ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Does anyone else think that Beoworld has changed, and not necessarily for the better?
A subjective sampling of the archive and current threads suggest to me that more real enthusiasts were around until we moved from passive to active speakers, and from CRT to LCD. The equipment capable of being repaired stopped being made a long time ago, and the enthusiasm for repairing equipment 40+ years old is bound to wane.
The majority of posts are in the main no longer knowledgable or entertaining; it's more an endless speculation about the next product and the handful who will buy it out of duty regardless of price or quality. And some previous television model is always better than the current production (and the archive will prove that I was equally guilty of this in my long extended support for the old Avant!)
i hated it at the time, but looking back the forum needs some controversy to keep it alive, like the conflict between the 'Electrifying Duo' or Flappo tossing in his hand grenades (or even someone being suspended for mentioning a certain giraffe!)
The Prize Draw also seems to be less supported, and the isolation of the Wednesday thread has reduced it to a handful of regulars making occasional posts as they go about their other Wednesday night interests.
Am I wrong?
Graham
I completely agree!
vikinger: Does anyone else think that Beoworld has changed, and not necessarily for the better? Am I wrong? Graham
No, of cource you are right - but only from your (own) point of view!
Things change - Bang & Olufsen changes - the way people use of the B&O gear changes - media sources change - people change.....
I guess a lot of people find the Beoworld forum (as it is today) interesting - from their point of view.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
What is a Mojo?
How do you get it?
What does it do?
Is it pricey?
.
Present: BL90, Core, BL6000, CD7000, Beogram 7000, Essence Remote.
Past: BL1, BL2, BL8000, BS9000, BL5, BC2, BS5, BV5, BV4-50, Beosystem 3, BL3, DVD1, Beoremote 4, Moment.
Mojo is the box that the B&O dealers use to show 4K content on the Avant:
http://store.madcatz.com/Mad-Catz-MOJO-Micro-Console-for-Android.html
I don't think it has lost it's Mojo at all. I was looking through the old threads from the archived old Beoworld and the discussions were similar. I have noticed that the core contributors are smaller in number so perhaps some loss of differing opinions. On a note of curiousity, i would very much like to know what happened to the previous contributors like TripEnglish etc...have they moved on from the B&O brand or spending time being healthy and staying away from HiFi forums or somthing else?
Speaking of old threads from the archived forum, one of my all time favourites was the one entitled "The Audiophile & B&O" http://archivedarchivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/t/43357.aspx?PageIndex=1
Someone from the US can, maybe, update us on Trip English. I think he was at a B&O dealership that closed.
I like Beoworld, both reading and writing. Not everyone is the same and for me new products is what is most interesting. Dealing with old equipment is fun too but for my part very old tech is not really interesting for many reasons (energy/environmental, design, technology evolvement etc). New technology means new solutions and new solutions means speculations :). It is also fun to be part of what is to come, guess on new products and so on.
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
I certainly don't think it's lost its Mojo... but yes, it has certainly changed. Not in a bad way, it's just different.
6-8 years ago B&O we're flying in terms of sales. Things were great, everyone had money, everyone was looking to buy themselves some new B&O - so the Forums bristled with enthusiasm and positivity from people fairly new to the brand. This also piques interest in the classic products and created a buzz about the brand in general.
Then we get the 'wilderness years' of late, which create a negative atmosphere - and we followed with our own little dark period of disillusionment with the brand, everyone selling it and buying Samsung etc and vowing never to return.
Now, there's a spark of interest in the new and upcoming products as they are generally well priced, high quality and technically getting up to the forefront again. This is creating a stir - and people are asking about them, which in turn has given a bit of a 'tecchie' edge to the forums, which some can construe as boring if they prefer entertainment as opposed to hard facts.
Yes, some of the 'characters' did work in dealerships, were passionate about the brand and could talk all day about it. However, when that person has been dumped on the street after the store went bust they were left with a sour taste in their mouths. Why visit a forum about something you used to love but left you high and dry when you've got a new career or job hunting to get stuck into?
As for the Prize Draw... I used to get "the prizes are too good" - then in the next breath "the prizes aren't good enough". That's an aside though - I'll always spend as much as I can on Prizes, interest or not. That's all part of paying for a Gold Membership. I think the interest has waned purely because it's been going for some time. Camelot, the people who run the National Lottery in the UK found sales and interest in the Lottery declining so rapidly they had to re-think the prize payout structure. The accompanying TV show is now barely watched and viewing figures are shockingly low.
New things spark interest, then fade. Unless you can radically change a format, you're a bit stuffed. I'm open to suggestions though!! Please - I'd love to hear any thoughts, views etc on how to improve.
