I don't know how many folks you have met in the CCGTCC, but I have found integrity to be a common trait. It is one of the main points that give me pride as a member.

At the 05 convention, I made a deal with a major figure in the hobby which resulted in my having the ability to select a substancial amount in value from his trader books. I began selecting fairly easy chips I can get anywhere, anytime. He dissuaded me from this path, encouraging me to take the opportunity to upgrade my collection with quality, rather than quantity.

As I went thru the books looking for selections, he, another collector who has provided advice to me before, and two others I did not know passed opinion, even debated my choices. The dealer several times decided that the value he had listed was too high, and lowered it. When it got to the last chip, I couldn't make any more choices, so asked him which chip do I need to have? He was torn between two chips (both higher value than I had left in the agreement), finally deciding I needed both.

This is but one example of the type of folks in the hobby, I could have given many examples from my own experience, and I am sure that almost every member could do the same.

My point is that if you are not already a member of this group of insane and obsessed group of collectors, you could do a lot worse than to join. Besides (IMO) the club mag is worth the price of admission. I am unsure how this turned into a sales pitch. Have a great Day.