| Editorial November 2001
A Matter of
Perspective and Relativity
I’ll start by saying I’m as guilty as
anyone, but I try to recognize when it happens and make the internal adjustment. It’s
embarrassing -- one of those things you look back on and think, "What was I thinking
about?" Taking this hobby too seriously can at times make one feel, or look, quite
silly. I have seen grown adults argue to the point of not speaking over how large a
soundstage a specific brand of speaker can produce. I have witnessed folks actually
insulting one another because one of them chose tubes over solid state, or vice versa. You
know I’m right because you have seen it too! Relative to other considerations in
one’s life, these are inconsequential disagreements. But they’re not
always looked at as such at the time.
The tragedy on September 11 is a constant reminder to me to
keep things in perspective. The unending pain of the victim’s families is
heartbreaking to me and to all of those who can’t help ease it. Real life can be an
awful reminder that a far harsher world exists than what we are accustomed to. When
considering the hierarchy of values in our own lives, it would do us all good to keep in
mind that not everyone has the same position from which to enjoy life and its offerings.
The escape of home theater and music is simply a blessing we all share.
The fact that we all have an opportunity to participate in
and enjoy the pleasures of watching great movies in our homes is encouraging. To me, it is
a clean hobby, providing a livelihood to some creative manufacturers and hardworking
dealers, not to mention giving me a reason to write and interact with you. The end result,
though, is bringing families together in the home, a most wholesome activity. What’s
wrong with it? Nothing, as long as it is kept in perspective.
In the big scheme of things, it really isn’t worth
getting into a knockdown, drag-out argument over the merits of dipoles vs. direct
radiators or of CRTs vs. DLP. It’s fine to debate and disagree; this is healthy and
encourages thought. Just keep it all in perspective, and after the debate, remember that
it really wasn’t that important when compared with other issues in both our lives and
in the lives of the people around us. If you’re talking to someone about home
theater, you have things in common, and therein can lie a friendship.
Home Theater & Sound is produced by a
group of committed, professional people. Some have families, some work in public service,
and some spend all of their time producing a quality publication for you guys to enjoy.
The Internet can be impersonal at times. Words on a computer screen just don’t tell
you much about the person behind them. But the truth is, there is a person there.
We’re a community that enjoys a common interest, and a blast it can surely be! Just
keep in mind that it’s all a matter of perspective and relativity.
...Jeff Fritz
editor@hometheatersound.com |