Personally, I feel we're in a transition on the Forums once more. We're on the edge of an upturn of fortune for the company - and when that happens we'll have more new dealers, an influx of people looking to get into the brand - and this mixed with our current batch of genuinely lovely members will give a new energy to the place.
Lee
I don't see anything catastrophic, just the normal ebb and flow of an online community, that tends to track the ebb and flow of the company and it's products that the community is interested in. The one thing I would comment on is there seems to be a lot of negativity about B&O, especially when a product is announced, it's going to be great, it's going to be crap, then it's out, and it's crap, then later it's pretty good! Patience is a virtue. But I personally am more optimistic about B&O than I have been in years, their new products seem to have embraced a new design concept, streaming media, and seem configured to do well. Time will tell but I'm optimistic as I say.
And ye gods, people like flappo and some others are usually the death of a forum. They are so antagonistic and rude that if tolerated they drive off other more productive members.
As for prize draws, heck, I'm happy that Lee puts anything up for prizes at all! It's not something I find in other forums, and I love my Beo5 I won. How cool was that?
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Jeff: And ye gods, people like flappo and some others are usually the death of a forum. They are so antagonistic and rude that if tolerated they drive off other more productive members.
I agree. Certainly the Electrifying Duo chased away a number of regulars, and their personal fight seemed to ruin every thread. Having said that, we do need controversial posts to keep some life in the forum!
vikinger:Someone from the US can, maybe, update us on Trip English. I think he was at a B&O dealership that closed.
His Greenwich, CT store went belly up. Last I saw, he was selling all his B&O stuff on eBay under the userid 'tripenglish'.
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
vikinger: Someone from the US can, maybe, update us on Trip English. I think he was at a B&O dealership that closed. Graham
Maybe he didn't get out before they closed ?
Martin
Yes, Beoworld has changed but no, I don't think it has lost its mojo.
Beoworld is still a forum for people like us who have a passion for the brand - be it for newer products, or like me, for the more vintage equipment.
The availability of user and service manuals is a vital library of information for restorers and tinkerers, the forums allow members to dip into whatever rocks their boat and the knowledge of people who contribute (like 'Dillen', 'Soren', 'Leslie' and many more) allows B&O vintage equipment to be brought back to life and newer equipment to be used properly by people who cannot get official B&O support as it is difficult to find a useful dealer/service engineer.
I love the banter too between members such as 'Flappo' and 'Moxxey' etc. I don't always agree with them but that doesn't matter. The fact that members can meet and discuss B&O related issues on a forum is surely what it's all about.
The support Lee has given, including the prize draws I think has been seriously under appreciated by some members and I for one thank Lee for all he has done to keep the forum going. I suspect sometimes he wonders why he bothers given the attitude and behaviour of some.
Membership is still expanding so something must be right. Long may it continue.
The only gripe I have is with members (usually new) who ask a question and get replies but don't then either thank members for help or keep us updated with whether the help actually was helpful and worked.
Dave.
I agree that some of the most valuable things here are not only the user and service manuals, but also the knowledge and helpfulness of those members who have the experience in repair and restoration of older gear. Older B&O gear is not like other old mass market stuff to me, it's art worthy of restoration and hanging on to. I've found a lot of good info and help on working on gear that I couldn't find anywhere else.
vikinger: Jeff: And ye gods, people like flappo and some others are usually the death of a forum. They are so antagonistic and rude that if tolerated they drive off other more productive members. I agree. Certainly the Electrifying Duo chased away a number of regulars, and their personal fight seemed to ruin every thread. Having said that, we do need controversial posts to keep some life in the forum! Graham
And I must add that Jeff was very polite and restrained when subjected to an idiotic tirade from Flappo (in a thread that was later removed or moderator edited).
Dillen: vikinger: Someone from the US can, maybe, update us on Trip English. I think he was at a B&O dealership that closed. Graham Maybe he didn't get out before they closed ? Martin
MediaBobNY: vikinger:Someone from the US can, maybe, update us on Trip English. I think he was at a B&O dealership that closed. His Greenwich, CT store went belly up. Last I saw, he was selling all his B&O stuff on eBay under the userid 'tripenglish'.
The first would account for his eBay sales tailing off! More seriously though, I hope he pulled through the after-effects of the closure OK.
For me the beoworld forum still is a nice place in the internet and once even in real life (May 2012). It is helpful, entertaining and I like the discussion style in general. Two and a half trolls don't bother me. And due to a marvellous moderation spam int this forum is very shortlived.
