Would you like to join our VIP reader panel?
Fancy a visit to our state-of-the-art listening rooms, a chance to meet the team and win some great prizes? Then apply to join our VIP reader panel. Click here for details
nodnarb4444:if ive done a big question does that rule me out of becoming a vip member or am i a vip member by default having allready taken part?
That's my question as well.
Indeed, what does qualify a person as a VIP Reader? Is it a rich knowledge and experience of hi-fi, ownership of top quality kit, number of posts (useful or otherwise) on the forum pages, a particularly amusing avatar, availability on weekdays, or photographic proof of a WHF team member owning a music centre by Ronco?
What exactly is a VIP Reader and how does one 'qualify'? Is this different from the participants that attend the Big Question?
You only find out if you qualify, if you qualify...
Andrew Everard:You only find out if you qualify, if you qualify...
That's all very well, but there must be a large number of us out there who would love to be VIP readers but, when it comes down to it, will not be able to completely fufil the needs of the role, for whatever reason. We can apply by all means, but can't help but feel guilty about the possibility of getting in the way of those who would make ideal VIP candidates. There is no harm in aspiring, but to stand in the way of those more deserving or available to participate? Ah well, what the heck, I can follow the link and trust in your good judgement. 
Okaaaaaayyyyyy, so I just filled out the form. VIP???? I submit my name, address, and other contact details and that's it, and that qualifies me for a chance? Nope, that's nothing more than a lottery. I don't think so. C'mon, what are your criteria for a true VIP reader? I don't believe in all this socialist rot about everyone being a winner and no-one gets disappointed. And believe me, as a kid, I was among the last to be picked in sports team picks. Hey, despite that, meritocracy works for me!
A VIP reader should be someone who knows a fair deal about hi-fi; an enthusiast who can provide a fair and reasonable opinion from the readership side of the coin. Someone who can attend sessions at WHF Towers during the week. Or at least a newbie who is fresh to the hobby and also able to attend. Surely it isn't just a lottery? Please no.
Golly, how serious is everyone getting about this?
Note to self - all future reader-involvement initiatives to be accompanied by a 2000-page white paper discussing elgibility criteria, health and safety implications, deliverability considerations...
Umm, it's just a bit of fun, as someone once said...
Sorry. 
Note to self: do not post after several glasses of wine.
You don't have to have any specific qualifications to be a VIP reader: just sign up and we'll offer you special deals, competition prizes, the chance to take part in our 'Big Question' feature in the mag, invites to open days at our offices, that sort of thing.
We're just trying to give our loyal readers some extra benefits, and communicate better how we test and do things, that's all.
Fair enough - sounds agreat idea. 
Andrew Everard:Golly, how serious is everyone getting about this?
Note to self - all future reader-involvement initiatives to be accompanied by a 2000-page white paper discussing elgibility criteria, health and safety implications, deliverability considerations...
Umm, it's just a bit of fun, as someone once said...
and what about diversity, equal opportunities...
didn't they tell you, the last government banned "fun"
Little bit of politics there, ladies and gentlemen...
Yes please.
Obviously made more difficult if you all organise meetings out of the office on the days I come in though.
if ive done a big question does that rule me out of becoming a vip member or am i a vip member by default having allready taken part?
AKA nodnarb4444