I'm sorry about the accusatory nature of my post, Paul. I was extremely surprised to see the notched Chipco samples being posted. Gene had mentioned some time ago that Chipco no longer gave away notched samples due to some big trouble they had gotten into. I did incorrectly assume there was at least some likelihood that Chipco did not willingly part with these chips. I appologize. Based on another action that we both know did occur at the show it was not an unreasonable assumption.

However, I am very disappointed in myself and others in this hobby over our lust for things that are not ours. At most places with interesting chips at the show I asked for and was given one each sample, or walked away empty handed. At a couple of places I neglected to ask. That was wrong. The fact that I only wanted one for my own collection, not a stack to sell for profit, does not make it any better. This is not equivalent to roulette harvesting. It's stealing someone's sales props.