Hi John; Yes, you have fallen into my trap (not really) ... but I'll be gentle with you! <g> I just wondered why you thought that the club was simply a vehicle for 4 issues of the magazine and an annual convention? If that were true, we wouldn't need to elect ANY club officers. All we would need to elect would be a Magazine Editor and a Convention Chairman .... and a Treasurer to collect all the money and issue a membership card.

Folks who join the club are really joining a "society"; which could be interchangeable with the term "club". When you submitted your membership application and dues payment ... and each time you renew your annual dues, you are agreeing to abide by the club's Constitution and ByLaws and the rules that have been established for the entire membership. Some of the rules have been challenged and revised (such as the Chapter issue) and some new ByLaws changes have been brought about, such as by club member James Perlowski. You also have agreed to abide by the club's Code Of Conduct, which is why some people like Mr. Mark Brown (and others) won't become a member of CC & GTCC. But that's their choice. I prefer to associate with people who have agreed to the same terms of which I have agreed to conduct myself in this hobby. That doesn't mean that those who choose not to associate themselves with the club are not decent people. I just think that perhaps some folks can't stand up to the scrutiny of codes of conduct and other regulations the club may expect of its members.

So in essence, I respect what you personally think of this club. However, I hope that your viewpoint is not typical of the average member of the club... and over time perhaps your view will change. I would also hope that the majority of current CC & GTCC members think there is more to this organization than four issues of the club magazine and a convention each year.

See, I didn't beat you up too badly..... did I?

Oh, BTW; I also agree with others that your estimate of numbers of people who purchase expensive chips is far too low. Plus, expensive coins aren't the only ones that are submitted for grading and slabbing. Many common, inexpensive coins are also submitted. It's only AFTER they are graded and slabbed that they become expensive .... just like Mr. Taylor would like it to be. How 'bout you?