Ok I really tried to stay out of this thread... but I can't...
So I've been here from day 1 and these are my comments/impressions. If you disagree, meh... Like I said this is MY opinion
1. I don't care about advertising. Doesn't bother me.
2. I don't care about manufacturer forums. It's useful if you're interested in a product.
3. Someone mentioned ass-kissing. It's outright pathetic and a major reason why I don't come here as often as I used to.
4. The responses to posts are predictable and absurd... Thread subject: "Looking for a bridge pickup". The immediate response is BKP, MCP or something else that's the cool thing right now (and costs $$$). Same thing occurs with amps/cabs/speakers. How many times can one hear "Cameron, Fortin, Friedman, Diezel, Scumback, Suhr, etc..."? Ok I get it, folks love them... whatever. It's all over-hyped as far as I'm concerned and maybe it's me, I've been around this shit too long and it's all the same where as others are at a point where they're discovering new stuff.
5. Not enough people posting clips or videos. Without playing, this place is basically nothing more than a store-front. Also, pardon me if I don't take people who don't demonstrate some ability. If I'm supposed to take your opinion seriously, you better kick-ass at guitar. Sorry... I'm not trying to be a dick it's just hard to separate the real-deal from the bullshit. Playing helps me do that.
The flip-side of that is my personal favorite...when someone posts a clip of the Gear du jour. Doesn't matter if they played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star the ass-slapping and high-fiving is epic, hilarious and sad at the same time!
6. Steve mentioned jams, I used to love those... but yeah it's hard to do and it seems that folks are just not that active anymore. Damn shame because that helped people develop chops and actually have meaningful discussions. But admittedly, I'm not sure how to resurrect this because it requires folks to put in time they may not have.
7. Maybe the internet forum as a medium is dead or dying. I'm noticing the same stuff on other forums too. Less actual music talk and more bullshit and lolz...
Anyway... my opinion... if you don't like it... tough shit.