism of sponsors or their products is removed very quickly.
References to sites or links which expose poor products, over priced crap or dubious practices are ruthlessly censored in order not to alienate advertisers and sponsors.
So if you are looking for an uncensored diverse range of opinions and views then look elsewhere, today Head-Fi is not the place for such stuff! 



They are two forums competing for some of the same readership.  Considering HF makes some amount of money from views/clicks and accompanying sponsorships at least partially based on those metrics, its good business practice to not end up directing to the competition.  Its like allowing an ad for home-made bespoke suits in the Men's suit section at Nordstrom.  Sure, this cottage-industry tailor will never truly chip away at Nordstrom's clientele, but those who do end up going to him will often never be seen at Nordstrom again.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Skyline on April 17, 2014, 12:18:09 PM
Who knows?

I was attracted to this place because of the number of people who, like me, had meandered through a lot of bad audio purchases before getting here. It's refreshing to be somewhere where crap is called crap, the tone is irreverent, and the people can disagree with each other.
In any case, while I did lurk too much back then, I'm too lazy to scour my memories why Changstar is on the same level of vileness as nwavguy on Headfi.
It's because many at HF don't appreciate having their hype trains derailed...
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: complin on April 17, 2014, 12:47:29 PM
Hype Train, i'm sure I don't know what you could possibly mean  :boom:

It's because many at HF don't appreciate having their hype trains derailed...
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: thegunner100 on April 17, 2014, 02:37:09 PM
I initially came to changstar for its measurements and CDS. I did lots of lurking around and found that this place was quite different from HF. TBH, it's really like the anti-HF to an extent. As mentioned before, we're allowed to call out products for being overpriced or sounding like shit. After lurking around and posting more, I found that I could really trust the memembers (lol what. did I really just type that?) here and their impressions.

I remember reading how the site's name came to be, but I still have no idea what the banner/logo is... I'll have to look for that post again sometime later.
Title: Re: Would anyone bother to explain this for me?
Post by: Tari on April 17, 2014, 02:53:36 PM
HF is the internet gateway to this hobby for 99% of forum-goers.  It is by and large a good resource for your average newbite who just wants someone to "recommend me" and get out of the hobby.  As a welcoming place for new members who are not yet initiates in the hobby (and don't see themselves as hobbyists but rather music lovers) it has to give off a more welcoming vibe (think marvel superhero movies vs comic book guy from the simpsons - who is likely to be more faithful to the canon?  Who is more likely to make more converts?) This means no spirited arguments that could be seen as argumentativeness, no ragging on what other people like even if there are many objective reasons to do so, no riffing and razzing and crude inside jokes that signal a club where the average lurker feels like an outsider looking in. 


This all makes sense from a business perspective.  Those who plan on sticking around in the hobby (especially online) are often better served elsewhere though where these things don't need to be kept in check.


___


Max, sucks about your lost contributorship.  Someone gave it to me a few months back and quite honestly if HF still had all those annoying ads every time I visited, I would have signed off long ago and never come back.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on April 17, 2014, 05:42:19 PM
To the OP's question: I only have hints of why. From several pm's and relayed conversations which have made their way to me, evidently, the Architect of HF is upset because he feels the purpose of this site is to ridicule HF, attack HF, etc.

I won't disagree or pretend to not understand why the HF Architect would feel this way; but allow me to explain: As others have mentioned, they came to this site because of bad purchase decisions based on HF "hype". This was a primary driver behind this site. To create a forum where there would be more meaningful discussion of gear beyond hype or simplistic top 10 rankings. For me personally, it was two specific things which tipped me over: a CSD measurement of a headphone which was tweaked via visualization techniques to look really good (it was still a good headphone); and a high touted tube amp ranked #1 in a top X list which many here thought was the biggest piece of sh1t they've ever heard upon hearing it or purchasing it.

So in a sense, we started out as small group of people who felt that had "awoken" from the HF Matrix. Early on, mention of this site was still permitted by HF. I figure the HF Architect and HF Agent Smiths just thought of us as ants which posed no threat. We'll we've grown a lot since then, much more than I would have ever imagined. And because of this growth and our outlook, we've attracted more than a few HF disgruntled. HF disgruntled of course are going to bitch about HF, slam Jude, slam Joe, call Amos names, etc. While I don't think doing such things is really beneficial, I'm not really going to do anything to stop it. (Not to mention that most people who have banned from HF don't last long here either.) I figured people were just blowing off steam. People need to blow of steam. And for the most part, I'm going to allow a certain level of that. I understand where these HF disgruntled are coming from given the seemingly capricious application of ever growing rules being applied to HF members and the lack of moderators to guide or shape things along. (The moderator to reader ratio here is like 100 times more than at HF.) Even, then I'd always advocated a "hands off" and "just get along" approach. We ban people because we don't like them or because we feel they are disruptive and we tell them that. None of that nonsense about disagreeing on agreeing or citing of arcane rules.

So given everything which was just said above, I can totally see why the HF Architect would feel that the purpose of this site was to ridicule HF. I'm sure the photochopped image of the painting where persian ambassadors brought gifts / paid homage to Louis IV (the HF architect's face was superimposed on Louis' face) did not go very well with the HF architect either. But I felt that one went a bit too far so I took it down a day later (or maybe two days). I think a few mods changed the word filters to mock a few HF's they thought were annoying. I do have to be honest and say I did get a chuckle out of some of that though. Another one is the secret meaning of the Jolly Roger. To me, it just comes with the territory. The Head-Case.org guys mock me all the time with "plankton". A HF'er once pm'd a good friend of mine and called me a loser and a shill of the highest order. I think all that stuff is pretty funny - I posted a image of plankton in the MOTD front page a few months ago.

It's hard to explain. It's certainly not personal, because many of us still contribute to HF in meaningful ways and still care about HF (actually this last assertion is probably becoming less true). But it seems to be taken that way and I understand why. But at the end of the day, I actually I don't care. It's just stupid sh1t which makes HF feel even more like a weird place because everyone over there who would care to jump over the $400 threshold for gear already knows about this place. And I don't want more people here right now. I'm not making enough from the ads to pay for the next level of forum service / bandwidth.

I would have figured if HF didn't want people to come here or didn't want people to bitch about them elsewhere, they should just run their site better. Setting a certain tone for a web forum isn't that hard if one truly puts in some effort. And setting a certain tone / guiding things along is not the same thing as policing. But that's just me. I prefer quality over quantity. Anyways, we know the real reason this site cannot be mentioned is because it is a competitor of sorts.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: N on April 17, 2014, 06:19:41 PM
Very nice context above.

