Show Me... Without Politics!
Article by Steven R. Rochlin
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  Here i sit preparing for two high-end audio shows. Specifically, the Frankfurt (Germany) High-End Society's High End show and the PRIMEDIA Specialty Group Inc. New York City show here in the United States. While one must admit those who sponsor the PRIMEDIA show are technically competition to our very our high-end audio publication, there is a time when all good men must realize that we are in this hobby together. For better or worse, in sickness and in health... We must understand that it behooves us to not report about a major show happening somewhere in the world. In fact this is one of the mainstays and strengths of Enjoy the Music.com. It is no secret that many years ago i personally pioneered the "virtually live" show reporting. One look at the web page that lists all the shows we have reported on (click here) will make even the most jaded reader admit to our extensive (and expensive) undertaking of show reporting over the years. So why are other magazine not reporting on various shows?

One circumstance could simply come down to expense. Flying to shows, getting a hotel room, meals... and paying for it all is quite an expensive venture. Though when a magazine has reporters near the city a show is being held, then what do they gain by not reporting on a show. Perhaps it is simply the fact of not helping to promote a competitor? Of course in this "dog eat dog" world it seems shortsighted to not add content to one's magazine/website. After all, content is King! To knowingly avoid informing your readers the details of a major event might also provide some insight to the politics within said publication. Of course these politics most probably extend further than just a show report.

Manufactures regularly call me with gossip despite my desire to not hear about it. Who did what to whom and what they might do about it. Some weeks it gets worse than the proverbial "sewing circle" or women in a hair salon. Of course there are other types of politics. Maybe not politics technically, more of audio propaganda as it were. At what point does someone such as myself, who is already quite jaded, become totally distraught? How many straws does it take to break the camel's back? And then comes the next step. Is there any audio publication willing to come forward to expose such activities... even if some consider said manufacture/person a legendary entity within the audio industry. Legal issues aside; not only the high-end audio press, but how much is the consumer willing to swallow before a total backlash happens?

It is "right" or "fair" for some well known audio personality to simply re-brand some Rosy $300 Chinese made product and sell it for $2,500? Maybe this also proves that marketing is key. Bose knows about the advantages of marketing as does many other companies. As they say, "sell the sizzle, not the steak". In the end i am truly grateful for online chat rooms and forums. While scam artists have been able to more freely do business before the advent of the Internet, today the news spreads worldwide at light speed. Just remember that it is you who chooses to decide what is "right" and what is "wrong." Of course in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music (Rush "Show Don't Tell" right now),

Steven R. Rochlin

"How many times do you hear it?
It goes on all day long
Everyone knows everything
And no one's ever wrong...
Until later

Who can you believe?
It's hard to play it safe
But apart from a few good friends
We don't take anything on faith...
Until later

Show don't tell me

Show don't tell me
You've figured out the score
Show don't tell me
I've heard it all before
Show don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show don't tell me

You can twist perceptions
Reality won't budge
You can raise objections
I will be the judge
And the jury

I'll give it due reflection
Watching from the fence
Give the jury direction
Based on the evidence
I, the jury

Show don't tell me
Hey - order in the court
Show don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show don't tell me
Enough of your demands
Show don't tell me
Witness take the stand
Show don't tell me..."