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Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff

204.94.81.82

Posted on March 5, 1999 at 09:53:12
Rod M


 
Well it seems the concensus for Audio Asylum has won the name contest so I'll be making that change over the weekend. During updates, it's possible that some new posts can be lost as I have to download the page, change it and upload before any new posts happen. I'll try to do this when there little activity but just a warning.

Next, do we want a logo for The Asylums or stay Plain Jane? If we add a graphic, it would have to be small and load fast. Since there would only be one, it should get cached and not be a problem on performance. And if folks agree to add one, are there any volunteers that can create one? I'm not much of a graphics artist.

Last question is site traffic and links. Traffic has gone crazy, 12,053 page views, 507 visitors(267 new visitors) and 109,189,846 bytes transferred yesterday. That's up about 10% from the day before so it seems to be leveling out.

Do we want the site listed in the search engines?

Do we want to only have links to it from strategic other sites?

Do we want to do nothing and let it go by word of mouth (or email)?

Thanks for the input!

 

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    ...
Good Job Rod M! I'm proud of ya, posted on March 5, 1999 at 09:55:52
Samir


 
I have never witnessed a site being born before, this reminds me of the rebellious days in college.

Samir

 

Logo idea..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 10:12:33
Abeadonis


 
NO FLAME NO FLAME

Have Audiophilander design something. He would probably like that.

AGAIN, NO FLAME NO FLAME

 

Re: Logo idea..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 10:17:04
DaveG


 
Do you mean a picture of an "Olympic" style torch, with a thumb and forefinger pinching together to snuff out "the flame" ???

 

More like...., posted on March 5, 1999 at 10:28:25
Tom S.


 
....7-8 people collectively shoveling dirt and cutting down brush in order to contain a forest fire that can easily get out of control.

Tom S.

 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 10:46:59
SFDude


 
Putting the site on search engines would only attract the same bunch of scumbucket that crawled onto AR. It would give it unnecessary exposure to unknown elements on the 'Net.

Word of mouth is the way to go as this brings a certain "credibility" to the users that hop onto this site in that if one gets out of line, the credibility of the person who brought him/her in would be in jeapordy.

The freedom to express one's opinions in a forum where they will not be ostracized is something I find refreshing....a Breath of Fresh Air as Clayton O. mentioned in a posting above.

 

Your cynicism is obvious, but I hope there's a solution..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 10:56:11
Dave VH


 
for good of the forum.

I have seen and experienced bits and pieces of anarchy, but don't want to live under it. I have not experienced extreme repression, and I'm not anxious to do so. Somewhere in the middle, there is a better place to live, and that's how I see this forum. To me it's an on-line club open to anyone who is interested in audio, and those who have reasonably civil attitudes.

Just as members of any club ofter chat about off-topic subjects at meetings, especially at the beginning of those meetings, folks at this forum tend to do the same here. Many of us use the same handle, and many use their real name. This establishes and identifies the personalities of posters, and makes it possible to establish "cyber" relationships similar to having friends and acquaintenances in the physical world. Many of the early postings were related to the general issue of starting a forum, not audio specifically. Harmless jabs, even with a bit of a bite in them, are o.k.

Those who post under random names, and do not establish a recognizable "personality" on the forum, to me are usually an irritation, which often seems to be their purpose in life. Anonymity is appropriate to fight repression where life and freedom in the physical world are threatened, but here on the internet, there are other places to go if you don't like what's here. If you don't like this forum, you can even get together with others of a similar mind and start your own.

Sophomoric humor becomes really old and boring after a few years, but I am willing to tolerate a bit of it. Sarcasm that is intended to grossly insult others is not really humor, and I could care less if all such posts disappear. Also, just as in real-world clubs, if a bunch of people start screaming, shouting and insulting each other, they required to chill out, or asked to leave. If this is not done, the "club" will deterioriate, and eventually be worthless for the original intent. This is exactly what happened to Tech Talk at AR.

If you don't believe that an on-line "club" with minimal membership requirements is appropriate, can you explain why you would not prefer TT and go back there as opposed to participating and playing by the rules here? If you don't like this sandbox, there are plenty of others around to visit.

I am not opposed to occasional off-topic posts between friends and acquaintances, but to object to classic male ego "pissing contests" and serious put-down posts.

