What's up with that?

It is easy to put your email in a forum post, but how about when you just want to contact a member more efficiently than just hoping that he or she will read your post and respond. Given the high $$ value of many of the items sold, its no wonder that the management went to model that gives them a cut based on the value of the sale. But it sure does cut back on the sense of community at the site.

Swampwalker is correct about the reason, of course, but I don't understand those talking about “membership fees.” Then what, would only “members” be able to see each other's e-mail addresses? Why make things more complicated than they already are? Simply charge whatever fee is needed up front when the ad is placed, and then who gives a crap if we e-mail each other. I personally don't care what they charge, but charge it up front. Flat fee, fee based on selling price, reduced fee for relisting the same ad, I don't care. There is no venue with a better readership for web based sales of audio equipment and the stuff we are selling costs thousands of dollars. Just charge a reasonable fee up front, keep it simple and lose the restrictions.

I'm w Mitch2

Because Audiogon is in the process of killing the goose that laid the golden egg. The owners won't admit it, perhaps even don't fully recognize it, but their changes to the site will ultimately spell the end for this community. Soon enough, this thread will be removed, too!

I miss the ability to e-mail other members as well. I've had the pleasure of corresponding with quite a few people here outside of the forum in private. I hope they bring it back but I doubt it. As for paying a yearly membership. I'd consider it but it would depend on what is offered. Ability to contact other members. Discounts on listings/commissions. Access to Bluebook for a couple of months.