Bob has blown me away with his amazing knowledge and detail about this hobby and in particular speaker theory. He has sent me so much great info that I might have purchased them just by conversing with him. He spent enough time explaining things to me that I was sold from his emails alone.
I hear what you're saying, bbchem. I purchased my first pair of SP Technology speakers almost 4 years ago, but before I pulled the trigger, Bob and I must've spent 40 or 50 hours on the phone... on Bob's dime... and no, I'm not kidding.
Can you imagine?!? An entire week's worth of work time spent on the phone with someone who hasn't even bought anything yet?!?
Thing is, back then I was aware of only one review (
Enjoy the Music), and in absence of being able to hear the speakers in person before committing $$$, I needed reassurance;
- reassurance that Bob was the kind of person I wanted to do business with,
- reassurance about the quality of the speakers themselves,
- reassurance that I'd like what I was getting,
- and reassurance that, if I didn't like them, I'd have no problem returning them.
In the course of seeking reassurance about the above (and probably a dozen or more other possible issues as they came to me
), I undoubtedly stole a lot of time from Bob that would have been better spent on any number of other, more fruitful endeavors. I'm happy to say that I
did eventually buy a pair of speakers, and I've purchased 2 additional pairs since, so it wasn't
all time wasted. But in no way has Bob received a full return on that initial investment of time, and I doubt he ever will.
Point being, he invested the time anyway, willingly and very,
VERY patiently. I believe he'll still willing do so, even with full knowledge it isn't in his or his company's best interest. He knew it even way back then, but I believe he's finally come to the realization that something has to give. He can't do his job properly (sell speakers, build speakers, delivery speakers in the promised time frame) and allow things to continue as they have. *THAT*, I believe, is the crux of Bob's comments.
SP Technology may not be as well-known or have the number of reviews and write-ups as speakers from companies that have been around for decades, but a lot has been written over the past few years if potential buyers care enough to do a little research. I submit they'll be far better educated after perusing professional reviews and chasing down consumer comments than by asking a designer/manufacturer/retailer what he thinks of his product. What, pray tell, might you think his response will be?
Recommended room size, distance from the wall, amplification, etc. have all been addressed from time to time, but I think building a FAQ and pinning it on the first page of the circle is a great idea. Some don't want to spend the time searching for answers, especially when they don't know if the question(s) has ever been asked, and others simply don't have the time. Whatever the reason for past marathon chat sessions and/or multiple e-mail/PM conversations, I think the FAQ is a win/win for everyone concerned. It'll take a little time away from Bob on the front end, but it's a good long-term investment IMHO.
Better invested than all the time you spent with me, Bob.
Anyway, great comments bbchem, and great idea, Glenn.
-Jim
