Hi Steve ---- this is another specific variation on the same general theme we have been discussing here for awhile (see my soapbox message <g>) -- and a point well made. Neal Silverman posted an interesting response to my soapbox message on Chequers' BB, an idea which could be profitably used by ANY collector (suggest everyone check it out). Essentially, he made the point that we now have the means, through the use of electronic chipping, to check up on anyone we are about to do business with to make sure the seller and/or product are on the up and up. Used properly, as suggested by Neal, this can be a powerful self-defense mechanism!

I guess I'm not giving away any secrets if I say that I, for one, am ready to challenge false or deceptive advertising in our hobby. I have been through iterations of collecting coins (mid-'50's through mid-'60's), stamps and first day covers (late-'60's through mid-'70's) and baseball cards (mid-'50's through mid-'60's and again from late'70's through early '90's). I have now been collecting chips for more than six years and I'm getting too old to start any new hobbies, so I'd like to keep this one as clean, honest and enjoyable as it has thus far been. ----- jim o\-S