2023-05-01 07:55:15 PM

Fred Morris wrote:

Very legitimate question and helpful response, Michael. TAS colleague Julie Mullins was good too. Would be interesting to get Andre Jennings’s perspective (unless I missed it).

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  2023-05-01 10:38:38 PM

  Michael Fremer wrote:

  I’m doing a “My Lunch With Andre” Zoom feature with him tomorrow and it will be a topic for discussion for sure.

2023-05-01 09:59:54 PM

bwb wrote:

I think it is a BS question. How can you categorize the phenomenon as a "problem" like he insisted on doing if some group chooses not to participate. It is a "problem" if some group is being excluded, which they are not as far as I can see. It would be smart if the industry got more females interested so they might sell more stuff... but it is not a "problem" like he wants to make it out to be.. Does this guy go to needlepoint and cross stitching conventions and bitch that there aren't enough males in attendance? Does he think it is a problem that more males than females drink Scotch and smoke cigars ?? ,,,,Some activities are male dominated and some female. I'm sorry if that is politically incorrect but that is a fact. Get over it.

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  2023-05-01 10:39:58 PM

  Michael Fremer wrote:

  He just asked and I answered….

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    2023-05-02 12:41:07 AM

    bwb wrote:

    My "problem" is with the tone of the interviewer, as if fat , middle aged, white men were guarding the doors to keep out anybody not fitting that description ....... I thought you handled yourself very well..

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      2023-05-02 11:56:03 PM

      Michael Kaye wrote:

      Look up "unconscious bias" one night when you have some spare time. It might be a clue to your defensiveness.

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        2023-05-03 03:31:16 AM

        bwb wrote:

        As a manager in a large corporation I have been extensively trained in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. My bias toward this interviewer looking for a "problem" where none exists is not unconscious nor am I defensive. I am merely pointing out the obvious. Females are not the minority in this hobby because there is a "problem" with them being excluded. For whatever reason they are not drawn to it anymore than males are drawn to hobbys where females are in the majority. No matter how much you may want to believe otherwise, there are differences in what interests most men and what interests most women. Hang out at an auto parts store some afternoon and see how many females come in. Hang out at a needlepoint shop some afternoon and see how many men come in... It is not a "problem." It is a difference.

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          2023-05-04 06:41:46 PM

          Kevin wrote:

          Wow great comment. I've tried to articulate this same sentiment many times. I have seen more diversity than ever before in the past 5 years. Great! The more the merrier..Why do they always want to insult the core demographic? What would this guy say if he was in Asian countries? Would he call out there melanin content and physical features and complain there's to many of said characteristics in the Asian audiophile market?

2023-05-01 10:10:09 PM

Anton wrote:

That interview was pretty killer. Your answer about 'inclusivity' was faultless. Any hobby with a higher end price segment faces the same generation gaps. Wine, cars...the trick is to provide value at an entry point and making the hobby rewarding. Regarding young people: "Hook 'em with headphones" is a killer approach! Regarding gender gaps: Most hobbies with paraphernalia involved skew male, so that alone likely accounts for a big part of it. It seems certain demographics favor 'gear.' (I don't know the interviewer, I'd like to see him ask the same questions at a car show or wine expo.) Regarding LPs: A big draw for younger people is that when a record is playing, it's harder for some dumb ass to run up with his iPhone and commandeer the 'play list.' I love that part! Thanks again for posting that. You did a great job.

2023-05-03 05:29:07 AM

JuzDisGuy wrote:

Great answer to a clumsy attempt at suggesting the audiophile hobby is misogynistic and racist because it’s predominantly a hobby followed by “old white guys”. The problem is lack of interest not access, as the cost of entry has never been lower, nor the value proposition of entry level products ever been higher. The industry simply needs to do a better job marketing the hobby and it’s products to different demographics. A lot of these shows are showcasing higher end gear, and there will always be a limited market at that level. As you rightfully point out Michael, the youth demographic is very healthy, particularly in the headphone and vinyl segments, and there are more women involved in the hobby now today than there has probably ever been, both on the enthusiast and business side. I think the hobby is more welcoming today than it’s ever been.

2023-05-04 06:47:01 PM

Kevin wrote:

Michael knock'n out of the park!!