7 inch sucks

Earlier in the week I had started work on a mix - finding three or four tunes that seemed to fit. I have to admit that I was excited and eager to put together another 20 minutes of magic. First tune: The Errors (as recommended by ol' Jon M - cheers). Just getting to the part where I mix and "skzeek". It skips. I know it's a 7" but it weighs about 100 grams (heavy) and therefore I imagine is meant to be used for at least mild DJing. I have played the thing about 5 times. It's ruined. I can't even see a scratch on it. "Screw it" I thought I'll move on. Fourth song of the mix: Gossip - Standing in the Way... (I know, I know but it's a good tune). Played twice before. Tiny scratch. Unplayable. Skipped three times in as many minutes. WTF!? Has a pesky badger been using it's TB-infested talons on my vinyl as I sleep. Other 12"s I own have visible scratches on and play fine.

I'm going back to the drawing board and whilst I'm at it, making a pledge. Only 12"s from now on.

PS I'm anticipating some heavy web traffic coming my way with a this post's title :)