Steve,
I may have a better excuse than most for not posting any reviews as all my audio equipment is in boxes, my listening room is gutted, and the house is being overrun with rtr tapes new and old.
In spite of evidence to the contrary, I would prefer to listen to music than talk/write about it or the equipment that I use to play it.
Now as for you other folks; what is your excuse hmmm?
Just about anyone knows that referral business is just about the best business you can receive no matter what you do.
The TP is not a self perpetuating enterprise.
Short of overblown claims of the sonic qualities (whitens teeth; freshens breath) of the TP releases, we owe it to ourelves to help attract more purchasing members to the TP through our real world testimonials.
In my opinion here may be some impediments to putting our best foot forward.
1. Sloth- I have found that most people including me prefer to take the easier path if given the choice. Rather than suggesting that folks go find samples of the music being offered the TP should provide links to the samples, or have them on site to listen to.
Just because these titles are considered 'classics' for any number of reasons, not everybody knows them by heart. Shameful isn't it?
2. Sloth II- The way the Forum is arranged, threads dealing with or related to the same topic can appear in such a way that unless a person is particularly dedicated to finding the subject, or knowing where to find the subject, they may never see it.
I suggest a Listener's thread where a new topic line for each title is created upon the release of that tape. ( good place for the sound bites too).
All the comments/reviews would be in one place on one thread for the title in question.
Easy Easy Easy
3. Ebay/Audigon- There is one entrepreneur who is selling a newly recorded rtr tape in several different configurations typically on a "Buy It Now" basis.
He is asking about what the TP is charging for his 15 IPS 2 track version and while his product looks nice, in my opinion it is not up to the TP standards as respects fit and finish. Keep in mind I cannot listen to that tape either.
In the sales listing he states that there is an approximate two week delay between payment and delivery.
I would think that TP could live with a similar arrangement, especially when the initial subscription demand is met.
Then there is the sale of the gear; I am thinking Audigon here, and not just ads.
4. 'Phile' sites- The only reason I know about TP is because of a banner ad on Audiogon.
What about the other 'Phile' sites?
Not every avid listener cruises the internet like a shark. I hope they are actually enjoying their music.
Once my set up is running again you might never hear from me again; then again you cannot be that lucky.
5. Synergy- There is a reputable Ebay rtr seller that I alerted to TP when I was purchasing my Otaris/Tascam machines about 9 months ago. He now is referencing TP in his machine listings. That is only of value to those who know what TP is.
There is a business networking opportunity there; think microsoft versus Apple approach to licensing.
6. Two heads are better than... I suspect that the TP owners have more than enough things to deal with as it is. If we are the enthusiasts, shouldn't we consider offering them a hand?
Put down that soldering iron!!!!
I am thinking focus groups, think tanks, op ed pieces on the site, related content links, in other words offering sweat equity from subscribers; done in an organized thoughtful manner, not helter skelter.
ALL of this under the DIRECTION and with the APPROVAL of the TP owners.
I am not suggesting that the crew hijack the site.
7. In the time it took me to type/think about this post, I might have been able to do something to really benefit the TP. I do not care how busy you are you have the time, especially if there are enough of us who want to give it a try.
8. Ask - What a concept; see my other hair brained post under General Discussion.
If I have not provoked you to thought, and you haven't skipped to something else, go play a TP tape and ask yourself if the money you spent on the tape and the equipment to play it on was worth the enjoyment you just experienced.
If not sell it.
If so, consider how you can be an advocate.