Important news regarding moderation team....

[Somafunk]

I abide most anything but even the Dude has his limits.

Hey, at least no one has peed on your rug

Or have they?……..the utter bastards

 

[mc.god]

I strongly understand the reasons of both @amirm and former moderators, I would be happy if they could get a better arrangement since they proved to be doing a great job at keeping this community at its high standard, but respect for everyone responsible decision.
A big thank to everyone.

Mala tempora currunt sed peiora parantur

 

[D2013]

To the best of my knowledge, that list is a null set, though there are some countries which impose very small across the board tariffs or only tariff particular goods. Some countries with low across the board tariffs, tariff some goods excessively, as in well over 200%, (protectionism) utterly discouraging importation of those goods. This allows them to disingenously claim low tariffs overall. "Lie, damn lies, and statistics."

Sanctions, embargos, tariffs, currency manipulation, "luxury taxes", and several other things are just economic warfare tools. Just like with an actual war both side will be hurt, its just a question of how much.

 

[Somafunk]

You might lift a wee dram for us.

Could do I suppose - if you think it may help, here’s a raised hip flask full of Balvenie Caribbean Cask, 2000ft up a local hill here in Galloway.

(Not recent pic I’m afraid, this was taken way back in 2007 before SPMS reared it’s debilitating head)

 

[ivayvr]

I’m not keen of having political discussions here because we are dominantly white, middle aged, and with slightly above average disposable income. We have the data how that group voted.

But I don’t understand the issue of discussing policies that affect our hobby.

I only qualify by the first criteria.

 

[Colonel7]

nothing is too important to avoid the usual process or cut corners on rules, or things break. Needless…

 

[egellings]

It is with deepest regrets, and immense appreciation for the work that they have done to inform you that Adam, Brad and James have decided to step down from their moderation duties. I respect their decision and have removed them as moderators. So yes, it is just me right now as the only staff member.

I can't understate how indebted I am to them for the hard work, dedication and care they have provided to support me in growing and nurturing the forum to where it is today. I considered them family and continue to have a warm place in my heart for them.

Sometimes the best relationships hit a rough spot and boy did we hit one on the issue of allowing or disallowing discussions around the tariffs US has imposed on the entire world. They feel allowing this means we are violating our rule of no political discussion. I feel that the human aspect of this is so immense that it garners discussion. Heck, I think it demand discussion lest we look like we want to turn a blind eye to incredible suffering that we are causing for many people both in US and around the world. There can always be another place where people can go and discuss audio. But damaged lives can't be repaired.

Normally I don't consider discussion of politics in a forum like this to make a difference. But here, I think we can influence people by bringing better understanding to the issues at hand. And with it, effectuate change. This is already working in real time with government backing off from the strong actions of a week ago.

For their side, the mods feel like I am violating the rules so they can no longer enforce them. I see their point of view.

I always say there is no rule book for running a forum. Every decision is subjective and has a possibility of being wrong, massively wrong. Or the right one. Ultimately you have to trust the wisdom you have accumulated in running such entities and live with the consequences.

So please join me in thanking the team for the incredible work they have done. I will leave this thread open for a while.

Please, please try not to create more threads on these topics. It is just one of me and I need to test stuff as well as running the forum.

Agree. This is an audio site, not a political one. There are plenty of other sites that cater to political discussion. Use those for discussing political topics.

 

[Audio Science Pal]

... It seems the USA is becoming more and more like Europe (the French will know what I'm talking about).

... American people - please stop this madness soon!

(There was a slight technical error in my previous post quoting, so rather than scrambling that one up worse, I am reposting a corrected duplicate here.)

Not picking on anyone's comments in particular, but obviously, there is much for me to learn.

Is there a short list of countries that do NOT tariff imports?

 

[amirm]

I see some confusion that is likely caused by lack of clarity on my part. So let me fix that:

1. There is NO discussion or disagreement around allowing general political discussion in the forum. This is not allowed.

2. There is also NO discussion or disagreement around allowing open discussion between members on the topic of tariffs. Those threads that were created were closed and remain closed.

