Loaner Program "Weapons Master"

We have a need for "weapons master" or "gear master" to manage this program. Possibly one on the East Coast / Mid-West and one on the West Coast. Here are some ideas I have in mind for the loaner program:

1. Manage the program. Track status of gear, where it goes, and in what order geographically.
2. Limit the program. As a matter of fairness, people who haven't had much opportunity in the past to be on the loaner program should be given higher priority for the next loaner. The method to track participation priority must be consistent, transparent, and public. A numerical system would be ideal.
3. Determine maximum loaner list size (it's dumb for a loaner for take one year to go across 26 people). For the loaner to be successful, the program needs to be limited to a small number of people for each loaner term. There can be more than one term for popular products where interest does not wane.
4. Determine whether the gear in the loaner program is suitable for people who are not yet ranked "Friend". Make an exception process (checking identification) of newer members so that they can participate. Need procedures to do this. This would apply to less expensive stuff.

The perks of course is that you would get to first sample and hold on the gear for longer periods of time. The downside if that you will have to do a little bit of work to track the loaner gear and keep it moving along. But expect more work than reward. Like everything else, positions are based on merit, willingness to sacrifice, and understanding that the job is one of function (not high position).

I'm taking applications now. More credence will be given to self starters and people who have been around and shown a history of reliably handling gear. (There are some people in my mind that I would like to do this, but I would rather have you volunteer).

 

I think I can handle it in the West Coast side. Not all the gear needs to go through me nor do I care if I get first, second, third or whatever dibs.

But I can keep track of it. And participate in some of them to contribute as much as I can.

 

I'll throw my hat into the ring. I will post more when I get home from work (swamped right now so I can't write everything I had in mind). Listed below however are some ideas I will elaborate on when I get home.

- How to speed up the loaner program
- Loaner Program Guide for both Loaners and Loanees (I think it's important that when people finally get back their products after everyone has run through it. It is in pristine condition just like when it was first sent out). Will also include shipping guidelines.
- How to keep track in both proper format as well as stay organized.
- How to introduce new loaners into the program.

 

I can commit to managing the East coast. Don't need the gear first here either, but happy to help manage the process. I can throw up a quick spreadsheet where we track participants, priority list, and whatever else is pertinent. I have a vision for a matrix where participants can plot their impressions nice and simple like, just like the DAC matrix. Over time it might show us some interesting things about perceptions.

 

Alright (man today was a long day at work). So just a few ideas I had to incorporate into our "Weapons Master" program regardless of who is picked for the official titles. Maybe this is a little harsh but I want the Loaners to feel good about loaning out their products and that things are in good order. Of course everything will be transparent and we want to make sure that when you put something on loan the product is cared for in the same way you would care for it.

Speed Up The Loaner Program
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I was thinking about ways to make things faster instead of having a massive list where it seems like getting the loaner gear is a long endless wait. One way that we could potentially dramatically shorten this list is to host meets within certain areas which will feature the loaner where everyone regardless of rank are able to listen to it. The Bay Area is a great example of having many people clustered around closely together so we could all have a listen to the Bifrost Multibit loaner. With this idea it prevents the need for people to spend longer periods of time with the gear itself (obviously the host of the meet would have it the longest out of the group which will be a benefit to them). Anyone who couldn't meet during that day would have the option to pick it up from the person who hosted the meet and have three days to test it (ideally it will be one or two people who couldn't make it for whatever reason). This would dramatically increase the speed at which the loaner is able to be passed around. If we can set up maybe "regional captains" in areas with a density of SBAF members that could potentially host or setup such a meet that would be the best option (for the Bay Area this model could potentially work). The "Weapons Master" would be in charge of facilitating the loaner to go to more remote locations (basically set up in three zones West Coast, Midwest, and East Coast as Marv suggested). I think the way Marv set up the original sheet with names it was easy for me to just add locations to that list and it seemed like he automatically thought of this already when he created the list in the first place (maybe he just got lucky haha). Ideally I would like the loaner program to last for three days to everyone except the person measuring who we should probably give five days to.