I still enjoy the prize draw.
My contributions are only in the low mountain range, and not in the alpes at nearly 4000 like vikinger or in the Himalaya like dillen at 7500.
Keep contributing and carry on!
seethroughyou: What is a Mojo? How do you get it? What does it do? Is it pricey?
More importantly, does it have Masterlink?
x:________________________
Jonathan: seethroughyou: What is a Mojo? How do you get it? What does it do? Is it pricey? More importantly, does it have Masterlink?
Mojo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmoxo], from Portuguese molho [ˈmoʎu], meaning "sauce") is the name, or abbreviated name, of several types of sauces, varying in spiciness, consisting primarily of olive oil, large amounts of garlic, paprika, and cumin. Vinegar, lemon, orange or lime juice may be added for flavor. It is predominantly either a red (most common), green, or orange sauce.
Depending on the spices added it may give frequent runs to the mens (womens) room.
Its cheap, and if made by a Master chef, he may give you the link.
Question ? Austin Power is that the same as Morris Power ?
I love the Prize Draw
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
vikinger: ... the isolation of the Wednesday thread has reduced it to a handful of regulars making occasional posts as they go about their other Wednesday night interests.
... the isolation of the Wednesday thread has reduced it to a handful of regulars making occasional posts as they go about their other Wednesday night interests.
The problem with the wednesday thread is that those regulars are too regular. It's very difficult to join in and really feel included as the wednesday people have their own jokes and almost their own 'language'
Jonathan: vikinger: ... the isolation of the Wednesday thread has reduced it to a handful of regulars making occasional posts as they go about their other Wednesday night interests. The problem with the wednesday thread is that those regulars are too regular. It's very difficult to join in and really feel included as the wednesday people have their own jokes and almost their own 'language'
As a non English speaker, I have been there a couple of times, but you will have to have English as your natural language, if not you are lost there. For me it was difficult to follow the jokes and their special way of humor, and when I understood something, and found a funny answer, the forum had moved far forward and my answer was obsolete.
Over here we probably would say lost your moxie, as in, you got a lotta moxie son. Moxie was and is a soft drink, a carbonated gentian root flavored soda that dates back to the early1900s. You can still get it but it's only distributed to one region, you rarely see it in the rest of the country outside the northeast.
I've hit the Wed thread up once recently, was made to feel welcome but haven't been back. It's mainly because while it's a nice way to spend an early evening for you guys, it's right in the middle of the afternoon for me so I tend to be doing other things. Or napping.
Jeff:you rarely see it in the rest of the country outside the northeast.
You mean New England. 'Never saw it, never heard of it here in Noo Yawk. Until I looked it up.
Søren Mexico:As a non English speaker, I have been there a couple of times, but you will have to have English as your natural language, if not you are lost there. For me it was difficult to follow the jokes and their special way of humor, and when I understood something, and found a funny answer, the forum had moved far forward and my answer was obsolete.
We'd have the same problem..
However much it might have changed, it is very good now. I have been looking at it daily for a year or so and have found its the members a helpful and useful source of expertise and advice.
Some members seem to have very deep pockets and large collections of equipment to compare at first hand.
In spite of huge enthusiasm for the brand there is a lot of adverse comment about the performance of the latest televisions which is worrying for a seriously premium brand. This would make prospective buyers think twice and should be a real concern for B&O. Likewise the S8; it is not good if early adopters of a product feel exploited if it quickly appears in a less costly or discounted form.
Hi everyone,
Interesting debate! The very existence of this thread proves that Beoworld is well alive and kicking.
I admit to not reading anything about new products, software updates, that sort of thing. A lot of money here, which I simply don't have.
I am here for vintage, collectible - affordable! - B&O only, and yes there certainly are fewer restoration threads and interesting discussions about B&O's history, but still a few members keep making this section interesting and as such Beoworld is still thoroughly enjoyable for me. I'm here almost everyday.
The Prize Draw being quarterly - and I voted for, don't get me wrong Lee - perhaps detracted some from going gold and keeping the interest?
Jacques
BeoNut since '75
Well it looks like I was wrong in my original post, judging by the responses!
Elephant's mention of the buttered horse has brought back memories of when the Wedthred was frequented by greater numbers, and the danger of any member mentioning anything daft that he had done earlier in his life. Stonk was ribbed mercilessly over getting a horse stuck in his hallway and using butter as a lubricant to release it. Elephant is right..... unless you were involved in the first relevant Wednesday thread about the buttered horse you would have had great difficulty in understanding the humour on that topic or joining in!
