CES 2017

We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges

Jon Iverson  |  Jan 10, 2017

It's bad enough that CES makes us advertise for Sony everywhere we go with those bright yellow lanyards. Now they've added a new "feature" to our badges: how long you've been going to CES.

Everyone I asked who got one of these tags (I saw a couple that said 40+ years!) said they made them feel old, not special. I realize the organization behind CES was trying to reward our persistence, but yes, with twenty-somethings like Jana on our staff, who needs a badge telling the world that we've been here since before many in the crowd were even born. Sigh.

Note: Stereophile is rooted in NYC, not Atascadero, CA, but they use your mailing address for location when signing up.

COMMENTS
jimtavegia's picture
Submitted by jimtavegia on January 10, 2017 - 3:05pm

I don't need to be reminded of how old I am. The mornings do that just fine. Probably not even one 8-track or cassette player at the show. How is one supposed to compare emerging technologies with the old? Dang.

Jason Victor Serinus's picture
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on January 10, 2017 - 3:06pm

In your case, Jon, 20+ years is proof of your precociousness. Besides, you ain't that old at all. As for people in their 60s and 70s, reframing one's reaction as "well-seasoned" is always a wise option.

Signed,
the Spicy Serinus

Anton's picture
Submitted by Anton on January 10, 2017 - 3:31pm

What, did the 20+ years ribbon have a "Do Not Remove Under Penalty Of Law" warning?

Regarding Sony - 4 hot baths and a bottle of Rombauer chard (joke) should remove the residue.

Kal Rubinson's picture
Submitted by Kal Rubinson on January 10, 2017 - 4:10pm

I just button my jacket over all of it.

Jason Victor Serinus's picture
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on January 10, 2017 - 4:38pm

some of the most seasoned amongst us can no longer button our jackets.

Anton's picture
Submitted by Anton on January 10, 2017 - 5:37pm

Well played!

Kal Rubinson's picture
Submitted by Kal Rubinson on January 10, 2017 - 5:09pm

You're going to need a bigger jacket.

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on January 10, 2017 - 6:03pm

What I don't care for is the hierarchical scheme they've developed for show attendees, worse yet with the color coding.

It stinks of a few things, but I am not sure if there has been backlash from less-tenured members of the press for it to matter.

If the high-end market is trying to court new fanatics, does this help or does it reinforce the unfounded claims that it's for 'golden ears' or a cloistered group of audiophiles?

I know you guys are quite grounded, and this is a construct of CES, but I could see it having consequences only for the high-end audio vs. the rest of the CES industry attendees.

That being said, I haven't been there in decades. What say you staff?

Kal Rubinson's picture
Submitted by Kal Rubinson on January 10, 2017 - 7:03pm

Can you explain what you mean by "What I don't care for is the hierarchical scheme they've developed for show attendees, worse yet with the color coding?" I am not aware that any badge category is barred from any exhibits.

jhanken's picture
Submitted by jhanken on January 10, 2017 - 8:22pm

Isn't it fun, being honored with things that make you actually
grit your teeth a little bit? For me the bigger problem is the color scheme, some unholy mixture of Green Bay Packer and Minnesota Viking colors. Dogs and cats living together!

7ryder's picture
Submitted by 7ryder on January 10, 2017 - 8:40pm

that I checked into the Irvine Embassy Suites when I was still working. When I got to my room, I found a bottle of wine, cheese plate and a card with my name on the envelope. When I read the card it said "Congratulations on your 50th stay with us!" It was the most depressing thing they could have done reminding me that I'd spent 50 nights of my life in that damn hotel.

Jason Victor Serinus's picture
Submitted by Jason Victor Serinus on January 10, 2017 - 8:48pm

Thank you for this.

If you want to get more depressed, check out the research about how many days of one's life the average TV viewer spends surfing from channel to channel.

jason

corrective_unconscious's picture
Submitted by corrective_unco... on January 11, 2017 - 3:00pm

For when the badge sponsor next year changes from Sony to erstwhile turntable manufacturer Pink Triangle, updated badge insignia included.

pridetwo's picture
Submitted by pridetwo on January 11, 2017 - 8:26am

I received a 5+ year tag on mine even though it's only been 3 years since my first attendance at the show. Anyone else get one of these tags with the wrong year on it?

Also, it's great to see some of the more established members of the audiophile community here coming out and saying they don't want to deter the younger crowd from joining in. Definitely important to keep the pipeline of audiophiles full and keep our market growing!

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