3. The request by the moderation team was specifically addressed to me and the closed thread I created. Here is the opening remark:

"The issue is that by turning the forum into a personal political soapbox as you are is leading the forum in a direction that we just can't follow."

[...]

More or less ending with:

"The three of us have conferred and are in agreement that your last thread completely undermined us and our mission as we see it. We don't want to give ultimatums to you, but for reasons stated above we feel that unless you delete the tariff thread , apologize for an error in judgement to the forum and the moderators then we collectively will have to resign, effective you rejecting our proposal to rectify."

Bolding mine. My answer is as that folks don't have to read my "soapbox." No one is making enemies of each other, except me. None of the consequences we normally worry about exists because of that thread as members can't go after each other. If me posting about issues that are near and dear to my heart bothers people, I can't do anything about it. Whatever the consequences are, I will accept and carry on.

 

[Somafunk]

I strongly understand the reasons of both @amirm and former moderators, I would be happy if they could get a better arrangement since they proved to be doing a great job at keeping this community at its high standard, but respect for everyone responsible decision.
A big thank to everyone.

Mala tempora currunt sed peiora parantur

Let’s hope for…..lux ad finem itineris

 

[NicS]

It is with deepest regrets, and immense appreciation for the work that they have done to inform you that Adam, Brad and James have decided to step down from their moderation duties. I respect their decision and have removed them as moderators. So yes, it is just me right now as the only staff member.

I can't understate how indebted I am to them for the hard work, dedication and care they have provided to support me in growing and nurturing the forum to where it is today. I considered them family and continue to have a warm place in my heart for them.

Sometimes the best relationships hit a rough spot and boy did we hit one on the issue of allowing or disallowing discussions around the tariffs US has imposed on the entire world. They feel allowing this means we are violating our rule of no political discussion. I feel that the human aspect of this is so immense that it garners discussion. Heck, I think it demand discussion lest we look like we want to turn a blind eye to incredible suffering that we are causing for many people both in US and around the world. There can always be another place where people can go and discuss audio. But damaged lives can't be repaired.

Normally I don't consider discussion of politics in a forum like this to make a difference. But here, I think we can influence people by bringing better understanding to the issues at hand. And with it, effectuate change. This is already working in real time with government backing off from the strong actions of a week ago.

For their side, the mods feel like I am violating the rules so they can no longer enforce them. I see their point of view.

I always say there is no rule book for running a forum. Every decision is subjective and has a possibility of being wrong, massively wrong. Or the right one. Ultimately you have to trust the wisdom you have accumulated in running such entities and live with the consequences.

So please join me in thanking the team for the incredible work they have done. I will leave this thread open for a while.

Please, please try not to create more threads on these topics. It is just one of me and I need to test stuff as well as running the forum.

It is hard to have any discussion at all, about anything, in this economic and political climate without addressing the elephant in the room. Sometimes deliberately avoiding conversations about political decisions that affect all of us become absurd. And while I know that this forum is dedicated to the scientific evaluation of audio equipment, even this narrow subject is not immune to the results of the recent application of tariffs. I'm sure those that visit this forum regularly are much like me; looking for well designed equipment, with progressive features, at reasonable prices. To this end ASR has been a disruptive forces in the world of audiophilia.

And while this site has never been overtly political, the effect tariffs will have on this shared hobby will no doubt be significant. So it will be possible to include this in discussion. In this respect I very much support Amir's decision. And while I respect the contribution of the former moderators, I think that sometimes you can't avoid discussing the effect of political decisions of this magnitude.

 

[RayDunzl]

Well that was pretty harsh.

 

[Buckchester]

Amir, I agree with your decision. Maybe I'm biased because I happen to agree with your position, but I think there is a difference between neutrality and objectivity and I think it's difficult to justify these tariffs from and objective point of view.

 

[JP]

Talk about fait accompli. Can't think of a worse way to go about that one.

 

[antcollinet]

My answer is as that folks don't have to read my "soapbox."

My view: Your forum, you can do what the hell you like with it. Including one rule for you, and a different one for everyone else.

