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Critic's Corner Discuss a review. Provide constructive feedback. Talk to the industry. |
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Critic's Corner Discuss a review. Provide constructive feedback. Talk to the industry. |
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In Reply to: Great essay! (but 2 points) posted by John Atkinson on September 26, 2005 at 08:14:56:
As I re-read my earlier writing before posting it, I knew the circulation numbers were off. Rather than edit it, I figured you would correct me, and you did - thanks! :-)Your story about the press reception is a perfect example of "framing" (as discussed in a political context by George Lakoff). The "objective" framework has already been established by Consumer Reports and Stereo Review -- namely that everything sounds the same except for speakers (which have obviously measurable differences). Inside that framework, the burden is upon the "subjectivists" to *prove* that things actually do sound different. Of course, the proof must occur inside their framework, and according to their rules.
Now, I personally think this "objective" framework is completely invalid.
Austin's editorial was not just a concession to this "objective" framework, but operating completely inside of it. In my opinion the editorial didn't belong in Stereophile.
To some degree, we have all been operating inside this "objective" framework. At the very least we have some sub-conscious idea that it must have a great deal of validity, or else the magazine wouldn't have 5 times the circulation of Stereophile. The sheer weight of numbers suggests that people that don't subscribe to the "objective" framework must be foolish dreamers, erstwhile Teslas who are chasing figments (or wild-eyed physicists -- PhDs, no less -- pursuing cold fusion).
But to dispel this notion, we only have to look at the counter-example of the mainstream press in the UK. In this case What Hi-Fi is the biggest kid on the block. (Do you have numbers on this, John?) And yet it operates completely outside of the "subjective" framework that we take for granted in this country.
So I say we take over Sound and Vision from the inside. Once people understand that there are real, meaningful differences between components (even the $300 mass-market ones), it will open up the doors to a greater participation in the magic of music.
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Follow Ups
- You're right - Charles Hansen 09/26/0511:04:25 09/26/05 (0)
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