Has anyone been banned from Steve Hoffman Forums?


Just curious, if you have been banned what was the reason?
rja
Where to begin. I used to sell Beatles UK first or second pressings on Hoffman Forum, did this for about three years . As I have been in the music business for almost sixty years, I had quite a collection, and everyone I sold I got great feedback A+ all the way. One day I thought I would sell a few CBS / Asylum etc. demo albums,and singles . James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell come to mind. These were unplayed radio station copies . I NEVER went with the hype that you are going to pay more for a promo. So I get this letter from a Gorg, I’m trying to remember his name Cairo something ? He writes me and said if he ever saw another demo I would be banished for good, he was just shooting a warning shot over the bow. Well, the listing was already up. I looked to see if anyone else had promos or “ demonstration “ vinyl they were selling on Hoffman Forum, there were several people selling less than stellar promo copies of records . I wrote back and asked why I was singled out. At that instant he banned me, that was five years ago. I was selling around $800. a month in UK Beatles in fantastic condition. This “ Cairo “ I tried to reason with, he in effect told me to go piss up a rope, mind you, as the forum never took a cut, I donated to the Hoffman Forum when I was selling . I would love to meet this pitiful little excuse for a human being . I’m seventy two now, my records are my livelihood. E Bay and Discogs are a joke,Discogs make Ebay look like an audiophile site . 
If anyone know a sellers forum for high end, and I do mean high end vinyl records ( I know,it’s not really vinyl ) let me know please . Thanks for letting me vent . Diatribe complete on that issue .
jake Gerber 
SF,CA.
@jakobian64-I don't question what you wrote, but that seems crazy, i've purchased a few WLPs there, and unless there was some misunderstanding on the part of the Gort, I can't see why that would be a problem. (Their only issue is bootlegs, but that's not what you were selling).
In terms of alternatives, not many. Discogs and Ebay are the typical places. I had conversations with several large dealers about an alternative site for play graded high end records and almost universally, the dealers believed that the reach of e-Bay and Discogs outweighed any merits to a 'vetted' sellers forum. As you probably know, grading is all over the place, even play grading. Obviously, you'll get hammered by wholesaling them, so I'd be interested to see what alternatives others suggest. I do buy from private dealer websites, but they don't have nearly as much visibility. A show might be a good bet if you are up for it. Although the Austin show is considered one of the biggest, I think the WFMU show in NY is the best show I've been to in the States in terms of quality and buyers of high ticket records. That's probably a logistical nightmare for you. Do they have pop up record shows near you? I know there are a few that my friend in Philly goes to-- much high quality, obscure, and desirable stuff. 

Welcome! jakobian64


not to worry about the SH site, it is a joke, in very poor taste. Your customers will follow you to other sites. eBay, by and large, captures the global audience including me. There are high-end sellers still on that site. Equally, there are high-end collectors searching daily as well.

Based on your locale, you may consider an auction house for five-figure Records. As above, Record Shows/Swap meets are excellent as well.

The Austin Record Show enters my mind. Keep us posted on your situation. SH has made many enemies by operating his communist site.

Too bad, as it is a pretty good read for variations in recordings, pressings, production of music.

I’ve been bnned. I learned that some members cannot be questioned. I rejected a suggestion and backed it up with data. 

Personally, that forum can rot. But like
Any other forum, I use it as a tool. As long as I can search it via google I’ll get what I need. I don’t use forums to make friends.