I think of head-fi to be a marketer's dream, rife with post-purchase rationalization, groupthink (i.e. circle-jerking), and censorship. Way too commercial.

I appreciate the more conversational, open, informative discussion here. It doesn't really feel like there's much discussion over at HF these days.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Kirosia on April 17, 2014, 06:38:59 PM
(http://i.minus.com/ibcwEzn2XHddRy.gif)

To be fair, I too greatly enjoy money. I'd knock off any one of you for the right price.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Mr.Sneis on April 17, 2014, 07:11:25 PM
Wow the Matrix analogy fits so well.  At HF many just think that they have free will and yet there are some that realize they don't but they just want to live in blissful ignorance.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Hands on April 17, 2014, 07:27:12 PM
This was how I felt about it, put bluntly and perhaps over the top. Feel free to disagree:

There's something about the culture of and authority figures behind HF that allow it to be a ripe cesspool of circle-jerking bullshit, rampant with a collective mindset that shuts out those who try to cut through the bullshit of the site, its members, and the often poor state of industry as a whole. True discourse over there is rare. Noise is common. You seem to be more welcome the less you try to understand, the more your hype and pat each other on the back, and the more you let your money flow without thought. It is both a blessing and a curse for the industry and all those that spend hard earned money in it (as a producer or consumer).

They don't like it when we point anything out, and we don't like being bent over while distracted by an illusory, shiny promise behind the curtain. Always chasing, never reaching. Some of us can get and have been pretty vocal about it (or just other stuff in general), thus why you'll see some previous, now-banned HF members as regulars here (and some that just don't fit anywhere). There's actually a lot of care towards HF that much of this stemmed from, not just blind anti-HF nonsense.

Spend a bit of time here, and it starts to make sense. Don't be too put off by those of us that are overly honest, brash, or just a bit crazy and weird. We're open and cool if you are.

I only go there to keep up pirate posts that aren't here. This community is better if you want to learn, grow over time, and, frankly, make smarter purchases that are more likely to satisfy in the long run. I think it became most obvious to me when Jude commented on some gear impression and mentioned he didn't know what "tizzy" meant, or some other commonly used, seemingly easy to understand, audio term. That and many of his other posts and responses solidified to me that the everything-is-the-best-thing-ever, circle-jerk, not-sure-what-I'm-talking-about-but-here-goes, money-based culture of HF starts from the very top. I'm too interested in little things and technicalities and am a fairly critical personal overall, so that just doesn't vibe with me.

I encourage everyone to enjoy this hobby in whatever way suits them best, but, business reasons aside, this is my (potentially wrong) understanding of where some of these tensions come from and/or why I'm not crazy about HF.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Tari on April 17, 2014, 07:45:46 PM
Good job all around guys.


The one thing I like about this forum is we don't pat ourselves on the back.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Kirosia on April 17, 2014, 07:47:57 PM
The one thing I like about this forum is we don't pat ourselves on the back.

You leave us to our undeserved circle jerk. We have nothing else. (Unless you weren't being sarcastic, Kirosia gets confused easily)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: complin on April 17, 2014, 08:19:39 PM
Ah i see you mean mass-debating  :gross:

circle jerk
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Jay_WJ on April 17, 2014, 08:30:29 PM
Basically Head-Fi is now a full commercial venture so its undoubtedly part of someones pension plan!

I really like this summary!
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: twifosp on April 17, 2014, 09:28:15 PM
Head-fi is a marketing channel.  Changstar is an enthusiast channel.  Marketers don't like to the prospect of having to pay for two channels.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Stapsy on April 17, 2014, 09:38:33 PM
Personally I think it mostly comes down to pissing off sponsors.  Nobody here is afraid to say negative things and thus Head-Fi doesn't want to be associated with us. People here share their experiences good or bad.  There are disagreements between members, but there is also mutual respect.

Nothing wrong with having a site based on positivity like HF.  If what you want is to have people validate your purchase and share in the consumer experience then HF is the place to go.  I didn't mean for that to sound as negative as it probably comes across.  HF is far from the most egregious offender of this forum mentality that I have come across.  Understandably most people don't like to be told that what they have isn't very good.

The perfect example I have come across is the HD800 thread.  I responded to someone talking about the Anax mod with a comment about my experiences in HD800 modding and the entire place went apeshit.  I forgot that you can't really have productive discussion there.  If someone disagrees with me I take that as an opportunity to learn from their experiences and reconsider my position.  I could really care less if nobody agrees with me or likes what I like.  The problem is many people take it as a personal slight.  Different people, different mindset's, different expectations from this hobby.

While I don't agree with the HF policy of removing Changstar related content, I can understand why they do.

Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: n3rdling on April 17, 2014, 09:39:01 PM
I like all 3 forums and think they all serve a purpose.  I agree that the reason CS is a flagged word over there is because this is seen as a competitor of decent size. 

My biggest gripe with HF is that you're not allowed to have opinions or make posts unless they're overwhelmingly positive about whatever is in the thread title.  I can understand enforcing that kind of environment in MOT threads, but making it a forum-wide policy is actually a disservice to the community by promoting crap for newbies to waste their money on.  This is why I've often said that HF needs to decide if it's a business or a community, and not just whichever one happens to be convenient at the time. 
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: sachu on April 17, 2014, 09:48:58 PM
HF is to get your feet wet and dirtied and have your wallet beaten up and stolen from you.

The other forum is where you get beaten up for no real reason whatsoever and get to be all KKK or SS like.

CS is where you give a crap about the music and get to applause headbang for all the crap I throw at your screen!   poo
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Maxvla on April 18, 2014, 02:13:11 AM
Jude involved himself and well, I'm a contributor once again, but I still have the ads. Guess I'll just settle for this. Going to try to take it easy as I got riled up and caused myself unnecessary stress. HF isn't worth my health.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: twizzleraddict on April 18, 2014, 02:35:04 AM
When one becomes threatened of what you are, you have crossed a line of relevancy to them. If you make it a mission of being relevant to someone else, then you just get sucked into their game. CS should continue to steer its own course, obviously, because it really doesn't matter what HF-luminati thinks.

