Srajan, in the wake of Axpona I've perused all the online show reports I could find which was quite a lot. But you're conspicuously missing not just from Chicago which I realize is a ways off Ireland but even from European shows where England is just a short hop across the sea. What gives? Have you given up on attending shows altogether? Just trying to figure out your position on it. Thanks. Michael
I stopped going to shows years ago. As an established reviewer I no longer see the point. I get loaners shipped to my home to report on them under controlled conditions. I can get news announcements by email any day of the year right on my desktop. Show sound tends to be underwhelming and I find many rooms focusing on exorbitantly priced kit irrelevant to my focus. As far as the social aspect goes, that could be a draw but not under the relentless go-get-'em barrage during active show hours. That only leaves 3-4 evenings. That's very few people one gets to hang with. For each of those, one must by necessity decline the invites of others. As far as show reports go, I don't find them useful for numerous reasons. That's my take on the topic. I let the YouTubers and social-media experts do their reportage activities; and others hand out best-of-show awards. Everyone finds their niche to develop a particular expertise, focus and enjoyment. Mine remains writing reviews conducted within my own four walls. That's my niche and I'm happy working within it. Going to shows no longer is a part of that particularly when so many bloggers produce virtually real-time photo dumps of everything there is to see. If you just want to know who was there showing what, that serves perfectly and I'd have nothing to add. If I want to review something, I simply email or pick up the phone. The person on the other end can say yes or no without me being in Munich or Ascot, Warsaw or Hong Kong. I've done this long enough for people to know exactly how I operate. Stealing a few minutes during show hours while manufacturers are trying to sell to dealers, distributors or spread good cheer to potential buyers whilst playing DJ or fielding questions or introducing new models doesn't change that equation one iota. See what I mean? I get more done from home. It's a more sensible allocation of my time. Since I review for a living, that's a relevant consideration. I'm one guy and only have so much time. Srajan
