Audioholkics Banned Me today for life

C J T

Hey Guys. I am a Polk owner and I was banned today for life because I put down Axiom, a company who pays their bills because I did a comparison between Polk RTI12's and Axiom M80's and my Polks absolutely killed them. They accused me of accusing them of being biased. They are. They promote companies who support their site. axiom. oppo. RFH. Audioholics brainwashes people. They hack Polk.

I am serious. I did a side by side comparison. Axiom sucks. Over hyped. I wasted postage and shipping to try them.

Audioholics can screw off. Gene is an idiot and I will make it my mission now to destroy their reputation.

McCelery

Funny, I've recently found a few old threads from other forums that are completely Axiom biased, claiming Polks are mid grade fodder for people who don't know what they're talking about. Subjectivity aside, I really enjoy this forum because although it's obviously Polk biased, people are totally free to sing the praises of whatever high end stuff they want. And it's not like this is just a Polk sponsored forum! I just find a lot of pointless arguing in lots of other sites and, not wanting to get that involved in too many forums (it's my addiction I try not to feed), I'm happy just to shoot the **** here with knowledgeable friendlies. What are you powering your RTi12s with?

tonyb

Well buddy boy,thats all fine and nice but don't take that mission here.
This forum doesn't believe in destroying reputations.....people....yes.....
products....no.:)

TroyD

Hmmmm...the thread didn't seem to be locked down nor did there seem to be much heated discussion.

After a little searching, you started a similar post awhile back that was neither shut down nor seemed to get you banned. Perhaps more than meets the eye.

BDT

johnADA

Pursuing the Truth in Audio and Video!!!!

Disclaimer- Dependant on whom is paying for advertising today.


I got my first warning when I asked Tom why he went totally against a myth Gene had brought to everyones attention by writing a article against something.

Warning 2 was the other way around with Gene going against a Tom article.

Got banned when I questioned Tom about a Microsoft writeup where he pushed one of Microsofts new products. I merely stated that someone so into depth in this realm of knowledge of electronics would push such and inferior buggy product. Then mentioned how his site locked into your email address and if running Internet Explorer, you get spammed by electronic offers.

Go figure!!!!!

VR3

So for the next few days...

Are we going to have a bunch of people with less than 100 post counts pop up out of the wood work talking about Audioholics?

Cool.

Another one that is sponsor geared = Home Theater Spot.

Paul is a real loser.

Gaara

I like Audioholics. I may be the minority here but I like their articles on debunking snake oil, I loved their DIY Speaker Cable shootout, and from time to time I will read through their reviews. I stay away from their forum though...

Jared

reeltrouble1

I dont care much for those other sites.

I would much rather focus on this one, Polk does not seem to mind much at all as we discuss products and lines, very classy company. I really cant ever remember someone getting banned simply because they liked one thing over another and said so.

Don't think it would be wise to come in here looking to destroy something, we are into audio in a more positive way, well, at least most of the time.;)

RT1

dudeinaroom

BURN EM', BURN EM' ALL WWAAHHAA HA HA. opps sorry

Ron Temple

I replied to that thread before it got edited by Tom. I think he deleted a single line basically stating that AH pushes crap for ad $ (that's the gist anyway). The thread immediately got in line after Johnny was banned since most didn't see that phrase.

I know a little bit about the way that forum is run, at least from a former advertiser's perspective. I'm ambivalent, I like some of the guys/gals over there...some of the mods too...not thrilled with their attitude and management.

C J T

Now that I have calmed down a little over night I can see a little clearer about the issue, I won't be looking to ruin anybody's rep but I think it should be said loud and clear that Audioholics IS biased towards products that pay their advertising. One needs to just look at the banners on their site. Oppo. Axiom. etc. and see what products they review. I think their site is excellent, i really do, I have learned so much from them, but their mods will not take criticism and although they deny it, they place Polk in the same category as Bose. I read an article there once about that and when I challenged it, they got rid of the article. I am serious.

Anyways, this all came to be after I was looking to upgrade to these so called awesome Axiom speakers and all the rave reviews. My friend ordered them and we did a side by side comparison. Believe me, and I really mean this. AXIOM IS NO UPGRADE FROM POLK! Do not believe everything you read.

They banned me and got rid of my post on their site so I can't give you guys a link.

