(1) I am against a highly refined or numerical grading system.

(2) Until there is an official grading system, if there ever will be one, it is helpful and easy for each person who has a web site and sales/trade lists to include his grading system in the site. If someone has a printed list, I think the grading system should be included there too.

(3) I don’t think the grading system should have too many categories. I am with those who think that will take the fun out of things and cause endless arguments. I object to the first two categories of Jim Reilly:

>>>> “ NEW -- a chip which shows no sign of use or damage; in same condition as originally manufactured.

EXCELLENT -- a chip which shows only slight signs of use and no damage.”<<<<

I think we would all go crazy distinguishing between the two -- “no sign of use’ and “slight sign of use.” Give me a break!

(4) I think it is best to NOT use the terms “good” or “very good.” In a general language sense they are favorable terms, but in stamp collecting and elsewhere, I guess, the categories are quite sub-par.

(5) Excellent idea elsewhere for a Club dictionary. I would include the condition ratings there.

(6) The Club should also have other useful permanent web pages, a veritable encyclopedia of chip collecting -- storing chips, cleaning chips, trading chips, valuing chips, caring for chips, what is a bakelite chip, catalin chip?, what is a Crest and Seal chip (dueling definitions?), etc., etc. Then if a newbie had a question, we could refer them to the particular Club page, index or search engine, instead of rehashing it over and over. .

(7) To also make the Club prominent and helpful, it should have a semi-permanent, open discussion board organized by topics and an index. -- something that does not disappear in a day or two. (I must be crazy to take the time to type this and see it vanish in two days. ) I mentioned this to Neal a year ago. Software must exist for this. I see these boards elsewhere. In fact, these discussion boards could be edited into the permanent pages I refer to in (6) above.

(8) Getting back to the condition ratings, this is what I am using now:
>>>>”

CONDITION: I am developing my system here as I go. Always, if there is a problem or defect (other

than even use or wear), I spell it out. This is my basic grading system/terminology:

very fine -- excellent -- my highest rating: mint or near mint

fine -- quite attractive, insignificant wear, rather square edges

OK -- average, good chip, some wear, which is uniform/even

poor -- some defects or considerable wear (defects, if any, are spelled out)”<<<<
Since we are using the web, pictures could accompany the ratings.

Robert