Loaner Program Guide (Loaner)
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The loaner program guide is designed to protect the loaner and ensure their gear is in not only ideal condition but stays that way. The loaner will provide a box which can be used to ship to multiple locations and that everything inside the box is listed in the loaner program post (most of the time the box it was shipped in will do unless the loaner decides to use something else). Another part of the loaner is ensuring that no damage can come to the product while shipping (if you have seen how Schiit packages their products this is what I am talking about). The reason why I suggest that the loaner list everything that comes inside the box is so that nothing is lost and everything is perfect for the loanee to use. The loaner will be in charge of the initial post where he will list what it is he/she is putting on the loaner program, what is inside the box, how long the loaner will be available, and the price of the item (the reason why I would ask for price is so when it is shipped the loanee knows how much to insure it for). After the initial post there will be a two week compiling period of people and then the "Weapons Master" will create the list. After the first week however if the "Weapon's Master" sees that there is a clump of people who are interested he will reach out to all of them in a PM and see if they can host a meet which will feature the loaner gear. If they can then it will go to them first provided they can do it within two weeks of when the loaner officially ships out to the meet's host. If they can't it will start down the list starting with people within the loaner's region. The "Weapons Master" if there is no one willing to take measurements will add a measurement person to the list as a +1 to however long the list is. This will ensure that measurements are taken while the loaner is on tour. If something happens during the loaner program the "Weapons Master" and "Executive Team" will reach out to you directly and discuss the matter privately. We ask that as the loaner you remain professional and please don't publicly post the issue as after the matter is resolved the "Weapons Master" and/or "Executive Team" will make a statement (full transparency of course). In the case where a loanee contacts you directly about an issue with the unit or things missing please reach out to the "Weapons Master" immediately so we can start an investigation into what happened (I really hope nothing ever happens and trust me whoever the "Weapons Master" is cares just as much as you do about your gear and making sure that things are made right).

Loaner Program Guide (Loanee)
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Currently anyone who is at "friend" status on SBAF is allowed to sign up for any loaner program. Ideally if you can host a meet with many people that would be ideal. However, they are in charge of the receiving and shipping of the device. They are also in charge and responsible for any issues at the meets they host. As a loanee you will be allowed to have the item for three days from the time you receive the item unless you are taking measurements then you will be allowed five days (maybe more if there are not a lot of people on the list). If you receive the item on a Monday you will need to ship this product out on Thursday and if you receive this item on Thursday or Friday you can ship it out on a Monday. As a loanee you are responsible for setting aside time to critically listen to the device and if you are going to be out of town you will need to let the "Weapons Master" know as soon as you become next on the list (next on the list defines your name is next after the person who currently has the just received the loaner). Obviously emergencies come up and the "Weapon Master" will be responsible for any explanation (will not disclose why but will instead just list it as an emergency) in the thread and will contact the next on the list to let him know to expect a delay (again will not disclose what happened). If there are multiple people in your region and you have something going on to where you will be out of town it is your responsibility to notify the "Weapon Master" so we can accommodate accordingly (possibly just moving your name to the last in your region). If you are out for an extended period of time you will be taken off the list and placed on reserve in case we might be able to get it back to you to give you a listen (again no promises but the "Weapons Master" will do everything they can to accommodate).

In regards to shipping of the product the loanee will be responsible for shipping the product in the exact condition they received it in with everything that was included in the box (hopefully to save money you also kept the packing materials). If for some reason the box was damaged in shipping it will be the current loanees responsibility to acquire a new box similar to the one it came in so the loaner program may continue (I don't think this will happen often and of course apologies if it happens to you but since the loaner was nice enough to lend you their stuff you should at least be understanding enough to help them make sure that the product stays pristine). Everything that the loaner ships inside the box should be inside once the loanee receives it and if it's not please reach out to the "Weapon Master" immediately so they can get involved into what happened and make sure that the missing item is recovered successfully. If for whatever reason something inside or the product itself in the box is missing or damaged the "Weapon Master" will involve the "Executive Team" and reach out to the loaner and discuss the issue. The loanee is not to reach out to the loaner or previous loanee directly but instead reach out to the "Weapon Master" who will take care of the matter with the "Executive Team." Another note on shipping is that each loanee is required to purchase insurance for the loaners suggested value of the product when they ship it to the next loanee.

 

Keeping Track and Organized
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Below is what I set up after someone messaged me and asked me about the Bifrost Multibit location. It's nice and simple and keeps the list organized. After someone has posted that it was shipped to the next person and lists everything in the box I would put a strikethrough through the name as a way to cross them off the list. If someone for some reason can't do it we will add a reserve section for people who were missed and see if we can accommodate them after the list has been completed. Preferably I would like this as self managed as possible with simple posts and PMing the next loanee on the list should be the loanee's responsibility. If there is an issue however, the "Weapons Master" will be in charge of status updates. Listed below is my post from the Bifrost Multibit Loaner:

Also below is the current list for people next in line so if you could please post when you send this off to the next person that would be great (and organized). I have added direct links to the users so you can just PM them from this post to get address information.

1. @CEE TEE (Bay Area Crew)
2. @drfindley (Bay Area)
3. @Bill-P (Bay Area)
4. @nedifer (Bay Area)
   
5. @paranoidroid (SF)
6. @Pyruvate (Las Vegas)
7. @DrForBin (WA)
8. @atomicbob (WA)(measurements)
9. @Hands (CO)
10. @bixby (CO)
11. @dBel84 (MW)
12. @Tim Thomas (Detroit)
13. @Skyline (TN)
14. @Colgin (NY)
15. @sphinxvc (NY)
16. @zonto (Boston)
17. @Ishcabible (Boston)
    
18. @shotgunshane (Atlanta, GA)
    
19. @skank (FL)
20. @money4me247 (TX)
21. @audiofrk (SoCal)
22. @insidious meme (SoCal)
23. @Wfojas (Socal)

Impressions/Measurements
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Please post all measurements and impressions in a separate thread one of the DAC/AMP/Headphone forums and just call it say Bifrost Multibit SBAF Tour Impressions. Makes things easy and a single thread where people can talk about it. Please keep in mind if you would like the "Weapons Master" can create the post to make it easier that way a table of contents can be created to directly link to your impressions. Please note you don't have to write impressions but it does help keep the conversation flowing with the other members and our community.