Dave VH

 

Okay, how about something caligraphied?, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:14:07
Audiophilander


 
I'll design a couple and send them too you; I may do a couple of drawings as well (I'm mulling over the idea of using a couple of headphones for "A"s); nothing too complex that will require long load time. What do you think?

AuPh

 

I got a logo for you....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:27:26
Moses


 
http://members.tripod.com/designvs/grap3.html

Rod, I am a graphic artist by profession and would like to offer a possible logo design. Please go to the above address--it will open up a page on my art site. You will see a package design that I did in school. The logo I created for it is for a ficticious company so it hasn't been used yet and I feel that it would work well for this site since it is shaped after an A and it has heaphones implying audio. Check it out and see. Oh and please feel free to browse the rest of the site if you like.

 

Re: I got a logo for you....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:31:12
Stephen


 
Nice. I remember visiting your site before.
Can you do something similar to the stunning
VS logo with two A's?

 

Re: I got a logo for you....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:32:12
Edp


 
Looks too much like the audio review logo.

http://www.audioreview.com/main/logo1.gif

Graphic art something that focuses on the Asylum, not the Audio

 

addition, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:33:52
Moses


 
I also do web design as you can see by looking at my site. I prefer simplicity when it comes to websites. I think that it would be really cool if maybe we could get all the artists that post here (this means you AudioPhilander) to maybe collaborate and add just a hint of design to the site. Nothing drastic, in fact it would be cool to just keep it all black and white.

 

Re: Okay, how about something caligraphied?, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:34:35
Edp


 
Headphones and A look too much like Audio Review.


http://www.audioreview.com/main/logo1.gif


Focus on Asylum not Audio.


 

Agreed, theAsylums.com....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:39:52
Rod M


 
I found this was an available name so I took the liberty of grabbing it. I agree the focus should be on Asylums, and then each one: Vinyl Asylum, Tube Asylum etc.

But then what is the General page, a padded cell?

 

Good eye ..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:41:26
Stephen


 
... focus on Asylum will be much more appropriate.

 

Plain Jane and Meat 'n Potato's say more than words/colors, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:42:12
Edp


 
Keep it plain as the focus is on content, not the color of the bow the box was tied with.

Not on search engines.

Word of mouth. - We don't ban the flamers, just the people who gave them the address!

Heck I'd even go farther and put my money where my mouth is. I would pay a yearly fee to assure that the site is free from trash. I know, I know, the TAN and "watching paint peel". Guess I am willing to pay for the wide advice I get and to pay to return the kharma to others asking for things I might know.

 

okay, point taken (nt), posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:42:32
Moses


 
Nt

 

I have always considered it more difficult to do good..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:43:48
Dave VH


 
design in B/W than in color. That is certainly true in photography. Color can apologize for a many deficiencies in design and composition. I have always enjoyed good B/W art and design, and would like to see some ideas you might have.

The high-contrast image on your web site shows very little detail on my monitor, and it may have been designed as such. The composition is excellent, but the headphones are barely visible. Do we want high recognizability, or purer art? Oh well, as in audio, everything seems to ba a compromise.

Dave VH


 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:47:16
David_M


 
I don't really like the idea of putting it on search engines, but maybe the stratigic site idea could be good. Its fun when theres lots of quality people in a forum and not just a few.

Geeze though, it didn't take long for AR to go down the tubes after you guys all left.


 

Re: Agreed, theAsylums.com....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:47:43
Stephen


 
>> I found this was an available name so I took the liberty of grabbing it. I agree the focus should be on Asylums, and then each
one: Vinyl Asylum, Tube Asylum etc.

xclnt! Vinyl asylum ... nice ring to it ...

> a padded cell?
General clinic?
Polyclinic?
Asylum lobby?
Asylum check-in?
General population?
Involuntary commitment room?

 

The Pit, posted on March 5, 1999 at 11:49:23
Edp


 
Very depressing black and white movie on the subject of Asylums.

 

Re: King of Hearts, posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:16:22
Dave VH


 
Great classic comedy/drama film set in Europe during WWI. Stars Alan Bates and Genevieve Bujold. Demonstrates that those in the asylum are often more sane than those outside.

Well worth renting if you haven't seen it.

