Tahmid, ravionics, and russ: Thank you guys so much for helping me out. I actually ended up building a 10W current mode controlled offline flyback converter using the UC3842 with the TL431 as opto feedback. It works like a charm. I have to say though, after all I have read about the TL431, I still don't think I quite understand fully how it works. It is a complicated little circuit (atleast to me). Bottom line is that I hooked it up right and compensated the system using the TL431 as a type 2 amplifier. Anyways, thanks guys