Measurements: well since only a few people can post official measurements I think they can post their own measurements wherever Marv or people would like them posted.

Non-Friend SBAF Status Loaner Program
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This I think is a little difficult as people with friends status are people we trust and have a history on CS. However, since our community is growing more "new members" are popping up and I don't want to exclude them. I think a good idea is to have +2-3 people added onto the list who are non-friend status to each list (Friends will always have first priority). These +2-3 people will have to privately message the "Weapons Master" to be added to the list and someone from the "Executive Team" will also review the request and make a decision on whether to add said person to the list. (Personal Thoughts on This): Though unfair they should be willing/have to submit at least a 50+% refundable deposit (managed through the "Executive Team" or "Weapons Master") of the suggested loaners price. Flame away on this I just want to protect loaners as much as possible and be ok with allowing non-friend SBAF's to a list (of course they don't need to do anything and can just show up at a meet to listen if one is available where they can be verified by SBAF members). Also keep in mind anyone can sign up for the site so it's not like I think this is unreasonable and if there is a better way I much rather do that. Once this has been done and everything goes through and is verified you will be upgraded to friend status and won't have to do this again.

International SBAF Members
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I would love to be able to have people internationally hear these products as well and if we did this they would be added to the end of the list. I suggest listing acceptable countries where we can send stuff and not be worried about customs destroying the product. At the same time I want to make sure loaners are ok with this happening. The cost to ship it to another country should be covered fully or split by the people internationally for both shipping back and forth. Kind of a bad thing but if it helps get it to other countries that don't have meets this could be a suggestion obviously this would be strictly SBAF friends only.

Anyway just wanted to post some stuff that may or may not want to be included for the "Weapons Master" program. I trust everyone and hope this doesn't offend anyone I just want to make sure that if people want to loan out their gear at SBAF they are in good hands and trust that their products not only don't get damaged or stolen but want to share with the community and receive them in the condition they loaned them out.

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I would say yes to the Pelican case but who would pay for that? Those things aren't cheap . Also would be kind of curious if it adds to the cost of shipping.

In regards to the length of time maybe the "Weapons Master" would be able to make an exception for certain people. Keep in mind though this would not be for everyone and the "Weapons Master" would have to approve it and be transparent as to why. I don't see other members complaining about it but if the list is really long that might not be possible.

 

We don't need to track or plot impressions. I don't care how impressions of loaner gear are handled. People can choose to be silent. They can post short impressions in a dedicated impressions thread. I think good comprehensive write-ups should be done in existing or new gear threads.

The important thing is to get gear out to as many different people as possible, move it along, and get it back. It's the logistics that need to be worked out.

A points system 1 to 3, depending upon desirability of gear, can be used to add up "loaner" points. The folks with the fewest points go first. Points slowly drop off, like 0.5, over each new successive loaner offer.

SBAF funds should be used for shipment cases.

As the executive, all I want are reports that show who got to hear what, how often specific people got loaners, the ability to recall loaners (for meets, special measurements, etc.), and getting it back before Takato modifies it into something unusable or un-revertible to stock.

 

It possible, but unlikely. I doubt we can get 15 people to chip in $100 on something like the Beyer T1v2. I certainly wouldn't. I also don't want SBAF taking money, managing the bidding process, paying money back out, etc. The idea is to minimize work, liability, and personal messages for me, not increase it.

 

The donations. I put them in a separate account.

Expenditures are semi-public with monthly (and maybe later going to quarterly) statements for transparency. I've budgeted costs for operations for the next 15, now 14 months, some tools for Hans, gifts for TheAlchemist (moderation can be difficult). The leftover funds are for loaner gear account. The T1 and Dharma were at the top of the list in the voting. Just easier this way.

 

Yup. I am glad you guys agree. Expect to see a line item for a used HD800 for TheAlchemist in an upcoming monthly report.

 

Probably whoever the loaner is decides to take it back and hold onto it or sell it. Either that or with approval we create a new list with new members who didn't get it the first time as the cycle continues.

 

SBAF gear will be sold or given away. I don't plan on keeping stuff just so I can brag of my massive collection of mediocre and craptastic gear in my forum profile. Another alternative is to cleanse the world of bad sounding gear with flames and fire while we wear our moose head hats. You guys decide.