I was just curious what happened to Terry's Mentoring Project. I offered to participate for the crap I collect. Never heard any more. I still think it is a very valid project...Too bad it went down in flames...Or whatever happened...

I have watched this ongoing diatribe about "Banjo" and I just don't get it. He has been raked over the coals for using prices in the Campiglia/Wells Guide from 4 years ago. The thing I keep seeing is "protect the new collector." Well, if new collectors had mentors they would not fall into these messes. I do not see the logic of bashing "banjo" because he has used Campiglia/Wells prices from 4 years ago. You guys are astute collectors. You know what the current market is for a chip. I looked at some of his ads and all he said is this was what Campiglia/Wells said it was worth. That is not deceptive, it is a statement of what he saw in a price guide. Look at other collecting fields...Glass, China, Cars...Whatever...They always quote what their collecting "Bible", says the price should be. Of course, we realize that it may be way high or too low. Current market value is what sets the price.

Are you guys going to pay it when a hoard has been found, of course not. The book cannot update that...but of course you know. So, you will not bid high based on the current information.

As with about any collector book, the prices are outdated the moment the book is published. Hoards are found, other information is found and it alters price. I do not care what collecting field you are in, stuff happens to alter price.In most cases you can just cut the price in half and be realistic. However, they are great volumes to see stuff that exists and we can put
it on our wish lists to have. That is their true purpose.

Ebay and other auction sites are now setting the prices for collectibles. It is a world wide market and we are allowed to amass collections beyond our wildest dreams. What kind of collection do you think you would have had if it weren't for these sites? The old guys made them from scrounging the nooks and crannies of Nevada. I can't see many doing that any more.I do it when I can, but still buy plenty from the auction sites.

Ebay has allowed us to have stuff way beyond our wildest dreams...Get real...if you get screwed by someone on Ebay...Pursue it...If you need help...I will help...I think "Banjo" needs left alone...

It may be time to do what Doug McIntyre did with his "Official Guide to Railroad China." It is what we based our stuff on the ashtray site for...It's below...CHECK IT OUT...It may be the wave of the future...

I am ready for my blistering....

Mark