Each has their own purpose in existence, and that's probably why the bulk of us still visits both sites.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Maxvla on April 18, 2014, 04:20:28 AM
Nevermind. I'm stupid and forgot there's a check box to turn off the ads at contributor rank. Ad free once again!  :)p1
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: anetode on April 18, 2014, 04:24:28 AM
Head-Fi commodifies the interests of headphone enthusiasts by functioning as a sort of sales club wherein manufacturers and advertisers have direct access to a moderated pool of consumers. Changstar, Head-Case and nwavguy are entities whose birth was influenced by the appreciation of networking opportunities which head-fi provides coupled with the dissatisfaction with head-fi's editorial limitations and pay-per-access policies. Also changstar started out as Marv's private project, an experiment in pirate democracy which has flourished and now provides content which head-fi cannot.

There is a large overlap in online headphone communities in general and in this case many principal members of changstar personally know the principal members of head-fi. What's more, they get along personally. So the whole "thou shalt have no other forums before me" stuff isn't that serious, more of a perfunctory focus on divergent interests (including business).
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: DaveBSC on April 18, 2014, 05:03:20 AM
Head-fi is just a giant bore at this point. There's more than enough product shilling out there by the pros, I don't need to read similar accounts in a forum. I wouldn't necessarily describe HC as the KKK or SS, it's just that there's a distinct "club" there, and you're either in, or you're not. If you're not in the club, you basically have the honor of reading posts written by club members, and you'd better keep your fucking mouth shut, or else. That's not an atmosphere I find enjoyable.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: funkmeister on April 18, 2014, 05:10:43 AM
Some of us didn't wait to be banned before leaving. I was going back and forth with Jude because I had posted a link to another audio site out there and we did a little tit for tat thing and he stripped out some of my stuff. I just changed my password to something garbled in order make it arduous to get back in and thus I pulled myself out.

Every once in a while I see something over there where someone is going to abuse their wallet and waste a lot of time going the wrong direction (a direction based on factually wrong information) but I remind myself to not post. It's been over two years since I posted out there. Sometimes it's hard.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Maxvla on April 18, 2014, 05:24:16 AM
I think if I was properly geographically located this forum would be almost all I need. Aside from looking at what's new, monitoring threads of gear I own (in case I can answer a question) and seeing the latest comedy episodes of the HD800 thread I don't really browse much there anymore. The only thing I can't get here is contact with the Dallas/Austin people for meets.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Hands on April 18, 2014, 05:54:39 AM
Eh, new stuff that is good or worth noticing tends to make its way over here or at good sites like Innerfidelity eventually. I'd rather wait and have stuff filtered than be bombarded with what will mostly be junk.

Also changstar started out as Marv's private project, an experiment in pirate democracy which has flourished and now provides content which head-fi cannot.

Absolutely. What little I can provide, I tend to post here exclusively. Only place I feel I can interact with others on some level of normality, in regards to these topics, of course.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on April 18, 2014, 06:44:14 AM
Nevermind. I'm stupid and forgot there's a check box to turn off the ads at contributor rank. Ad free once again!  :)p1

I'm actually glad Jude worked it out for you man. 
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Maxvla on April 18, 2014, 06:59:04 AM
Thanks, Mike. I still can't figure out why Amos was throwing the book at me. A couple lapses in judgement for minor conversational jabs = ban and demotion? Crime != Punishment

Like was mentioned earlier in the thread, there seems to be no latitude for a conversation between people who disagree. People are human, emotions get involved, and as long as the jabs are only skin deep, no harm no foul, IMO. I reported someone a few weeks ago who posted some really nasty comments about someone that was WAY over the top. That's the sort of stuff that should be moderated.

Perhaps they should start looking at the reports and if they aren't harsh enough send the reporter a pm saying 'toughen up'.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: givemevinyl on April 18, 2014, 07:19:55 AM
Online forums, as do all web-based communities, ultimately reveal two essential truths -- we generally desire fellowship with like-minded people and will seek it wherever it can be nurtured, and, despite our best intentions, our online representations reflect our offline lives and are subject to the same human frailties "real" life presents.  I admit I "left" HF at the height of my distaste for the blind devotion and embarrassing fawning of anything and everything related to a certain cadre of electrostatic equipment designers/manufacturers, but the reality is that I probably could have found what I needed (and mostly avoided what I found annoying) were I willing to invest the time and effort.  It was easy to join CS because it already prepackaged what I found most important (a genuine sense of community, a get-along credo and news about interesting gear).

I'm, of course, not blind to the mishaps and misdeeds at CS, but unlike HF, there does seem to be a self-corrective element that not only exists, but is allowed to flourish when needed (for which the founders and long-time contributors should be given credit.)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Greed on April 18, 2014, 08:50:16 AM
I'm rather new blood to these forums but I feel that there is definitely more value in terms of community here despite their being less traffic and members. I'm not as openly dismissive of HF as some of the members here, but there are definitely valid reasons why one would be irked by the drone nature of a place like HF. One large difference between CS and HF is the open forum stage that Marv and friends allows. They welcome constructive criticism, respectful arguments, and above all else no BS. A rather annoying aspect of HF is the constant side-lining of good discussion. Whether a thread is mod bombed or a cheeky member comes in with the famous lines "sound is subjective, we all hear different, etc." most valuable information is lost. I was tired of seeing people that had real questions and concerns completely dismissed by the droves of mindless plebeians. HF is good for two things... news/updates about new gear and late night laughs.

I used to believe that HF was a place where newbies could come to learn about personal audio, but I was dead wrong.  :)p18
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on April 18, 2014, 11:10:44 AM
If there was such a thing as an always effective nonsense filter that did not require too much effort HF would have stayed in my favourites.

As it is the above is not the case. After Huddler-Fi interesting members left. The forum became unpleasant to search and read through.

I left HF, I was never banned and I actually had a friendly correspondence with Amos a.k.a. Currawong. His father wrote interesting books for instance.

HF is in the past, end of story.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: phillip88 on April 19, 2014, 02:57:07 AM
Answer to TS's question:
I agree with previous comments that it's mostly due to competition, and HF could've seen CS as the one who started to "attack" them first. That's why the "retaliation".

Opinion:
I started from HF, I learnt a lot from HF, I moved from reviews to SS to nwav to lots of uncountable craps.
I realized that HF can be good as long as u know who to stick to and who to ignore.
And able to read between the lines.
Disregard the shilling and name callings by butthurts, I actually still can pick up a lot from HF (At least updated on the new stuffs I really interested in). Maybe that's just me being a newbie thus "You have much to learn!" (read it using the voice of Cockpuncher's master)

Sometimes, reading reviews, I'll go straight to features and comfort and all those comments not about sound quality. In sound quality section, oh well...s ince I wrote some reviews before, I can guess it's mostly about all the goody bass, neutral mids, and extended highs. Oh, and also wide soundstage. Almost all gears out there have these descriptions.

