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Hey Jana, thank you for your coverage of LAAS, it was very enjoyable.
I am bummed that I did not get to meet you, but it appears we were on vastly different schedules and covering mostly different rooms, so it just did not work out that we run into each other there. It would have been nice to meet you.
For some reason, I thought you were focused on covering the more affordable gear at this show (I know “affordable” is a relative term), but I know how it is). I was covering strictly the more affordable HiFi within the parameters I have. I did notice we covered at least a couple of the same rooms and you covered a room (the Rethm room) that I somehow missed (shame on me), so thank you for catching that. I also regret missing the Madisound room.
As for meeting females in the industry (not hired booth babes…I fail to see the point to booth babes myself, but who am I to say), rare or strange though it may seem, as a member of the male species, I’m right with you Jana believe it or not. I always find myself saying, “Too much testosterone in the industry”. There are some super nice and wonderful guys in the industry (another rarity) true, but we need more equality in the industry. When it comes to audio, I place high value on the female opinion and perspective. Perhaps it is at least partly because of the way I listen to music (I tend to listen with my whole body or being, feeling the music and the message). Anyway, I also note that it is a lot harder to run into the dreaded dark-side audiophile (oh how I dread them!) among the female crowd. I find that females, even with the slightest interest in audio at all, to be far more level-headed and non-self-centered than the males, on the whole. (Every time I run into those dreaded dark side creatures, I am glad I am not an audiophile right after I turn tail and run away full speed at first opportunity). By the way, Carolyn is very nice. I wish I could write about Zesto gear (it’s so beautiful), but it is way outside of the scope of my blog.
I always run into a few rooms run by wonderful folks at shows, but you are right, it’s a dice roll at times. (I could have directed you to at least two other rooms run by very nice folks had I met up with you, oh well).
About gracefully leaving a room Jana, you and I have the same problem! I dread when a designer, rep or what have you, asks me what I think about what I heard, etc. Yes, never lie Jana! I’m as good at it as you are, you can see me lying a thousand miles away. I try to find a way to “tell the truth” (which is really just my opinion), kindly and gently when required. I too know what goes into the products and I never want to hurt feelings. It’s even harder when you happen to know the designer or person involved with the make. Fortunately, I have never been in that situation, finding something I really don’t like and personally knowing the designer, but I’ve already been in the initial situation too many times. I just try to let my heart do most of the talking and find ways to be encouraging. (I know, easier said than done).
Jana, stick with who you are and find your voice, both of which you articulate well. (I’ll never be as good a writer as you).
Don’t try to change for the industry, it’s the industry that needs to change. We kind-hearted people need to stick together and help hold each other up.
I hope someday to be able to chat with you a bit.
Sorry for the lengthy comment, but I wanted to say it.