Sorry for the off-subject post, but I guess it could be enjoyed on a good HT setup.

Dave VH

 

Re: Your cynicism is obvious, but I hope there's a solution..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:17:25
Abeadonis


 
I was serious. Nice response. What is wrong with my post? I wanted to make it clear it was not a flame towards AuPh.

You need a life or a job. How do you have time to type a thesis?

 

My design isn't that similar to AR; here's the jpg. (I hope), posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:28:11
Audiophilander


 
Actually, I finished one sample design already (and it doesn't look like a car composed of audio components), but I'm working on others and open to suggestions. BTW, my goal is too keep it simple for easy loading.

AuPh

 

WHere is the jpg? (nt), posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:29:15
Moses


 
.

 

It didn't work; perhaps I did it incorrectly. (help?), posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:32:56
Audiophilander


 
Any assistance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Remember, my wife is the one with the computer smarts.

 

Here's an idea:, posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:35:32
Audiophilander


 
Try this link:

http://www.artistsinresidence.com/audio.jpg

That should take you there.

 

Personally, I Like a Big Spinning Geetar, posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:37:09
nt

 

I'm all for a bake off...., posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:38:04
Rod M


 
of course that's assuming folks want a graphic at all. Collective wisdom does help but can take a bit longer to gel ;)

 

Check this out: www.artistsinresidence.com/audio.jpg, posted on March 5, 1999 at 12:50:31
Audiophilander


 
This is only one design idea, but I'm fast. I did this freehand in about 15 minutes with a broad nibbed caligraphiy pen. Let me know what you think. Hope you like it.

Cheers,
AuPh

 

Re: Check this out: www.artistsinresidence.com/audio.jpg, posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:00:30
Abeadonis


 
Looks good for a first shot.

You could go ahead and post it here if it is ok with Rod M.
It would be easier for everyone to see them that way.


Abe

 

Here it is, hope you don't mind..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:05:25
Abeadonis


 

 

How I find the time., posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:08:30
Dave VH


 
Winding down a contract. Training someone else. Keeping out of his way now to see if he can handle it alone. Baby sitting, basically.

I'd rather be windsurfing or listening to music. But I'm not at home, and there's no wind.

But that will change soon. And then you will probably not see such essays for a while - unless I can figure out how to retire sooner.

It's been a good gig, but good things don't last forever.

And I was referring to Dave G., not you. He has posted a couple of times, but I hope he will mellow out and stick around.

I recognized the sincerity of your post. (Although I will adgree that AP often attracts a lot of flames and then fans the fires.)

Enjoy the music,

Dave VH


 

Re: Check this out: www.artistsinresidence.com/audio.jpg, posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:09:10
Audiophilander


 
When it comes to posting images, I'm a babe in the woods. I tried it earlier with no success. I'm willing to take suggestions though.

 

I don't mind, thanks! (nt), posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:10:23
Audiophilander


 
(nt)

 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:18:44
Mike K


 
I would vote against listing with search engines. Word of mouth
and links from other, reputable, sites should be quite enough.

I see no need for graphics and color and that sort of thing.
Content, not color!!

Great job, Rod!

 

Re: Agreed, theAsylums.com....., posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:28:02
Dave B


 
the Inner Sanctum

:-)

 

You are welcome., posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:37:45
Abeadonis


 
Post and I will link any updates if it is alright with Rod M. also.

Abe

 

No problem, posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:40:24
Abeadonis


 
Enjoy. AuPh and I have gotten into it before but I really am sincere about him designing something - you probably have seen the posts above of what he has done so far.

Abe

 

Re: Check this out: www.artistsinresidence.com/audio.jpg, posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:43:18
Geeber


 
The "A" looks suspiciously like an "Ap". Very clever Phlounder.

Other than that I think it stinks.

 

General Outpatient..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 13:52:21
JohnE


 
Finally, a subject I know alot about!!

 

Subliminal Message?, posted on March 5, 1999 at 14:03:17
Run4It!


 
When I held your logo up to a mirror the reverse image reads "Buy MSB Dacs".