In CS, I am greeted with virtual beers, and sometimes vomits from sober guys on gears designed by drunks they possessed. Well, it's harshly honest, and almost everyone are ready to shove a six feet long pole into anyone's arse and everyone still have a good laugh at the end of the day. It's amazing, as over my place here our culture is kinda closed and sensitive. I still travel between the two parallel universe nowadays tho.

Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Audio Jester on August 06, 2014, 01:47:25 PM
I have been lurking for some time now so I feel it appropriate that my first post is here.   I am still a member of HF and I hope to continue to be, but some recent experiences have left me feeling uneasy and frustrated.  I (stupidly) believed that forums were mostly decent places where people would trade information in an honest manner.  It is very obvious that HF is now riddled with sponsors, but for me that is not an issue.  The issue is the silent benefactors, the Shills, and the fanboys (and girls).  I have seen way too many people spouting all kinds of sh1t for financial gain or just to suck up (it seems).  HF is basically the Fox News MSNBC of headphone sites now.

I came here to hopefully get some honest opinions and seeing that there are people in your ranks who have helped me out in the past I feel I'm in the right place.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: TMRaven on August 06, 2014, 01:57:32 PM
welcome
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Greed on August 06, 2014, 02:23:06 PM
Yes, welcome. Drink from the No-BS Cool Aid and take the Red Pill.  :)p6
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Claritas on August 06, 2014, 05:15:11 PM
Welcome. Some of the things that bug me there are fixed simply by blocking ignorant members. When blocked posts start competing with legible posts in a thread, I unsubscribe. That's happened twice this year (thrice because one of them has two threads). It's "better for my blood pressure."
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Maxvla on August 06, 2014, 07:21:07 PM
Loving the edit, Mike.  :)p13
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on August 06, 2014, 07:38:59 PM
Loving the edit, Mike.  :)p13

Gotta be fair and balanced ya know!  :P
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on August 06, 2014, 07:59:16 PM
I have been lurking for some time now so I feel it appropriate that my first post is here.   I am still a member of HF and I hope to continue to be, but some recent experiences have left me feeling uneasy and frustrated.  I (stupidly) believed that forums were mostly decent places where people would trade information in an honest manner.  It is very obvious that HF is now riddled with sponsors, but for me that is not an issue.  The issue is the silent benefactors, the Shills, and the fanboys (and girls).  I have seen way too many people spouting all kinds of sh1t for financial gain or just to suck up (it seems).  HF is basically the Fox News MSNBC Whatever-news-agency-you-don't-approve-of of headphone sites now.

I came here to hopefully get some honest opinions and seeing that there are people in your ranks who have helped me out in the past I feel I'm in the right place.

Welcome. Understand how you feel and all of us here have felt or continue to feel the same way as you do. Most of us have disengaged from HF, or only go back in small spurts.

None of us have anything against HF. If are against anything, it's the idiots, the shills, the fanboys that you mention. The low s/n ratio really. HF does serve a purpose: A town-square - um more like a lawless cantina on Tatooine where advertisements are plastered everywhere. That's fine, it is what it is. The fact is, this site exists because of HF.

The disturbance in the force at HF is felt by us all, but it's easier to stomach and understand when you realize that Head-Fi is a business which exists to get as much people viewing pages and clicking ads as possible.

Some of us do go back to contribute, hoping to make things better, but it's never for long. At any one time HF has an audience of 15-20x compared to here with what maybe 2.5 active moderators? (and I like Currawong too and I don't think people appreciate how difficult his job is) But that tells you what HF is all about. Cash machine first, everything else is secondary.

In contrast, we have <POST MODERATED DUE TO DISCUSSING CHANGSTAFARIAN MODERATION SECRETS.> They are expected the lead the way and guide the discussions. Higher s/n ratio, true friendships and understanding among all members, gear sharing programs, stablized harmony via pirate democracy. We're just different.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Tari on August 06, 2014, 08:27:03 PM
"All things in moderation" - other than moderation itself.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: aufmerksam on August 07, 2014, 06:22:22 PM
I always say "all things in moderation, but an immoderation of things"
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 07, 2014, 08:02:24 PM
"Things" can be many "things". From thing to thingy to thingylicious to thing like. All the moderation in the world will not stop how thingtastic things can become meta-things. Of all silly things...
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Sorrodje on August 07, 2014, 08:19:15 PM
Welcome. Some of the things that bug me there are fixed simply by blocking ignorant members. When blocked posts start competing with legible posts in a thread, I unsubscribe. That's happened twice this year (thrice because one of them has two threads). It's "better for my blood pressure."

True. H-F is  the biggest place in the world to talk about headphone. This big place attracts egotists like shit attracts flys.  the theater is too big and too many people want to expose their thoughts even if those are based on nothing else than other posts from HF.  its a universal rule on the web unfortunately. 

That been said, it takes much time to fin experienced and "serious" people but they're real and I like to read many posts. I've just discovered than many of my favorite Head-fiers are here but not all ;)


Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Byrnie on August 07, 2014, 08:36:10 PM
I still frequent HF and still enjoy it for the moat part, minus the arguments that become uncivil that I seem to get myself in (the recent "Bose sues Beats" thread that got moderated).  I try to filter through the opinions I trust or the ones from those who have similar tastes as mine as I'm reading reviews.  The more I get into this hobby and the better gear, the harder it is to read reviews given the gear upgrades are more minor so I just gotta remember to try something out myself.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: altrunox on September 13, 2014, 03:41:34 AM
I was going to ask here (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,251.msg3283.html#msg3283 (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,251.msg3283.html#msg3283)), although the thread is really old so I`ll ask here...

Just for curiosity, how the fuc* someone who has 12k posts gets banned in HF?! p:0 p:8
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 13, 2014, 06:49:21 PM
I was going to ask here (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,251.msg3283.html#msg3283 (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,251.msg3283.html#msg3283)), although the thread is really old so I`ll ask here...

Just for curiosity, how the fuc* someone who has 12k posts gets banned in HF?! p:0 p:8

If the owners of HF do not like you, you can be kicked out. It does not get any simpler than that...
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on September 13, 2014, 08:43:16 PM
LOL, someone with 12k posts should be banned.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on September 14, 2014, 11:06:04 AM
ha ha... I have over 50K posts on one (non-audio) forum. It's a good thing we don't have to make a formal declaration of such things before being let in here!  :)p7

Damn... now you're going to ban me in anticipation!  walk the plank

Quote (selected)
If the owners of HF do not like you, you can be kicked out. It does not get any simpler than that.

