I am not pissed at Brian, as you so eloquently put it Kurt, though you seem to be pissed at me. You will note that I said that I have been there many times and if the treatment were ALWAYS rude, that would not be the case, I assure you. Further note that I was specifically speaking of first-time customers and that I suggested the OP call first and go if he were interested to BUY and perhaps not if he was only going to graze. I also said that the treatment CAN be indifferent, at best, and I'll stand by that statement. Moreover, I am willing to bet that well over half of the first-time visitors to Brian's shop have probably felt intimdated if Brian was present, especially if they did not have a good deal of experience in talking analog. Who said anything about arguing with him in "HIS" store (is the owner always right these days?) or disagreeing with what HE says? I, quite plainly I thought, was talking about the other way around where a person says something or asks a question that rubs him the wrong way and then HE disagrees, often in a most unpleasant way. I've personally seen it happen several times more than once and I've felt embarassed for the person and I've seen the staff cringe. I would also take issue with you with your EVERY shop is rude statement. At least in my experience, I have NEVER seen anyone treated with anything but kindness and respect at Music Lovers in Berkeley and I have been there about 20 times - less than AR but still a good sample.
With respect to the cigar smoke. At least every other time I go in there, at least four or five people (generally Brian, his two helpers, and one or two customers) have cigars lit and are actively smoking (yes, the door is generally open - but not always, and I've NEVER seen a window open). The shop consists of five very small rooms, and the one back room is often closed. If that is not thick smoke, I don't know what is, and I used to smoke. And, sorry, I have had to air out a cover of three from LP's bought there. There is NO WAY that an unsealed LP that is in that store any longer than a month cannot smell of tobacco. Period.
I am not trying to be as critical of Brian as I am trying to be realistic to prospective vistors. I think if you were being truly candid, you'd see (even from your own comments) that we agree more than disagree, for insatnce I do think that he can be helpful if you get to know him and he likes you. Plus, my comments are meek and mild compared to those of some. But, whatever, others can certainly judge for themselves.
With respect to the cigar smoke. At least every other time I go in there, at least four or five people (generally Brian, his two helpers, and one or two customers) have cigars lit and are actively smoking (yes, the door is generally open - but not always, and I've NEVER seen a window open). The shop consists of five very small rooms, and the one back room is often closed. If that is not thick smoke, I don't know what is, and I used to smoke. And, sorry, I have had to air out a cover of three from LP's bought there. There is NO WAY that an unsealed LP that is in that store any longer than a month cannot smell of tobacco. Period.
I am not trying to be as critical of Brian as I am trying to be realistic to prospective vistors. I think if you were being truly candid, you'd see (even from your own comments) that we agree more than disagree, for insatnce I do think that he can be helpful if you get to know him and he likes you. Plus, my comments are meek and mild compared to those of some. But, whatever, others can certainly judge for themselves.