 

Do you want ties to the biggest flamer..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 14:08:47
DON'T USE IT


 
Don't do it... Do you want to be in debt to this guy in any way?
Besides.. the logo sucks!
IMHO

 

Re: How I find the time., posted on March 5, 1999 at 14:47:05
Bob


 
Where do you windsurf? Although I didn't feel it possible, this high end audio stuff can quickly become more expensive than windsurfing. Not yet tho,

Bob

 

Rapidly turning 180 degrees, posted on March 5, 1999 at 14:51:33
JohnE


 
Dave,
I expressed my concern over the censorship issue at the begining of the week. But, after making a few trips back to Audio Review, I find myself thinking somewhat differently. In less then a weeks time, that site has become something, that even I, am aghast at.
Not having the audio expertise that many here have, I always felt a bit apprehensive asking basic questions at AR, but at this site, the feeling is comfortable,(maybe due to my intimate relationships with asylums) non threatening, and in a way, like visiting people you've known for ages.
I like it here, and whatever you and da boyz have to do to keep the good feelings going, I for one, will have no problem trusting your judgement.

John

 

Okay, here's another sketch, just completed: (www.artistsinresidence.com/asylum.jpg), posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:13:09
Audiophilander


 
This is more of a cartoon, a depiction of what some of our inmates might look like. It's not the greatest rendering, granted, but keep in mind that I'm a painter and only on rare occasions am called upon to do illustration, and this was done in a bit of a hurry. Again, with any luck it will come out looking something like what I inked; hope you like it.

AuPh

 

Re: Okay, here's another sketch, just completed: (www.artistsinresidence.com/asylum.jpg), posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:15:40
Geeber


 
Very "Clockwork Orange". Much better.

 

Re: Okay, here's another sketch, just completed: (www.artistsinresidence.com/asylum.jpg), posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:18:45
Here it is


 

 

That did give me a chuckle, I linked it in this post, posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:21:52
Rod M


 

Just put the url in the Optional Image URL box. It should work. Quite expressive!

 

Have to admit that one is pretty funny (nt), posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:23:23
Moses


 
.

 

I agree!, posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:38:01
maxpow


 
Audiophilander does not have the best reputation amongst audiophiles. I don't think you want to have every page of this site associated with the likes of him. Don't do it! Think of the long term ramifications.
max

 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:39:23
Joe S


 
The search engine idea makes me a bit queasy.

Strategic other sites? Hmmm, interesting - which ones do you have in mind?

e-mail & word of mouth - definitely.

BTW - how much traffic can this site bear before it bogs down? Is there any limit we should be conscious of in this?

Joe

 

Other hobbies dangerous for equipment freaks..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:43:18
Dave VH


 

Windsurfing, like audio and skiing, can suck you into spending more than you really need to. Consumerism has blindsided me a few times in my life, but I think I'm finally learning. I discovered that I had enough excess audio stuff around to sell and buy a CAL Alpha 96/24 DAC. Good sound, a clean closet, and no dent in the wallet. I like that! And it's easier to explain to the lady of the house.

Oh, yes, where do I windsurf - Crissy/Golden Gate area, Larkspur, Rio Vista, Point Isabel and other North Bay locations. Only once to Maui, and it was fabulous. Now if I don't buy any more audio gear, perhaps I can finance another Hawaii trip!!

Note: Linked pic at "Jaws" on Maui is not me - only in my dreams!!!

Dave VH

 

Here's the a link to the pic..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 15:46:54
Dave VH


 
I still haven't figured out how to make the picture show up, even though "properties" shows the link is correct!!!

 

I had to sit down after seeing that one Auydy..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 16:10:13
JohnE


 
...It gave me a flashback.
You're getting closer, funny.

 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 16:12:18
Rod M


 
Think everyone's in agreement on no search engines. Unfortunately, they'll find us eventually, but at least it won't be in Yahoo!

>>>>Strategic other sites? Hmmm, interesting - which ones do you have in mind?<<<<<

Don't know. AudioShopper.com maybe? It'd be sites that aren't highly traveled but frequented by audiophiles. Tube Vendors? Any suggestions?

The site can take quite a bit of traffic. Not really sure where it would bog down. It'd have to go way over the AR site traffic likely. At some point, data transfer might be an issue from a cost viewpoint. We have quite a bit of excess bandwidth but I don't recall our limit (it's quite high and I doubt we use 20%). I'll know if it shows on a bill ;)

The only other limit is disk. It's got 2GB available. That should amount to around 1 million messages before we need to delete archives or add a $150 disk drive.

