Wow ... I leave town for a few days and see that what I posted caused a firestorm. Kind of funny to read all these post. I guess I'm just a ruthless consumer. I don't feel a particular tie to a vendor just because they advertise on this forum. I do support forum sponsors, and I've spend way more than I should on stuff being sold here.
But let's be clear ... a forum sponsor is not necessarily my friend. They are advertising, just like the company that runs an advertisement in my local newspaper or on the TV. They want my money, and if they give me a good deal and good service they will get it. But I don't feel any particular need to buy from them just because they put an advertisement in front of my face. If that were the case then I'd have a lot of tampons and Flomax.
When it comes to suppportin forum sponsors, I've done my share as well. Funny thing is that we've got a number of sponsors on here that sell similar products. I've purchased floorboard extensions from the two major competitors that sponsor here, and I don't necessarily feel that much loyalty to either of them. I look at them for what they are ... businesses who chose to spend their advertising budget here.
Simply put, guys, I don't know Shawn and his company. I do know Brian, but as I posted originally it is only on a business basis. My guess is that he gave me a special deal as a return customer. Recognizing that it was a special deal I asked him before I posted the price here. After all, if it was a one-time thing I didn't want to start him on a sales path he didn't really intend. I got a message from him earlier in the week thanking me for posting the message and reporting he'd made a few sales. So I'll extend that thanks to those that have taken advantage of the deal.
As for the price quoted by Carrie to Shawn. My guess is that Vail is giving a special price to HD Forum members. And it is because of me. That may be good or bad, I guess depending on how you see business. It was not intended, though, to support or hinder a forum sponsor, just pass along what I was thought was a good deal.
While I'm at it, I'm going to go to bat for Shawn for a moment. Let's cut the guy some slack. He's just defending his business. Same thing any business owner would do. I know both Carrie and Brian, and if I wanted to be thin-skinned then I might take offense to what Shawn was suggesting. But instead I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt in reporting his pricing and comparison methods. It would be funny to see, though, what Carrie would quote you had you told her the truth. In other words, not tell her you are simply an HDForum member, but actually tell you are a competitor and you're calling so that you can price match.
Anyway, the guy obviously deserves some credit since he's got so many coming to his defense. That's certainly worth something. I guess I'm doing the same thing for Brian, though.
Oh yeah ... I got the speakers and they are marvelous! Good job J&M. I'm now considering the rear set as well, and I've sold a couple local buds on them as well. I just hope it doesn't start another firestorm.
