... is not on my list of life activities, Rene, for the simple reason that I am not a show promoter.

>> This is not a personal attack against Jim Reiley.

After all this time, I would have expected you to know how to spell my name.

>> Obvioulsy You like to lead the boycott of shows.

In announcing that I am going to boycott any show which permits the selling of slabbed chips, I was stating my personal position. If others choose to follow suit, that's up to them. If my choice influences others to do the same, I'm gratified that my opinion means something to them.

>> So instead of just destroying things, why
>> don't you invest your money and promote a slab
>> free show.

I have invested a considerable amount of time, effort and money in this hobby. For which I have received, for the most part, no recompense other than personal satisfaction.

It is my opinion that it is the slabbing of chips which will destroy the hobby as we know it. And bring harm to chip collectors (as opposed to promoters, dealers, speculators, investors and slabbers).

It is my purpose to do what I can to prevent that. If, in the process, a particular show, dealer or promoter is less successful than would otherwise have been the case, then I'd say that the dealer or promoter made a bad business decision in embracing slabbing. I am not about to apologize for that.

>> I mean its a lot of work but it be a lot
>> better for the hobby.

What would be a lot better for the hobby would be for you to say that slabbing companies, slabbed chips and sellers of slabbed chips are not welcome at your show. Do that, and I'll be there, just as I was last year.

>> Because if you just destroy you end up with
>> nothing. But here is your chance to build?
>> Wouldn't it be a good challenge.

I consider the Slabfree efforts of a substantial portion of the chip collecting community to be a "good challenge" which will, in the long run, insure that we are building a better hobby.

The "destruction" of slabbing in our hobby would be a good thing. I will also not apologize for seeking it. If you and your show get destroyed along with it, that's on your for backing the wrong side on this issue.

I didn't take your question personally (well, misspelling my name, a little), and hope you will not take this post personally either. We are talking business decisions here. You make them all the time. I think you are wrong on this issue. It is my hope that the economics of the situation convince you of this. If I'm wrong, you and the slabbers will succeed and it won't matter that I was wrong. If I'm right, I'm sure you'll be quite happy promoting slabfree shows.

----- jim o\-S