That's a good question, and worthy of debate, but let's take that one step further, ...

...and discuss whether dissiminating information in a public forum should of necessity be RELIABLE and CREDIBLE.

Personally, I like to read honest, first hand impressions of film, music and audio gear before investing my own time or money. Sharing second hand opinions is okay if you're a publisher employing critics to evaluate the film, music or gear for publication, but I've rarely observed folks trying to RECOMMEND music on a music forum that they haven't heard personally.

If anything, film critiquing is an even more subjective medium than music. Film evaluation emphasizes the cultural biases of the reviewer, where music reviews often focus on the quality of the recording and the calibre of the performance as opposed to the popularity of the music.

Also, unlike film reviewing, there are so many recordings and reissues available that critics often specialize according to their personal interests or those of the publisher. Note: The reviewer of the Chicago Symphony probably isn't likely to be the same guy who reviews goth or metal releases, although that viewpoint might be more interesting. :o)

The problem with sharing the "informed opinions" of others is in trying to discern to what extent the individual linking those opinions has an agenda, preconceived bias or some political rationale for endorsing the critic's review. That's why the sharing of a 2nd hand opinion about material one hasn't personally experienced may reasonably be viewed as both an expression of personal bias and deceptive, UNLESS the individual linking the review explicitly qualifies his/her contribution as being solely the opinion of a 3rd party.

Placing this in the context of audio gear may not be completely analogous to the point I'm trying to make, but the prinicple is similar. Posting a second-hand opinion of gear from an industry critic is generally frowned upon by those moderating audio chat boards because it might be perceived as a sales tool, even if the linked review is an honest, totally unbiased evaluation. OTOH, first-hand reviews by owners & auditioners of gear is encouraged, the idea being that even an overly florid subjective viewpoint is preferable to testimonials from professionals who may have a personal agenda or some undisclosed commercial interest.

I guess that in a "perfect world" where everyone's BS detectors worked as designed such biases probably wouldn't matter and we could accept most information provided on the internet as well researched, sincere and reliable, but we don't live in a perfect world and over the past six years 'events' have transpired to drive this point home time and again.

Cheers,
AuPh

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Why do people get so emotional? - Wendell Narrod 08:22:26 02/05/06 (23)

Because human kind is too greedy, jealous, and envious... - grhughes 08:53:32 02/06/06 (0)

Keanu Reeves a great and timeless actor... Ron Howard is a great filmaker... - Jim Campilongo 04:03:29 02/06/06 (3)

Howard's "The Missing" deserves a consideration. LoTR, on the other hand... - Victor Khomenko 08:54:22 02/06/06 (2)

Stepford Wives... - Jim Campilongo 10:07:16 02/06/06 (1)

Re: Stepford Wives... - Victor Khomenko 10:15:03 02/06/06 (0)

Cuz it's so terribly important to be right... - Harmonia 22:42:43 02/05/06 (0)

The hell with you! - tinear 12:55:57 02/05/06 (0)

have you spent much time on the Internet? - tunenut 09:30:35 02/05/06 (15)

Re: have you spent much time on the Internet? - Wendell Narrod 09:51:09 02/05/06 (14)

Exactly! Which is why I rarely respond to such aggressive rudeness and blatant idiocy, like in the post linked inside. - clarkjohnsen 11:58:29 02/05/06 (7)

I notice that you wrote it; let me be the first to commend you for it. - Audiophilander 12:36:10 02/05/06 (6)

Hmm... I've been writing for over twenty years... nt - clarkjohnsen 09:40:36 02/06/06 (5)

Yes, but that's the first MOVIE review of your's that I can recall not being a cut 'n paste. - Audiophilander 10:48:07 02/06/06 (4)

Thank you! But, when did you become moderator and start setting the rules? nt - clarkjohnsen 11:42:14 02/07/06 (3)

You're welcome, but it isn't about trying to set rules. It's always been about sharing informed opinions, ... - Audiophilander 12:47:29 02/07/06 (2)

We in Music are always sharing among ourselves the informed opinions of others. Why can't we in film? nt - clarkjohnsen 08:22:12 02/08/06 (1)

That's a good question, and worthy of debate, but let's take that one step further, ... - Audiophilander 14:00:47 02/09/06 (0)

If you just don't say "LoTR sucks!" you will be OK here too. (nt) - Victor Khomenko 11:01:32 02/05/06 (5)

Re: If you just don't say "LoTR sucks!" you will be OK here too. (nt) - Wendell Narrod 11:12:09 02/05/06 (4)

Re: You are a two third of an hero. Now. nt - patrickU 11:34:35 02/05/06 (3)

"You are a two third of an hero." - Two Nimrod's don't make a right, but we'll leave Wendell Narrod out of this. - Audiophilander 12:50:17 02/05/06 (2)

Re: Yes darling! - patrickU 14:13:13 02/05/06 (0)

LoTR... - Victor Khomenko 13:46:08 02/05/06 (0)

Follow Ups

That's a good question, and worthy of debate, but let's take that one step further, ... - Audiophilander 14:00:47 02/09/06 (0)

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