Actually, I thought that was the condensed version of the Changstar Terms of Service  ;D. Or something like Irritate the hell out of us, and you won't be welcome any longer. Not unreasonable. Works for me.

As a one time moderator (awful job once one gets over the initial power thrill: never again) of a mid size forum, I can certainly say, like the finance ads, historical post count is no guarantee of current or future behaviour)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 14, 2014, 12:11:21 PM
Interesting, I am used to running project groups and reminding people of the tasks, deadlines and monitoring disturbing behaviour that might threaten the project. It never made me popular but people did remember that I was always there to help and assist where necessary.

Regarding the terms of service, if you are willing to read and learn and can take few jokes Changstar is chill. I even met Solderdude via Changstar. That guy is awesome. 
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on September 14, 2014, 01:59:54 PM
Irritating has nothing to do with it. Trolling has everything to do with it. HF has selective, hypocritical and meaningless ToS. Moderation here is much more democratic than most people know.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: markthompson on October 13, 2014, 07:35:39 AM
Irritating has nothing to do with it. Trolling has everything to do with it. HF has selective, hypocritical and meaningless ToS. Moderation here is much more democratic than most people know.

I agree, that's why I'm changing to changstar.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: purplegoat on October 13, 2014, 02:26:07 PM
changestar?
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on October 13, 2014, 07:37:12 PM
Insert David Bowie song?

Good one  p;)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Darsus on October 23, 2014, 07:15:39 AM
I'm pretty new to all of this, however, got just one response on multiple threads on Head-Fi before coming here, where I got answers on all of my questions literally. Member for just a few days, and already loving this place.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on October 23, 2014, 07:42:48 AM
I'm pretty new to all of this, however, got just one response on multiple threads on Head-Fi before coming here, where I got answers on all of my questions literally. Member for just a few days, and already loving this place.

HF is overcrowded and new members have to survive the information overload. Sometimes you are lucky and experienced members help you. Sometimes you are ignored...
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Armaegis on October 23, 2014, 05:37:02 PM
I wouldn't say "ignored" so much as "lost in the crowd". There are just too many people asking the same questions these days, it all blurs together.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on October 23, 2014, 07:05:13 PM
I wouldn't say "ignored" so much as "lost in the crowd". There are just too many people asking the same questions these days, it all blurs together.

That's because the Head-fi experience is largely premised and funded on cycling through new users.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: ultrabike on October 23, 2014, 08:19:42 PM
I'm pretty new to all of this, however, got just one response on multiple threads on Head-Fi before coming here, where I got answers on all of my questions literally. Member for just a few days, and already loving this place.

Just say you didn't like a particular aspect of a headphone north of $100 on any pertinent thread... you'll proly get replies. Perhaps even an eventual thread lock with it's bonus thread "redaction".
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: cn11 on October 25, 2014, 12:30:35 AM
I just love it when the mods accuse you of trolling because you have the audacity to criticize something hyped there....
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: DrForBin on November 24, 2014, 08:11:07 AM
hello,

i really hope this will cut and paste.

context: there is a thread on that other place (obfuscation is intentional) that is discussing the forthcoming AKG's from Massdrop.

i felt it might be helpful to those folk to see a thread here that discussed these headphones.

and so i posted in the thread:

"hello,

there is a rather active thread on the pyrate site about these cans (no linky, even though i think Jude is a member over there.)

i have been eying the K712 Pro's for a long time as the GYTW heard some K701's and said "i want these." (and Audeze LCD 3's to boot.) :)

that said, i am in for this drop like s**** on s***!"

and then this happened:

from joe

Hello DrForBin,

For myriad reasons (some of which you may or may not be familiar), we do not allow links--or reference--to changstar from Head-Fi. As a result, your post (the original unedited text of which can be found below) was edited.

And, for what it's worth, Jude is not a member over there, but it doesn't surprise me that they'd create a profile to make it look like he is.

Best Regards,
Joe

cc: jude
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrForBin View Post
 
hello,

there is a rather active thread on the pyrate site about these cans (no linky, even though i think Jude is a member over there.)

i have been eying the K712 Pro's for a long time as the GYTW heard some K701's and said "i want these." (and Audeze LCD 3's to boot.) :)

that said, i am in for this drop like s**** on s***!

the edited post reads:

"hello,
 
i have been eying the K712 Pro's for a long time as the GYTW heard some K701's and said "i want these." (and Audeze LCD 3's to boot.) :)

that said, i am in for this drop like s**** on s***!"

so, here is my disconnect.

is Jude a member of Changstar or not? the posts from the "king" sounded like Jude having a really good time at the expense of his "competition".

why, in the name of all that is holy, is it inappropriate to link or allude to another site that might have information for someone to make a buying decision? (the reason for my post was that someone was asking for reviews of the Massdrop AKG's.)

i am rather troubled. coming from the enthusiast PC community i have found that sites will allow links if it provides a different take on a particular piece of hardware.
in a lot of cases they will even link to other reviews to provide their visitors which a different viewpoint. e.g. [Hard]|OCP.

am i missing something here? changstar is not Head-Fi, nor is Head-Fi changstar.

for folks who are looking to spend money on a product, why is it verboten to point those folks to information that might help with that decision?

or, to be a real dick, is it that Jude receives a shitload of gear gratis and is focused on having the most massive collection of cans, amps, cables... whatever on the planet? thus, everything is wonderful, there are no headphones in existence that shouldn't be purchased today!

please forgive, i am having a real difficulty with this. if a site is here to enlighten the unenlightened, to promote the hobby, to get folks going in the right direction to enjoy music, why the fuck is it so paranoid to admit that it is not the be all, end all?

sorry... tired, cold, and not very rational.

tldr; is Head-Fi dot org so fucking concerned about marketing that they are no longer a place to get any information, and thus a dead end if anyone cares about personal audio.

n.b. i am copying this post as a reply to the message i received.


Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: MuppetFace on November 24, 2014, 09:24:17 AM
@DrForBin:

There's a long, complicated past involving head-fi and certain "other forums." Changstar is the latest. But before that there was HeadCase. Both were created when members of head-fi splintered off to go their own way. Some cut ties altogether or were banned: let's just say they had their differences. However plenty of members stayed active on both forums, and for them it became awkward because head-fi censors any mention of these "other forums." It's especially weird because Tyll on Inner Fidelity mentions Changstar all the time; you can link to IF, but you can't link to IF's linking to CS. You also can't post meet photos featuring Changstar t-shirts, even when they were the hosts of the meet and head-fi members went there.

Jude talks to Changstar admins all the time, person to person. Some are even friends of his.
He doesn't have an account here so far as I know, but Currawong (admin) and Warrenpchi (mod) do.
I'm an official head-fi blogger despite being a mod / admin here.

Yet Changstar, as an entity, is considered a troublemaker. The pirates are seen as liking to stir shit up, as raiding threads (for instance: someone will post a link to head-fi on CS and several head-fi members who happen to also be CS members will post in that thread consecutively), and as a competitor more or less. Head-fi is a community, sure, but it also has important sponsorships and interests to protect.

In other words: different perspectives, different priorities.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: LFF on November 24, 2014, 09:34:13 AM
@DrForBin:
In other words: different perspectives, different priorities.



This.


Changstar grew from a need for an honest, and open community. To agree to disagree is very common here, yet people remain cordial and respectful.  :)p2


Head-fi is primarily a business with sponsorships to protect and new ones to seek out.


Pirate Ship vs Sponsorship.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: GoldfishX on November 24, 2014, 04:13:40 PM
I came here as a lurker a about a year or so ago and I was happy to see others weren't happy with the Head-Fi experience. I prefer open critique of various gear and combinations and I really didn't see enough of it over on Head-Fi. What I do see is people being constantly over-defensive when you say something mean about stuff they probably own. I'm the type of person that thinks, "If I'm paying $xxx for something, it should perform like I just paid $xxx"...Some people seem too content with subar combinations (you know, the typical "it's what YOU want, everyone's ears are different" or "are you sure you're listening to the right type of music for this gear? Maybe you should upgrade your source or DAC" deflections when you call out a bad piece of gear). Me, I can't justify listening to a subpar, pricy rig and I'm not afraid to say what I like and dislike. We're all looking for that ideal sound, but the negatives need to be given equal weight to the positives. Sometimes it's painfully obvious when someone just gets a new toy and they're posting how great it is after 1-2 hours or so (and yes, I've been guilty of this too, although I stand by the few pieces I've done this with).

There's fewer posts and less clutter here. I think the information I've gathered here has been more useful than what I've gathered off of Head-Fi for the most part.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 24, 2014, 05:10:51 PM
He does have an account here.  He kind of gloated about it to me saying he reads the stuff here even though we might not know it.

Update - Jude emailed me and said he does not have an account here and only reads the public stuff.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on November 24, 2014, 09:33:00 PM
Best to avoid mentioning this site on HF. Don't want to get you guys into trouble.


I hope you understand even if you don't agree. I mean, I hope you agree even if you don't understand.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Claritas on November 24, 2014, 09:44:23 PM
Someone (either zerodfx or OJ) very cleverly wrote something like, "You must google to find the chang you are seeking." It might have been during #padgate.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: OJneg on November 24, 2014, 10:00:04 PM
Best to avoid mentioning this site on HF. Don't want to get you guys into trouble.

I hope you understand even if you don't agree. I mean, I hope you agree even if you don't understand.

Uh oh, I think we've seen this before

(http://rhetologue.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/matrix-delusion-the-architect.jpg)



Someone (either zerodfx or OJ) very cleverly wrote something like, "You must google to find the chang you are seeking." It might have been during #padgate.

I'll take credit for that one  :P
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: DrForBin on November 24, 2014, 11:06:16 PM
Update - Jude emailed me and said he does not have an account here and only reads the public stuff.

hello,

i most certainly hope so, as i do not want to engage him through HF messaging.

the latest thing is a reply from Jude which opens with:

"DrForBin, If English isn't your first language, I understand; and if that's the case, you are are certainly doing better than I would do if, for example, I was trying to write a message to someone in Turkish (seeing as I am neither able to speak nor write in Turkish). However, if English is your first language, I'll kindly ask you to re-write your message so that I might better understand it"

as i have some peculiarities when i write, i ran my original post through the readability check of MS Word 2007.

ignoring the word/sentence/paragraph count the results were:

"Readability Statistics

Readability

Passive Sentences 8%
Flesch Reading Ease 73.3
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 7.3"

i also ran the text through https://readability-score.com/ with this result:

"Grade Levels

A grade level (based on the USA education system) is equivalent to the number of years of education a person has had. Scores over 22 should generally be taken to mean graduate level text.
Readability Formula    Grade
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level    5
Gunning-Fog Score    7.7
Coleman-Liau Index    7.2
SMOG Index    5.5
Automated Readability Index    3.4
Average Grade Level    5.8"

i am flummoxed.

and quite a bit saddened that the largest headphone forum is not open to the free exchange of information.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: King Jude on November 24, 2014, 11:29:34 PM
What are you dirty pirates babbling about?

I am everywhere.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: postjack on November 25, 2014, 01:28:57 AM
What I do see is people being constantly over-defensive when you say something mean about stuff they probably own.

This is such a crazy internet-wide phenomenon. Similar things happen on music forums when you trash somebody else's favorite band. I'm a huge Phish fan and admit I used to get furious ten years ago when people would rip on Phish. Slowly I learned that as long as I like it, it really is OK. If I like my headphones, then I like them, I don't have to justify it to the world. Just be happy you've found something that makes you happy.

Even better, if someone with way more experience than me in the hobby tells me maybe to try out gear X, Y, or Z, maybe I should listen to them. This is exactly how I achieved the system I love today, by reading experience from hobby veterans and trying out new stuff based on that. When all I'd heard was the Grado SR60, yes, it was the most amazing headphone in the world. But the joy of having online communities is being able to read about others opinions, then get thee to a meet or otherwise find a way to hear new gear. Be nice, make some friends, expand your experience.

Not being able to speak ill of certain products stifles this growth opportunity for newcomers to the hobby, and if we want the hobby to grow, we need these newcomers to stick around. We can aid this process by sharing our experience in the hobby in a helpful way.

Having said that, there is definitely a constructive way to provide criticisms to manufacturers. Sure sometimes I can get swept up in the giddy joy of reading a "mean" review of a certain piece of gear, but the same message can be communicated without being a total asshole.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on November 25, 2014, 10:44:04 AM

 :wheel:



What are you dirty pirates babbling about?

