This will no doubt reek of newbie hubris, but I wonder if someone would mind explaining why the addicts forum can't even be read until one has 275 posts under one's belt? I am no guru, just someone who recognises this place as a great learning resource, and I would love to be able to eavesdrop on the musings of the true tech-gods. If the addicts forum were strictly read-only prior to 275 posts, would that not prevent it being cluttered up with inane drivel, such as I might post, while still making available the accumulated wisdom of those qualified to post there? I don't want this to sound whiney or ungrateful, but I am curious, and I love extending myself by reading stuff thatgoes well beyond my current understanding.