Vendors Who Post

As long as they are honest about themselves being a vendor and they post professionally I have no problem. An example is Albert Porter. He is a vendor and has been a solid contributor here for a long time. Follow that pattern and there will be no problem.

If a vendor is posing as a customer or trying to sneak in a review about a product or even if they are trying to sell in the forum to me that is a no go.

I remember some time ago there was a vendor trying to generate buzz about a turntable lift. They tried to pose as normal posters here touting the product. They got caught that they were a vendor. It was a good product but no one took them seriously after that.

What if the vendor/mfgr is using different usernames to promote the wares and bash other mfgrs wares while hiding behind a moniker? Would you want to know?

I CAN APPRECIATE people who have heard A LOT of different components and set-ups both in stores, homes, and audio shows. whoever they might be. but of course the more transparent their contributions the higher they rank as someone whose primary role is to offer their help. "IMHO" is okay when making comparisons between how two "component-X's" sound. since these forum articles appear all over google and elsewhere, it's nice if someone really has been there and done that. that's a very cool thing (imho). reliable information doesn't have to come from (only) reviewers, manufacturers, dealers, etc. but if they're really making an effort to "fit in" and be a fellow listener, i could sure use some good advice.

THough I would not censor them on Agon, I am not comfortable usually even with vendors that disclose that offer reviews or endorsements of others products even if sincere or accurate. Its hard to tell sometimes if they sell what they are touting. And did they actually pay for what they tout? There are many things I might endorse if given, loaned or specially discounted for to me to try or buy. As a buyer, I want to know if something I can buy is a good value. Expensive things should all be exceptional. If not, why bother? Things can get very grey when there is always a best (fill in the blank) of the day, until the next best (fill in the blank) is discovered. At least professional reviewers don't sell or profit from what they tout (do they)?

I have no problems with vendors that actually design the products they sell and disclose as appropriate that they are vendors of that design. I expect that they will each think they have a great product if its their own design especially when others agree. Who wouldn't?

Who cares? If you effectively cannot filter the quality of information, then banning or censoring specific people really won't help you.