I am everywhere.




Repel Boarders!  :)p2  :boom:  :)p3  :)p7  :boom:  :)p3  :)p1  )(  )(  walk the plank2



(OK, it's not like that really: I just wanted to use all those smilies!)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: GoldfishX on November 25, 2014, 06:34:29 PM
This is such a crazy internet-wide phenomenon. Similar things happen on music forums when you trash somebody else's favorite band. I'm a huge Phish fan and admit I used to get furious ten years ago when people would rip on Phish. Slowly I learned that as long as I like it, it really is OK. If I like my headphones, then I like them, I don't have to justify it to the world. Just be happy you've found something that makes you happy.

Even better, if someone with way more experience than me in the hobby tells me maybe to try out gear X, Y, or Z, maybe I should listen to them. This is exactly how I achieved the system I love today, by reading experience from hobby veterans and trying out new stuff based on that. When all I'd heard was the Grado SR60, yes, it was the most amazing headphone in the world. But the joy of having online communities is being able to read about others opinions, then get thee to a meet or otherwise find a way to hear new gear. Be nice, make some friends, expand your experience.

Not being able to speak ill of certain products stifles this growth opportunity for newcomers to the hobby, and if we want the hobby to grow, we need these newcomers to stick around. We can aid this process by sharing our experience in the hobby in a helpful way.

Having said that, there is definitely a constructive way to provide criticisms to manufacturers. Sure sometimes I can get swept up in the giddy joy of reading a "mean" review of a certain piece of gear, but the same message can be communicated without being a total asshole.

I agree. The problem with this hobby (as opposed to discussing likes/dislikes of music, videogames, etc) is the price of entry isn't cheap. I'm looking for a $2000-range amplifier (that I most likely won't have a chance to try out beforehand) to power a $1500 headphone, driven by a $1000 source/DAC to listen to a music collection that I don't even want to count how much $$$ I've spent on. I'm still not 100% comfortable with that.

When you sense there's intellectual dishonesty about the information being fed (curtailing the negatives, overblowing the positives), it hurts the entire body of information out there. In that context, if someone buys a unit that costs thousands of dollars, they're entitled to say whatever they want about it. I almost want to snap on Head-Fi people that are like, "are you using the right gear? maybe you need to upgrade? maybe you're not listening to the right kind of music. Maybe you need this $2000 external power supply, these $1300 audio cables and this magic snake oil for an even $10,000"

I always tend to bring price into the equation. Does the gear perform well for the price it's listed for? I'm harsh on the Audeze headphones because for $1000-$2000, they are too uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Not everyone agrees, but hopefully my perspective raises concerns for people looking at them as a potential purchase. I think that is why Schiit gear is highly regarded...It performs well above its price point.

Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on November 25, 2014, 10:27:18 PM
If "audio purists with golden ears" really do not get it I can only wish them one thing: "go outside and take a walk in the morning at the time the birds wake up and sing while rethinking all the fuss."

At one point you will be inclined to whistle along and you make your own music...

 
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on November 26, 2014, 03:51:00 AM
At one point you will be inclined to whistle along and you make your own music...

Whistling goes with the voices in my head.  ;)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: LFF on November 26, 2014, 05:25:35 AM
Whistling goes with the voices in my head.  ;)

You hear them too! How cool.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Sorrodje on November 26, 2014, 08:46:07 AM
The Main problem on HF besides the sponsorship is the fact there're too many people and everyone want to say something even if they have nothing to say. If Changstar had such a big audience the S/N ratio would be lower than currently. And the forum would need more moderation so the freedom of speaking and joking would be lower too. Pyracy needs small size like a good pyrate ship : small, fast , manoeuvrable and then effective.

My 2 cents ( after 15 years of life on different web forums )
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on November 26, 2014, 08:49:37 AM
Whistling goes with the voices in my head.  ;)

You have birds in your head? Are they talking birds?

With a talking parrot in your mind you always have conversation available, that is a plus.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Kamaka on November 27, 2014, 12:59:48 AM
This is such a crazy internet-wide phenomenon. Similar things happen on music forums when you trash somebody else's favorite band.

That thought reminds me of comment reconstruction videos. This one in particular:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7kz4uMXFlE

I wouldn't mind seeing someone do this with some of the squabbles on Head-Fi. 
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Kunlun on November 27, 2014, 01:46:02 AM
You have birds in your head? Are they talking birds?

With a talking parrot in your mind you always have conversation available, that is a plus.

It's cool guys, I'm on it.

(http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/cat-catches-bird-10500083.jpg)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Krang on May 05, 2015, 08:20:29 AM
That thought reminds me of comment reconstruction videos. This one in particular:

...

I wouldn't mind seeing someone do this with some of the squabbles on Head-Fi. 

Thanks for the video, loved it!
Would work on head Fi, sure :)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: pyfgcrl on May 05, 2015, 09:09:04 AM
Very enlightening.

Any guesses on how long before
(http://i.imgur.com/R5jd64I.png) (http://www.head-fi.org/t/667711/new-schiit-ragnarok-and-yggdrasil/6975#post_11579393)
this post (http://www.head-fi.org/t/667711/new-schiit-ragnarok-and-yggdrasil/6975#post_11579393) gets deleted?
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Golmang on July 13, 2015, 03:55:20 PM
Took exactly 2 minutes for me to receive a PM a few months ago when I posted a Changstar link into some random thread. TWO FREAKING MINUTES. I think they have special conditioned Hounds for this.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on July 13, 2015, 08:26:12 PM
Emperor Jude is watching you...

Prepare to battle him with the force of audio knowledge and common sense or leave his realm to become a rebel. If you are lucky your "Millennium Falcon" has a big cannon and a strong engine.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: PelPix on July 14, 2015, 04:18:30 AM
I sign into HF maybe once every 4 months since finding this place. I also send new people directly here if I know they'll fit in.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: vhsownsbeta on July 17, 2015, 04:21:52 AM
Wow. I was just moderated within 15 mins of mentioning "favourable impressions at another forum" when someone asked about Black Widow...
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: vhsownsbeta on July 17, 2015, 04:26:32 AM
http://youtu.be/EPW6SNTL_n8
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on July 17, 2015, 04:39:34 AM
They are on high alert. I think they got word that a few hundred of us were going to simultaneously spam goatse with Jude's face on Head-Fi in the next few days or so.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Anaxilus on July 17, 2015, 04:55:32 AM
They are on high alert. I think they got word that a few hundred of us were going to simultaneously spam goatse with Jude's face on Head-Fi in the next few days or so.

