Polite Rules for discussing Audio related things

stereo5 has a point, but some people do not want to contribute to the discussion therefore it does not matter that the forum members have a thick skin. Some are here to sell their gear (think dealers) some are here to make the converstation about THEM (think geoff). In those two examples, the original subject goes off the rails because of ego drive idiots with thier own agenda.
Thread hijackers who kill the conversation. Some even create multiple identities, I guess to further feed their desire to be written about. Elizabeth it would be great if the forum members would adhere to reasonable rules with common courtesy and with the notion of being helpful.... I would agree with it. But even when we discuss negative experiences with any manufacturer or dealer, the thread will get dumped. So the forum really is only meant for positive experiences??? and to sell more audio gear.

Wow, almost all of my stalkers in one place at the same time. Even Cyclops. What are the odds?

This is beginning to sound like 1984. Our freedom of speech is already being chipped away, why add to it. 

I have no opinion on enforcing censorship on Audiogon, but it is important to remember this is a commercial establishment. It is not a publicly owned forum. The same censorship rules do not apply. 

I find what works for me is to encourage those who engage well, and ignore those who do not. I'm not always the best example of this, but it is what I attempt. 

Also, there are people who are just waiting take on anyone who says anything outside the mainstream about their favorite brand.  Say something like "I found the Magician F a little too tall" and they will be right there. 

Best,

Erik

Have we become so accustomed to cynicism that this "new norm" now dominates our thinking? We go there so easily and quickly at times.

Neil Peart of Rush said it so well in Witch Hunt: "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand, ignorance and prejudice, and they walk hand in hand."

I try to be helpful to fellow 'goners if I’ve had experience with a piece of equipment or a system, but often when I have offered advice, someone follows up immediately with some unhelpful comment and, I don’t care if the arrow is thrown my way, but I feel bad for the OP who is now less informed and perhaps even more confused. I supported a particular brand and model of phono stage recently to help a fellow who was looking for suggestions and soemone jumped in with, "yeah if you want your system to sound like a tomato, nyuk, nyuk."

Is this the way of the world?