My system is RTI12's up front, RTI6 in the back, Csi40 rear centre, Csi5 front centre. Receiver is Denon 3805, amp is Behringer EP2500 (pro amp with fan modification) to power the RTI12's, Denon 2910 DVD player, Behringer DEQ1024 EQ. I have a Hsu STF3 sub. Cables are Belden from Westlake in Seattle, WA. I have a Panny 42" HD plasma.

I like my system. Even more after I heard Axiom speakers. The M80's. I am not saying Axiom is bad at all. Just not better than Polk.

venomclan

LOL, next try to do a cable comparison at Htguide.com and see how far you get.
BV

cfrizz

That is NOT allowed!!!:eek: However, if you are discussing CAT cables who is the ONLY cable sponser, then recommend away!:rolleyes:

venomclan wrote:

LOL, next try to do a cable comparison at Htguide.com and see how far you get.
BV

johnADA

venomclan wrote:

LOL, next try to do a cable comparison at Htguide.com and see how far you get.
BV

Its bad enough that a site like Audioholics exists as it does, but its a money making operation so it backs its monies. What would be funny though, if Bose dumped a wad of cash in their hands, BOSE would now be the best speaker to exist.

Now with HT guide, thats totally a whacked site not just for their one cable payer, but for speaker building.
If you dont pick drivers made from metals, use crossovers that are as complex as my computer board, you just have **** for speakers!!!!! And I thought the idea behind a good speaker as to replicate the sounds as accurate as you can, well tin cans JUST DON'T do that.

reeltrouble1

I think this site should support Polk Speakers, oh wait I see them advertising all over it!!!!!!!!!

It really is amazing how we get so worked up over this internet stuff, myself included, well, at least I do it here with a company and friends I really enjoy.

RT1

audioblonde

1234

C J T

Well now they have lost a valued reader and customer. I bought my Hsu sub from what i read on A/H. I bought my Denon 2910 DVD player because everybody said it was great (which I agree on both counts, but the $200 Oppo is better in their opinion??)). But because Polk is sold in lower end stores and they used to be in the upper end stores they are not worthy of any attention. Polks aren't sold in high end stores anymore because they can't make the money off them say B and W products will so they don't get the respect.

The funniest thing of all is the people on that site who put down Polks and have never heard them at all and assume, or only heard them in a store with a crappy low powered receiver which has not been set up properly.

Ask yourself,, why is the biggest speaker manufacturer in the world (or close to it) Polk Audio, not reviewed on A/H? What you get on A/H is internet only manufacturers. Word of mouth is the only way to sell them and what better way than an internet magazine site.

I wish Matt Polk or someone else high up in the company could answer that. Audioholics is probably the biggest internet site in the world pertaining to A/V. I would really like to know. Why no Polk reviewed there? Anyone?

Anyways, this was the second time I questioned A/H on their policies, that's why I was banned. "Pursuing the truth in A/V" is all I was doing. Guess Gene, Ray and the boys there are afraid I may be revealing the real truth?

johnADA

C J T wrote:

The funniest thing of all is the people on that site who put down Polks and have never heard them at all and assume, or only heard them in a store with a crappy low powered receiver which has not been set up properly.

Ask yourself,, why is the biggest speaker manufacturer in the world (or close to it) Polk Audio, not reviewed on A/H? What you get on A/H is internet only manufacturers. Word of mouth is the only way to sell them and what better way than an internet magazine site.

I wish Matt Polk or someone else high up in the company could answer that. Audioholics is probably the biggest internet site in the world pertaining to A/V. I would really like to know. Why no Polk reviewed there? Anyone?

Anyways, this was the second time I questioned A/H on their policies, that's why I was banned. "Pursuing the truth in A/V" is all I was doing. Guess Gene, Ray and the boys there are afraid I may be revealing the real truth?

You bring up some valid points and there is some stuff brought up that needs a further look see.
When it comes down to Audiophilism, the first thing that happens is when companies like Polk grow large enough to go worldwide, meaning anyone can own one, then add multiple lines so to attract both high end and low budget users, its no longer considered a Audiophile product, which is a select very small group and they like to be considered special which needs a smallish audience.
Add in whom carries the products, BB,CC and the likes it gets pulled down further.

Onto how Audioholics can be perceived, manufacturer wise, based upon my own experiences running a site for7 years. Well they just arent large enough, rather smallish actually. My site had 3 times the members that they do and we went to manufacturers for product consideration in both reviewing some and also input to producing some. We were told we dont matter, not large enough, their other forms of median makes us a very small ripple in a market arena. Web sites themselves in how they operate, dont blend well, smell bad for the company due to many areas. One of the most brought up points are post whores and key board warriors.