Things do change - Beoworld started as a database, largely purloined from the Beocentral site (at least the pictures) with a forum added, almost as an afterthought. The forum has grown and since Lee took it over has become the de facto forum for B&O worldwide. I confess that I am much less in evidence as I prefer the old equipment as I don't watch much TV these days. I can still appreciate the design trends though.
The database is no longer quite as up to date as it should be - we need an enthusiast who is up to date and eager to help - volunteers?! It is interesting that Beophile does keep up to date but has no forum - and it is the forum that interests B&O. We are lucky to get contributions from the esteemed Geoff Martin and rest assured that B&O do read this site - probably to groan at some responses! All companies want to know what people think about them - we are a slightly odd group - at least most of you are (English humour alert) - but we do represent a customer block. So keep posting!!
Peter
Peter:The database is no longer quite as up to date as it should be - we need an enthusiast who is up to date and eager to help - volunteers?!
Well, I've actually thought about it a few times, when I've been browsing through the products section; that there are a few mistakes here and there, that need to be corrected. One example could be that according to the products section, the BeoCenter 9500 was in production from 1993-2000 but at the same time it says that it was replaced in 1994 by the BeoCenter 9300. And BeoLab 4000, 6000, 8000 etc. are still in production according to BeoWorld.
So give me a hint if you think I'm qualified - I would definitely be up for the challenge of updating the products section.
/Dennis
Dennis: Peter:The database is no longer quite as up to date as it should be - we need an enthusiast who is up to date and eager to help - volunteers?! Well, I've actually thought about it a few times, when I've been browsing through the products section; that there are a few mistakes here and there, that need to be corrected. One example could be that according to the products section, the BeoCenter 9500 was in production from 1993-2000 but at the same time it says that it was replaced in 1994 by the BeoCenter 9300. And BeoLab 4000, 6000, 8000 etc. are still in production according to BeoWorld. So give me a hint if you think I'm qualified - I would definitely be up for the challenge of updating the products section. /Dennis
For the data base, I think its time to split it up between 2 or even 3 persons, the difference between vintage and new are getting bigger. My idea would be one person for vintage (until 95is) one person for from 95 (90 to 2000 something) and one person for software, wifi and interconnects, then maybe take up some third party products like Lintronics in that section. Of course I would like to help, but I dont think my knowledge (only a little about vintage) is sufficient, other more qualified members comes to mind.
As B&O are checking our forum maybe a contact could be made to B&O, for help in the product section when needed.
Søren Mexico:For the data base, I think its time to split it up between 2 or even 3 persons, the difference between vintage and new are getting bigger. My idea would be one person for vintage (until 95is) one person for from 95 (90 to 2000 something) and one person for software, wifi and interconnects, then maybe take up some third party products like Lintronics in that section. Of course I would like to help, but I dont think my knowledge (only a little about vintage) is sufficient, other more qualified members comes to mind. As B&O are checking our forum maybe a contact could be made to B&O, for help in the product section when needed. Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle, Pics with text, explains
Beoworld app with direct photo upload and emoticons.
PhilLondon:Just found out the other day that there is a wiki! http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/wikis/ Just no one seems to have seen it!!
http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/wikis/
Just no one seems to have seen it!!
Yes, it's the tab hidden immediately to the right of the 'Forums' tab!
......................and one of the main contributors to its members area is Søren!
The problem with the Wiki area is that its only for members, I did not realize that, at the time I posted my first wikies,
My idea was, when making works that always comes back, like, speaker works, drivers, wood works and cosmetics, which are questioned frequently by new members, to publish these in wikies, then we just link to the wiki.
But as it is a member only area it just doesn't work, and I did not think of that, when I did my first ones. I suggested in a thread somewhere to members, to start publishing in wikies, but 1 or 2 members remarked, "why should we do that", so I retired to my relax chair and left it there. But in my opinion, wikies are ideal for all these frequently asked Qes.
The question to the forum moderators and Lee is, why is wiki a closed, only for paying members, area. What is the idea or planned use of wikies.
MediaBobNY: Jeff:you rarely see it in the rest of the country outside the northeast. You mean New England. 'Never saw it, never heard of it here in Noo Yawk. Until I looked it up.
I looked it up, it's made in New Hampshire so you're right. Not having traveled to the NE much I wasn't aware of the fact it's a New England thing. I think it was a lot more widely distributed early last century, they started making it in the 1870's, than it is now. I actually tried some once, it's definitely an acquired taste.
Now, you do have Jolt cola up there, right? Something I never saw until I was up in DC. All the sugar and twice the caffeine of regular Coke! Jolt doesn't seem to be distributed into the South.