I confess that we would never have posted this announcement if it wasn't for the fact that it arrived to the audioXpress mailbox from a reputed PR firm. But there's no denying that web forums such as Gearslutz have long been a known entity in the noisy and sometimes wild environment of home-studio focused websites. In fact, I always remember the first time - and probably the last - that I visited that specific web forum, after learning of a poll among its members that positioned Fruity Loops Studio DAW software as the leading DAW globally, immediately followed by Ableton Live. At the time, being the editor of a pro audio magazine and also writing for musicians, I enquired around me, and no one had ever used Fruity Loops - with Reaper being the most frequently mentioned option by the "I have no money for software" users that didn't want to confess that they actually used a cracked version of Cubase or whatever.
I learned then not to waste my time in forums. In any interest community - recording technology, headphones or hi-fi - there are multiple level of "users," and the amount of time spent "opinionating" and criticizing others is inversely proportional to the time they actually use the things they talk about in forums. And this was before Facebook...
So, the news about Gearspace is certainly curious - and in addition we learned that their operations are actually based in London. "After nearly two decades, it feels great to move forward with a more progressive and inclusive name," says founder Jules Standen. "We’re certain our new name, Gearspace, will stand the test of time and provide a more all-encompassing platform for the pro audio industry. The change will affect the forum’s name, logo and URL. Gearspace will continue to offer the same audio-focused content and will strive to be the best online community possible for people of all genders and cultures."
The forum continues to target "audio professionals, educators and hobbyists, alike," while serving essentially the latter. The new name is intended to signal "a more diverse user base across the industries it serves." That part is unquestionable - that name was bad and it's a good thing it's gone.
"This change has been in the works for many months," adds Standen. "We are all excited about this next chapter. Come see our updated look at www.gearspace.com."
Since its inception in 2002, the forum has grown to more than 400,000 members - 10,000 of which are the same users that forgot their password or created multiple new users just for the pleasure of insulting themselves and anyone they disagree with.
www.gearspace.com