As I see it, I'm a guest in your home. I'll bloody well show respect for the way you want to do things in your own home - as I'd expect the same from people visiting me in mine.

 

[Mort]

I see some confusion that is likely caused by lack of clarity on my part. So let me fix that:

1. There is NO discussion or disagreement around allowing general political discussion in the forum. This is not allowed.

2. There is also NO discussion or disagreement around allowing open discussion between members on the topic of tariffs. Those threads that were created were closed and remain closed.

3. The request by the moderation team was specifically addressed to me and the closed thread I created. Here is the opening remark:

"The issue is that by turning the forum into a personal political soapbox as you are is leading the forum in a direction that we just can't follow."

[...]

More or less ending with:

"The three of us have conferred and are in agreement that your last thread completely undermined us and our mission as we see it. We don't want to give ultimatums to you, but for reasons stated above we feel that unless you delete the tariff thread , apologize for an error in judgement to the forum and the moderators then we collectively will have to resign, effective you rejecting our proposal to rectify."

Bolding mine. My answer is as that folks don't have to read my "soapbox." No one is making enemies of each other, except me. None of the consequences we normally worry about exists because of that thread as members can't go after each other. If me posting about issues that are near and dear to my heart bothers people, I can't do anything about it. Whatever the consequences are, I will accept and carry on.

That is helpful.

I wish the moderators would reconsider their position and realize the greater good they provide. They will be missed. The moderation on this forum is the only reason I'm here. The policing of subjective audio nonsense is so valuable to me that I donated to the forum. Thanks to anyone that replaces them.

 

[RayDunzl]

I asked Grok to list all countries with no import tariffs.

It came back with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

I complained that Hong Kong and Macau are not countries.

So that leaves one.

As a followup, list all countries with no export tariffs:

"There are no countries that universally apply zero export tariffs on all goods leaving their borders as of April 13, 2025. Export tariffs (taxes imposed by a country on goods it exports) are less common than import tariffs, but most nations use them selectively to regulate specific industries, conserve resources, or generate revenue."

 

[Blumlein 88]

Amir, I agree with your decision. Maybe I'm biased because I happen to agree with your position, but I think there is a difference between neutrality and objectivity and I think it's difficult to justify these tariffs from and objective point of view.

I think it is pretty complicated. Suppose in 2 or 3 years time the issue has been settled in some way that is not a problem? I mean there are quite credible, knowledgeable economists who say the tariff issue isn't crazy and might in the end be beneficial. Hard to see from here, but that isn't my day job. So one might wish to consider just how objective the view of this is. As it stands it is going to be costly to everyone and nobody likes increased costs. However, we have no idea where this ends up at this point in time. Seems premature and a knee jerk reaction to the situation to me. Do you really think some influential political or economic advisors are going to be in some meeting and say, "look at the reaction at this audio forum. You really need to make a u-turn on this."

 

[Blumlein 88]

I asked Grok to list all countries with no import tariffs.

It came back with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

I complained that Hong Kong and Macau are not countries.

So that leaves one.

Different AI different answer.

Yes, there are countries with no tariffs on certain products or overall low tariff rates. According to the data:

• Aruba, Afghanistan, Angola, Albania, and the United Arab Emirates have a 0% tariff rate for specific categories of goods or overall weighted mean tariffs1.
• Brunei and Georgia also have extremely low tariff rates, close to 0%.

These countries either maintain free trade policies or apply zero tariffs under specific agreements or conditions.

Then asking the question a different way, and a different answer. Which countries have zero import tariffs? Aint AI grand.


Several countries have zero import tariffs, either universally or under specific conditions. Based on the provided data:

• Hong Kong, Macau, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Kiribati, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Qatar, and Samoa have 0% import tariffs across the board.

Additionally, some countries have proposed eliminating tariffs on U.S. goods in response to trade negotiations, such as Israel, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

 

[PierreV]

The Wall Street Journal is hardly a left wing institution. It's owned by Rupert Murdoch.

Maybe you missed the " " and the ?