So they're in threat condition Megalon?

(http://photos1.blogger.com/img/64/3189/640/yellow.jpg)
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on July 17, 2015, 04:59:33 AM
Monster Zero, not quite Megalon yet. We need to find the person who leaked his information. I don't like leaks. I suspect a double agent. People who talk generally talk - both ways.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: jexby on July 17, 2015, 05:07:19 AM
They are on high alert. I think they got word that a few hundred of us were going to simultaneously spam goatse with Jude's face on Head-Fi in the next few days or so.

WTF.
how does one join (yet another) underground channel of resistance communication?
have been on razors edge waiting to flame Jude minions and go down in a HF flame of glory, only to find rebels massing at the border.

a) find the double agent rat and shove him overboard.
b) clue (some of) the rest of us in.
 :&


Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: vhsownsbeta on July 17, 2015, 07:10:29 AM
Monster Zero, not quite Megalon yet. We need to find the person who leaked his information. I don't like leaks. I suspect a double agent. People who talk generally talk - both ways.

You mean that these walls have ears? Can I expect some kind of extrajudicial ban hammer over on head-fi now for posting in this thread?

Perhaps I should start saying goodbye to the people I like...

Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on July 17, 2015, 07:33:33 AM
You'll be put on their moderator monitoring list for sure. All forum software has stuff like that.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on July 17, 2015, 09:31:14 AM
So they're in threat condition Megalon?

(http://photos1.blogger.com/img/64/3189/640/yellow.jpg)

You have just made my day. Thank you that disaster scale is monstrously good.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: insidious meme on July 17, 2015, 12:37:33 PM
You'll be put on their moderator monitoring list for sure. All forum software has stuff like that.

Good thing they already have my posts moderated. Otherwise I'd be worried.  )(
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: DrForBin on July 18, 2015, 05:28:47 AM
hello,

the thing that really bugs me about Jude is the background in his videos on HeadFi TV.

in many of them there is $$$$$ of gear, or at least their retail boxes. how anyone who is not a multi-million lotto winner can have that much stuff in their office is beyond me.

is it on loan? is it present temporarily? is Jude a hoarder? or is it payola to the largest headphone site out there.

as they or he are NOT transparent, users of the site will never know.

thus everything is wonderful (especially TFOM), and Jude's "reviews" are utter  poo and sound more like press releases than anything else.

this is why he fears Chang. there are strong opinions here, products are recommended or trashed with reasoning and articulate argument. different tastes are taken into account, but if a product sucks or shines folks here say why and don't kowtow to any "sponsor." (and good-naturally rib each other for liking the gear they like even if it isn't a consensus pick.)

i read Jason's thread and a few others that seem to make sense to me. i do not post there anymore except in the most generic way possible as i was fucked with the one time i mentioned Chang.

there must be some really bad ego stroking going on for the largest site in the hobby to be so fucking paranoid.

that's just my opinion, i could be wrong.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Griffon on July 18, 2015, 07:27:59 AM
I first went to HF in the hope to see "true" headphone knowledge - and indeed HF helped me grow from a noob to a confused noob. I was glad that I learned a lot from awesome people like |joker|, but wait, I've heard good and trash things, but people on HF are just raving about shit and gold alike...?

Utterly HF left me thinking: why the hell should I still be there? Everything is awesome, every review is no less than 4 stars, every new product is a must-own, and every price tag is just skyrocketing one after another. Things are awesome because they're awesome so they're awesome... I fucking hate loop logic.

The recent buying guides are just filled with garbage advertisements, crap-like reviews dominating front page, all they're doing is encouraging a "buy! buy! buy! buy without questioning!" attitude, which leaves me disgusted. I can still pretend to believe HF has no agenda, but even leaving this question aside, I still don't see HF being a constructive place (therefore valueless).

On the other note, I personally also don't like manipulating the consumers - they can just say we're sponsored and we promote sponsors' stuff, I don't see a problem. Problem may be that while promoting sponsors, HF still pretends to be a objective third-party.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on July 18, 2015, 09:16:12 AM
HF used to be truly informative and can still be.

Thing is you need to have the skills of a whale shark to filter the filth from the food (plankton and krill). My critical reading skills increased there but constant critical reading is tiresome and intensive.

At one point HF became too beginner oriented at which the "M50" became a standard answer. The CNET-like buying/gift guides made things worse and the interesting members started disappearing. Uncle Erik was one of many to leave.

Emperor Jude knows this. For people really enjoying the hobby HF became "spam, spam, spam" when they thought "I don't like spam" and fanatics singing spam like drunken Vikings do not help either.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: frenchbat on July 18, 2015, 11:13:30 AM
It's funny to see that we pretty much all share the same view.

I have a very simple image for HF, CS, and HC. HF is the mall. CS and HC are both bars.
And I don't go to the mall to discuss, learn about new things, have fun ... etc.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Ringingears on July 18, 2015, 10:03:10 PM
Good analogy. Except I think CS is the bar some avoid as it can get a bit rowdy and has some heavy drinkers!  :)p13

I've been lurking around HF since almost the beginning. Learned some good stuff back then. Now, it usually gives me a headache or I start laughing. Especially when I read how wonderful such and such product is, and I've heard it with my own ears and it isn't wonderful. I am not talking preferences here, or subtleties :)p8. It's sonically bad. Like "how did this get on the market?' That kind of bad.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Deep Funk on July 18, 2015, 11:27:28 PM
Because HYPE!

(https://data.archive.moe/board/a/image/1412/52/1412523174592.jpg)

P.S. Sorry, I could not resist.
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: frenchbat on July 19, 2015, 10:38:45 AM
Good analogy. Except I think CS is the bar some avoid as it can get a bit rowdy and has some heavy drinkers!  :)p13

Headcase's worse, they throw you out if you only cross the Birgir's
Title: Re: Why the name "Changstar" became, like the "Voldemort," forbidden at Head-Fi?
Post by: Marvey on July 20, 2015, 04:11:30 AM
Contrary to popular belief, we welcome most newbies with decent questions, even simple ones like "what's a good $150 headphone?" That's the huge difference between this place and HC.

The guys who get thrown overboard here are the weirdos like Dale Thorn (racist BS, 911 and JFK conspiracy theories), xnor (lonely objective who feels a strong need to impart his views upon others), and trolls (the Jazz Casual guy who posts on Inner Fidelity, mainly because he's been kicked out from here and HF.)