So how does a negative number work out in this type of case?

You're not getting any tonight?

::crickets::

Once again you've made me laugh out loud Mark. At least I am alone working home office today so no strange looks from colleagues - woke the dog up though!

So, can I blame the dog's flatulence on Mark, then?

It's my lot in life.

...but the public demands that I speak. Actually the reason I was hesitating was because I wanted to surpass Mark Johnson's 10,000th in eloquence and wanted to prepare a masterpiece such as Tom requested(plus chemistry and football coaching topics he neglected). Then I took a look at what Mark wrote and felt a burden lifted from my shoulders.

So here we are after a bit over 11 years with 10,000 posts(despite my efforts at holding the number down)and about 30,000 hours on my M22s(still waiting for "break-in" to change the sound). Back then when I started reading the Forums because of my interest in buying Axiom speakers I was somewhat dismayed because some questions implying that magic players, amplifiers and even connecting wires could be had by spending more money, weren't I thought adequately answered in some cases. My first recorded reply(anonymous replies were allowed before May of 2002)addressed one of those topics here . Hopefully I've been able to continue in that vein with some posts emphasizing the basic scientific principles that continue to govern audio equipment despite incessant repetition of fanciful mythologies.

While audio equipment is science, music is art(borrowing from Dr. Toole), and my other primary interest here has been recommending recordings to encourage looking into the world of beautiful and exciting classical music that's waiting for us out there to give a listen.

I'm happy to be able to support an organization such as Axiom which produces excellent speakers, sells them at reasonable prices and follows no-nonsense technical principles. I do wish however that Ian hadn't added on the "in the making" to "shareholder" when we brought our speculations to his attention.

Have enjoyed the discussions with our members which has generally been on a remarkably sane level when viewed in the light of some other audio forums. Hope to continue for many more years on the march toward the 20,000 level that Axiom hasn't yet entitled.

This calls for a group hug! Congrats on the milestone, John! (For the Canadians, that's a 1.61 kilometerstone.)

Welcome to the club, JohnK. Thanks for all of the helpful advice you've given me over the years. Don't go away anytime soon!

John, thank you very much for contributing your wit and wisdom here. Cheers!