 

Nah ! Too Realistic. You all look like that except ..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 16:16:02
I like the first one better, -but I still like my idea of spinning, flamming GEEETARS !!!!!!

 

Re: Audio Asylum it is, and other stuff, posted on March 5, 1999 at 16:28:06
Oakroot


 
I don't mind the search engines idea except that it will bring on alot more work to maintain the site - archiving and deleting flames. The other two ways to investigate our site are of course fine as well.

I think a small QUICK loading logo would be fine.

 

Actually it's your cynicism that is obvious, posted on March 5, 1999 at 17:06:56
DaveG


 
1) I was dead serious. It would be an easily understood, graphical representation. Read my actual post above, rather than making assumptions about what I meant.

2) As for "anarchy", you may have me confused with another poster who advocates it.

3) I have never posted on this forum under any other name than DaveG, which is simply my first name plus last initial.

4)You make 2 separate "love it or leave it" references ( "If you don't like this forum....start your own";"If you don't like this sandbox..."), with the implied "go back to AR" attitude. I still do read and post at AR. I can tell you that the quality of that board has gone down since this started. I can also tell you that this board is far from proven, and that it has a long way to go to catch up with what TT was, when it was at it's best.

When my input was requested, I made my best effort to give constructive advice.



 

That is..., posted on March 5, 1999 at 17:53:02
Tom S.


 
...jut plain outstanding AuPh! I think a good place for that would be the disclaimer/rules page. No offense meant but my vote is for plain jane forum pages that load very quickly. That did take awhile to load on my puter here at home. It is an excellent drawing!

Tom S.

 

Apologies are in order... (sorry, long post), posted on March 5, 1999 at 20:59:31
Dave VH


 
I went back and looked at your posts to try to find out what triggered my response. First, let me say that regarding the anarchy comment, I seem to have confused you with someone else. I also expanded my comments from the specific to the general, and apparently, you took it all to heart. I apologize.

My initial negative reaction was triggered by your comment "Freedom of expression isn't about the speech you're in favor of, it's about the stuff you're opposed to. Maybe next time I'll add "Isn't this site great ?" at the end of my post - if you'll like that better." Then I carried that reaction over to your "snuffing the flames" post, and wrote the comments in my prior post.

I view freedom of speech from an opposite perspective from the one you expressed earlier. I see it as a positive thing - being able to say what you want. It is repression that leads to opposition and revolution - those whom we propose to limit are on the other side of the fence. Their freedom of expression will be limited if they don't play by the rules here, and the earlier post by you that I reacted to spoke from their perspective based on that logic. That's where I should have debated you.

My personal choice is to promote the positive aspects of this forum, and I view "snuffing the flames" as a necessary evil - I do not want to see it promoted as one of our "primary directives." Those of us who are trying to build this forum (I include all of the "civil" posters so far, including you) obviously have a desire for a more civil venue. Just as is necessary in every peace and freedom loving society, this forum needs "policing" to prevent anarchy. However, when overdone, "enforcement" can lead to repression. The balance is delicate and dynamic.

I just looked ar AR's Tech Talk/Tweaks forum, and it has, indeed, degenerated into a cesspool of flames and insults. Posts by the likes of Mtry and CE promote dissent and flames as much as the more blatant direct flamers. Subtle flaming and flame-baiting will be the most difficult thing to deal with. The world exists in shades of gray - pure black and white is uncommon.

Sorry for the long diatribe, but I just wanted to straighten things out and encourage further discussion. But don't feel compelled to be as long-winded as me with any responses - some of us older guys still get into more detail in the traditional manner.

As Deon C. would say, Peace, brother

And now, back to audio and music.

Dave VH



 

Re: Apologies are in order... (sorry, long post), posted on March 6, 1999 at 09:22:13
DaveG


 
Sorry I got a little snippy, I just tend to take these things little too personally. I guess I should realize that just because a post appears below mine doesn't mean it's all about me/my post.

I think we are mostly in agreement about the major issues.

 

Re: Other hobbies dangerous for equipment freaks..., posted on March 6, 1999 at 12:20:39
BobC


 
Thanks for the pix... I'm on the east coast, I dream of Maui

 

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