You have people whom have high post counts and I'll use F1 nut as a example, sorry for this, but this is the taste. Posts to everything so first off is he a jack of all trades??? Slams people, puts products down and so fourth. Looking at his posts and the wide array of responses, what do you see??
Then you have others that tend to follow the trend of the day and also open topic alot, and I mean alot, these are key board warriors. They have nothing better to do so they live on the net. Alot of them dont even own anything the site has it basis set upon and many are young people whom have gotten the flavor of the site and really are there just for internet friendship.

Audioholics is full of them and I mean full of them more so than other sites in overall percentages.

You want to sell there???? Besides all the other stuff all ready posted.

Then you have one of the worst hobbies for a term that weighs heavily many apply as stupidity. SUBJECTIVENESS!!!!!!

Your subjective due to budgets, so what you pick that you can afford .
Its subjective on a hearing front. Bright, neutral, warm etc is just a start of a never ending cycle of how equipment can be ripped apart.
Subjective based upon your upbringing, class stature, ego etc.

Its never ending the ways you can, due to subjectiveness destroy a product reputation in this market.

Places like Audioholics and HT guide cater to a particular arena of people , its a click of agreement on whats what.

Simply put the net ,as to forums really, isnt the mecca for advertising across the board. You can get any answer you want simply from switching to a different forum. What Truths is there when this happens?????? Whats real or not , etc????? If their is no majority agreement between the forums as to good, better, best and so fourth and there is not, why as Polk would you want to make a push on them to sell???

Little fish in a big ocean and the sites are merely one worm on the end of a pole!!!!!!!!

C J T

Thanks JohnADA for taking the time for such a detailed response.

I guess Polk Audio had to make a decision when the went "world wide" like you said and decided to sell their products at such stores at CC and BB. On the one hand, more stores, more sales, but on the other, audio snobs start to think their products aren't as good because they aren't sold at high end stores any more. Did the product change? I have only had Polks for a few years but I always had heard of them growing up and they were higher end speakers.

Speakers, more than anything are personal taste. I will make a comparison. I recently was in the market for some earbuds for my Ipod. I wanted to upgrade from my Sony MDR51's. After reading so many rave reviews on Shure products, I auditioned the EC2's and the EC3's. Many say the EC3's are the best earbuds in the world. I hated them. No bass whatsoever. I decided on the Sony MDR EX90's. While some may disagree, to me, the Sony's sound warmer and have a ton more bass. Like my Sony 7509 headphones, I chose over Grados..my point, personal taste. Our ears are all different. And I probably have done some damage from all the loud music and concerts I have attended:)

You also bring up some good points about internet use. I am on medical leave right now from work and have more time to spend doing nothing like being on the net. Some people have absolutely no life at all. A/V is a hobby to me, not what it used to be, but it is. I like a good read when i want to relax or have my morning coffee, like right now. I find the more time spent here, the more money you spend and the more you want to upgrade. I think that is the whole idea why these sites exist. The manufacturers know this. That said, I don't get that as much here as I do on A/H. Here, they are all Polk owners and talk about getting the most out of their Polks.

You kind of answered my question...Polks aren't on A/H because they don't have to be. They are already "out there".

Ron Temple

JohnADA, there appears to be some truth in what you say since a mod and the owner of AH recently posted that they have "tentatively" approached Polk for review samples, but have never had a reply.

If Polk has any interest at all, maybe they should contact them. If, as you say, Polk marketing thinks it's a waste of time, then they shouldn't of course.

It would be interesting if someone from Polk would chime in.

cfrizz

I was thinking the same thing Ron.

In all honesty, Polk's marketing strategy or lack thereof has always confused me.

They might allow a review or two, but outside of that, they don't do any at all. You won't find them advertised in any audio magazines. I would think if they want to get their name out there more, that would be the first place to go.

danger boy

i've never been to the Audioholics web site forum... sounds like a waste of time to me to hang out in there.

dkg999

It is a waste of time! You should send them a thank you card for banning you and forcing you to find more productive ways to use your time.

mazersteven

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=258136#post258136

C J T

dkg999 wrote:

It is a waste of time! You should send them a thank you card for banning you and forcing you to find more productive ways to use your time.

