i think i finally understand the confusion. when einstein stated that mass decreases in relation to an incease in velocity, i believe he was referring to the mass traveling in a straight line. what i was referring to in my analysis is, a an electron traveling in an elliptical orbit. first: i have two views on this subject. the electron in its motion is effecting the nucleus at the outermost points of its elliptical orbit which in my opinion creates the vibration of the atom. this change of direction at its outermost point, i believe, in order to effect the nucleus for the vibration effect requires mass. the interaction of the nucleus in relation to the electron would require mass for a gravitational effect pulling the electron back into its orbit. second: the photon/electron relationship suggests the inner working of the electron's change of state. this effect, in my opinion, is in a direct contradictory relationship to the external motion of the elliptical orbit. third: this contradiction of statements explain the difficulty to measure the energy/mass of the photon/electron. when you view the electron you have to realize there are two actual motions occuring in direct contradiction of the other. the electron spin and the elliptical orbit. in any attempt to measure this effect you have to make a distinction between what it is you are actually trying to measure.