My spending on electronics skyrocketed after I started reading forums like Digital Home. Learning about the great stuff out there, has prompted me to spend spend spend. I'm not complaining mind you, I enjoy all the stuff I have. But I gotta wonder how much less I would spend if I weren't constantly reading about whats new, what other people are buying etc.

Anyone else feel the same?

DHC (and HomeTheaterSpot) helped me firm up my buying decisions when I was getting into HT back in 2003, but neither site nor any additional reading I did on the subject actually caused me to spend any more than I was already planning to spend anyway.

I think it is a proven fact that subscribing to magazines or web sites does increase your "interest" in hobbies and leads you to more spending. For this reason I cancelled all magazines relating to my hobbies.. photography and high end music system. My spending dropped almost to zero.

I've only used the forums myself when I am trying to learn about models/features to help choose something I had already decided on buying. In fact, the forums have probably saved me money because I ended up buying better quality (and not necessarily more expensive) components. I have had zero complaints about the items I've purchased so far.

Up until a couple of years ago when I built my home theatre, I didn't even know DHC existed. It was out of sheer desperation and panic that I started googling everything under the sun. I must say, DHC has been a lifesaver.

Keep up the great work!!:p:p:p

DHC helps me make informed sensible purchases. If I stayed away I might avoid an HT purchase or two, but I might also end up wasting money by not understanding the details of what I'm buying.

The site that really drives me to wasteful impulse spending is redflagdeals, which causes me to rush out to sales to buy things I don't need, even though I think I'm saving money like crazy.

I'll second what technut says.

Any extra purchases made are usually more than offset by making smarter purchases.

I agree that this forum has helped me make informed decisions on stuff I would have mostly gotten anyway.

However, this forum also made me aware of things like the Grafik Eye control system that I happily recently ordered. I blame that purchase entirely on DHC ;)

I actually think ive spent less thanks to websites like this and bluray.com

For one thing, ive learned about how certain products like expensive cables or line conditioners are a waste (basically Monster's key products)

Ive also learned about what product features I actually want/need, and which I dont need and would be a needless expense.

And lastly, theres the "deals" threads, that have helped me save a lot on software.

1. My first encounter with DHC made me realize that the HTIB I was considering was not suitable for my needs and dream and therefore I considered I saved money not buying it...

2. The reading of the posts I have done on the site helped me better understand HT gear technology and get to know what is more likely suitable for my needs leading me to spend the money in the right place therefore saving...

3. An FS on line sale warning was the perfect timing for me and led me to move and acquire a basic set-up of better quality at reasonable pricing.

4. Other sale warnings led me to save even greater amount of money.

5. More reading and understanding, more familiarization led me to spend wisely, while I was buying more maybe than what I might of, I figure I mainly simply got more for my money.

6. Overall, I feel I spent more than what I originally planned in order to acquire decent set-up. Everything was done at a slow pace, according to available budget. So far, I consider I probably saved around $1000.00. My set-up & HT room are not complete as I will not proceed further than the answers and knowledge I find on the site or other resources. I must find satisfactory answers to my needs before proceeding and thus again saving money as I spend on the right stuff and at the right pricing.

7. I see this site as a huge bank of knowledge leading me in MY right direction. Basically, advices are there and you take or leave them according to your personal needs, requirements and budget. If one uses the site in such a way, he will not have any opportunity to think he spends more money but ratter will think that he found knowledge to spend the money wisely.

Cheers!
René

Um, does this mean we can sue DHC for causing us to spend more than we intended?:o

I'm not a real lawyer but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once. :D
Seriously though, this place has been a great help in my HT purchase decisions.

I really think I've saved money, rather than spent. Just the saving on a $10 HDMI cable compared to greater than $50 in some stores goes a long way.

DHC has saved me big bucks..the deal threads, retailer reviews and discovering sites such as monoprice and redflagdeals through DHC. have been fantastic....you couldn't pry DHC from my cold dead hands ;-)

Between DHC and RFD, my spending has increased, but it was a good deal everytime (at least that's how I justify it to the wife) :D

How much more have you spent as a result of reading forums ?


I agree with what technut, jvincent, Luis_A51, TECHNOKID, nfitz, and FortMacDude have said.... this site has saved me money. (actually, the same thing can be said about alot of forums out there) ;)

I think another thread should be started that asks...


How much more have you saved as a result of reading forums?

;)

I agree that I have saved a lot as well. I guess what I was hinting at was that these forums make you aware of all sorts of neat stuff. Then I want it. For example, I had never considered a FP before, but after reading the forums and learning more, I decided it was feasible and desirable. Once I made that decision, I think the forums helped me find the best cost/performance tradeoff - something that would not have been possible if I had been left on my own.

My first Home Theatre I did not frequent these forums (not even sure they existed then) and I was taken to the cleaners by the shop I went to.

Reading about what other people do in their homes, etc., gives me ideas (good ones) that results in purchases that would not have happened had I not been reading the forums.

"Um, does this mean we can sue DHC for causing us to spend more than we intended?"
No. Monster Cables are going to sue DHC next, for allowing posters to expose them for what they really are. Over-priced cables filled with magical foo-foo dust.

Oh yeah... Maybe they won't after their experiences with Kurt Denke.
:)

Back on topic, this forum has prompted me to buy first an ExVu 5100 and then a 9200. It also promoted me to dump my One-For-All remote in favour of a Harmony 880. All good recommendations.
Good balanced responses from a wide variety of posters on any given topic.

This is the place to get sound advice on virtually any topic.