Mitch, let me take a shot at trying to answer this as I also am one of the NEWER chip collectors. I joined almost as soon as I found out about CCGTCC ( within a day or two) My true collecting days started close to 20 years ago when the sportscard collecting craze took off in the USA. At first I was part of "just a bunch of collectors". I soon relalized that to gain the knowledge I was looking for I was going to need help from the experienced collector. I also found it to be much easier to get the information I was looking for if you were part ofthe hobby rather then just a collector. So I joined into activities around the hobby. In 1996 I found a sprotscard group similar to this group and joined. When I decided to add chip collecting, I new that as soon as I found a group that was solid I would be joining. I feel it is easier to get help and advice when you can sign a post or an email with (R-7178) after your name. Joining in my ming shows somewhat of a commitment to the hobby and a willingness to participate in the hobby.

"THATS MY BEST SHOT AT IT"

David