Stephen Mejias

I'm still surprised whenever approached by some faithless audiophile — hair thinning, ears sagging, belly bulging — and asked (seriously): "Do you think there's any hope for our industry?"

How do I answer a question like this? Do I cite statistics, pull pie charts out of my hat, sing of the iPod, speak of love? I mean, who do I look like, The Incredible Kreskin? The Amazing Randi? Whitney Houston?

When they ask, so unapologetically, so apocalyptically, so Al-Anonically:

Do you
think

we will
sur

vive?

I really just want to say: "Why do you think I'm here, fool-ass?" Which is to say: If I didn't believe in this industry, I wouldn't be a part of it. What's your story?

The Stereophile Forum is a place where audiophiles, music lovers, and other industry folk can come together and exchange ideas, discuss hot topics, and make fun of our writers, all without fear of being judged. There are no membership fees, there is no hand-holding, there are no twelve steps. There is, however, faith. There is, however, hope.

There are the more experienced participants, guys like Jim "I Went to the Dark Side Today" Tavegia; Lamont "Put the 'F' Back in Freedom" Sanford; Jeff "Did You Guys Notice the Original Post is From 7 Months Ago?" Wong; and Jan "Your Idea Is Not Completely Far-Fetched" Vigne. I must also mention our resident cable-lover, Monty; Cheapskate, a cheapskate; Jazzfan, fan of jazz; our Grecian Urn, Yiangos; and, of course, the existential audiophile and slacker supreme, Buddha. I love these guys. There are, of course, many others who thread the quilt that is our Forum. It would take me many moons (at least six) to list them all. We now have well over 4000 registered users. Not all of them post, but that is beside the point.

Some people come in, ask a question, get an answer, and never return. That's okay, too. May the Forum be with you. Others have ulterior motives. Wives come in, looking to find gifts for their husbands, or, you know, looking to find their husbands. Dealers and manufacturers come in hoping to promote their new gear. Haters come in to boost their self-esteem. This is all cool.

Occasionally, we are even blessed by young blood. That's right, you faithless ones. There is youth! One such youngblood, Erik Bobeda, a second-year neuroscience major at the University of Michigan, joined our Forum on Thursday, February 1. In his first post, "Making the LeaP to Analog," Erik told us of his recent conversion to vinyl and asked our opinions on entry-level turntables. The Forum members, always eager to spend someone else's money, were quick to offer their advice. I am happy to say that, as of today, Erik's got his heart set on a Rega. Congratulations, Erik. You've chosen well.

I am also happy to say that Erik has recently become a subscriber. He writes:

I recently ordered Stereophile Digital, which is an attractive option for me because of the address issues that come with being a college student. I will miss the occasional bookstore trips, though! I'm now a legitimate stereophile. I really like being a part of your community.

Dude's got his priorities straight! Thank you, Erik. We're very happy to have you with us.