Exactly. I have the gear i want. I don't need any more advice nor do I need any more reason to spend money. Thanks for the advice!

Holydoc

I guess I am just confused by this whole thread. Why are you so concerned about a private community banning you from commenting on their page? Seriously there are a thousand more websites (million more?) that you can still post in. This being one of them. However it is not a guarantee that you will be able to post here tomorrow.

Basically this is Polk's website, Polk's rules, and we are here at Polk's discretion. If one of us did something that Polk determined was offensive or against THEIR (notice I did not say our) interpretation of the rules, they could and probably would ban that person.

CJT, I am glad you like your Polk speakers. I like mine too. However I think it is rather silly that you are upset because someone kicked you out of THEIR home (i.e. website). If you want to tell about your experiences between Axiom and Polk and cannot do it at Audioholics, then create your own forum or post it at one of the other thousands of websites on the internet. Don't get upset because your personality clashed with the moderators who run, own, and create that website.

Really no offense meant by this post. I just think the whole thing is silly.

bknauss

Oh boy... that site. Don't forget to throw Yamaha onto the heap of stuff they praise and praise. As I've mentioned before, they have an ex-Yammie employee on the staff. Nice connection there.

I too had some arguments inthe past over there. I questioned why they thought a Yamaha receiver was so great when its power output was more or less a lie. Yea, it might be able to do 100W or whatever into 1 or 2 channels at a time, but fire up some other channels and the power drops dramatically. So I call it lying by Yammie marketing to say it put's out 7 channels at that power rating. Their retort was that its difficult or impossible, based on stress of the power supply, wall outlet current, etc... for anyone to put out that type of power. There is *some* truth to that, but:
1. You can get a total of 700W at a low distortion out of an amplifier or receiver, and
2. Competitors might dip in the power output when all channels are fired up, but not nearly as badly as Yammie, Sony, and some others.
The other argument they gave me was that Yammie offers so many features that you should overlook the power output. BS. F-ing BS. If you buy a Polk amp of any type, it will put out the rated power. We're not in the business of pulling the wool over people's eyes.

Audioholics used to be a good site where they focused on the science of audio and taught the audience. It has since turned into a big advertisement with little to no value. I still stop by for trade show news, but that's the only thing of worth I generally see. Anyone else confused as to why they just reviewed the Boston Acoustics table radio that came out over 2 years ago? Why not review their HD table radio? At least that's a recent product.

bknauss

I have a feeling no one would be banned or even warned for posting a glowing and wonderful review of a product from a Polk competitor on this forum. On the other hand, it looks like that's frowned upon on the AH forum. You've got free speech in regards to any AV product here But if you give a good review of Bose, I think the forum members might hunt you down!

Holydoc wrote:

I guess I am just confused by this whole thread. Why are you so concerned about a private community banning you from commenting on their page? Seriously there are a thousand more websites (million more?) that you can still post in. This being one of them. However it is not a guarantee that you will be able to post here tomorrow.

Basically this is Polk's website, Polk's rules, and we are here at Polk's discretion. If one of us did something that Polk determined was offensive or against THEIR (notice I did not say our) interpretation of the rules, they could and probably would ban that person.

CJT, I am glad you like your Polk speakers. I like mine too. However I think it is rather silly that you are upset because someone kicked you out of THEIR home (i.e. website). If you want to tell about your experiences between Axiom and Polk and cannot do it at Audioholics, then create your own forum or post it at one of the other thousands of websites on the internet. Don't get upset because your personality clashed with the moderators who run, own, and create that website.

Really no offense meant by this post. I just think the whole thing is silly.

dorokusai

Bose gets hunted in this forum like Ice-T in Surviving the Game.

At least that attack makes sense, as the company markets well, produces worse.

Holydoc

Dang it, bknauss!

That is all I need, a Polk Engineer putting my quote in the same thread where Bose is mentioned. Don't you know that I could be hunted down by association alone? Don't you guys love me anymore?
Well?
umm... you there?
Ugghhh!!!! :eek: :eek:

BTW... as a Polk rep, you should be careful what you say about that other forum. Otherwise, you may get banned from it! LOL... oh, I crack me up!

F1nut

bknauss wrote:

But if you give a good review of Bose, I think the forum members might hunt you down!

See the quote from Ron/Bill/Dean below. Can you say zero credibility........thought so.