I had the privilege of being in Las Vegas (quite coincidentally) for the release of the Moby chips and the Barris CD set re-release. I was near the front of the line and was able to get autographs from George Barris.
Yes, the line was long and I was on it for over eight hours. Mr. Barris was a complete gentleman and patiently signed autographs until almost 11:00
at night, even though he was only technically committeed to be there until 9.
I have to tell you that the entire experience
was unique. I got to meet and chat with many of the terrific people in the chip community and experience the unique atmosphere of the Hard Rock
casino (where I may very well stay next time I'm in Vegas, rather than the MGM.)
While waiting on the line (which was a fairly sedate one, for the most part), I never had any feeling that Mr. Stone was trying to inflict any pain on the chip-collecting community. I got the impression that a truck was late coming in from Mexico and we had to wait for it. As a bonus, I got to purchase an unexpected release of the Moby $5 chips for my trouble.
In exchange for the wait time, I had some very interesting conversations with Messrs. Zacchi, Garrett, Clem, Shore, Cousins, Nezhoda, Ms. Cole and countless others. There is an undeniable kinship formed in waiting on lines like this---and I wouldn't hesitate to repeat the experience. (I am now certain I will be attending the convention next June.) The lord only knows how much money I would have lost at the MGM if the wait were shorter.
I have new respect for the people who acquire chips for the collectors and investors spread throughout the world. They are dedicated, patient and willing to do whatever is necessary to accomodate their customers. With all the complaining heard on this board, I got the sense that they really love the Hard Rock, their chips and the program and are not just in it for the money.
If Mr. Stone wants suggestions on making the waiting process (on line) more comfortable (such as issuing numbered chits), I'm sure they would be offered. Frankly, I am delighted that the chips DID arrive and I got a few. The new CD design is quite nice and I will continue to accumulate Hard Rock chips
as its program continues to lead all the others.
I am very excited to hear that the WHO chips will be available in a couple of weeks---and we'll all be able to get some.