I've seen several people get so hung up with analog that they stopped playing records because it's "too much trouble". Plus they are always obsessing about alignment, VTA, etc, etc. IMO, analog should be fun. Yes, we should try to get an accurate alignment, turntable speed and take good care of our records. And I know that nobody likes smearing stuff on the records if they don't have to, including me. But when static really becomes an issue to where it's making playing records not enjoyable, it's time to make some compromise and give in to something that helps the issue in a simple way, without static guns, magic stones, spraying down the house with fabric softener, humidifiers and god knows what else. Just try to enjoy. Really.