2. misc-audio
  3. 1068934466

Modest proposal, change the Audiogon rating system

I wanted to foreward a proposal for enhancing the Audiogon system of rating components. We have seen many instances of components being incorrectly graded both in the dispute resolution forums and anecdotally. I have personally experienced this. I believe that some of this stems from the emphasis in the grading guidelines being put on cosmetic issues. While cosmetics are critical to the product and greatly affect resale value, we do not listen to them. My proposal is to keep the current system as it is with the current grade referred to as a "cosmetic grade" beneath it would be a second grade referred to as a "functional grade". This grade would be used to grade the functional aspects of the gear. For example, if the volume control is scratchy in a preamp, or one of the inputs is intermittent it would get a less than perfect grade. Tuners in less than perfect alignment too would be downgraded. CD players that occasionally skip or sometimes have loading issues would also count. Hiss and hum likewise. Buzzing speakers as well. Of course, all of this should be spelled out in the body of the ad, but as the community grows, grading issues are becoming more problematic. If a product had a "functional rating" of 8, one might be prompted to ask the seller why, just as one does with cosmetic issues. If disputes occur between buyer and seller, this grading will be one more tool to aid in the resolution of the issue. The whole shootin' match would not be at all hard for Audiogon to implement, which I am sure is their main concern regarding site enhancements. So, whaddaya think?
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Showing 1 response by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Absolutely! Having been or currently being, the victim of a shrtfa.. here, I totally agree. Lessening the boundaries of the performance side of things, would go a long way to helping those who are genuienely following Agon's guidelines. Sure won't help when they are completely disregarded, though.

As importantly, the "feedback", area is as deserving also, using that section to promote one's creditability as a seller, when most all the posts are as "buyer", or "indeterminate", is just plain wrong. The current system, needs both areas ammended. One can actually and undually "inflate" a personal rating via having just a handful of friends continually post for each other as well.

I'm not sure that in any case, though, a "fail safe" is available. . . . .like the saying, "Locks are to keep honest people honest." . . . although refinement in BOTH AREAS should go farther in communicating accurately, some important aspects of this venue, and become more than beneficial to the members with a degree of forthrightness in their makeup.
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