but, to me, it's not a good time to assess something like that. With this economy, this hobby, like many others, is hurting. Who knows if it will bounce back or not when the economy does (whenever that might be). I have never been in this for the investment anyway, but I certainly would not make any pronouncements based upon what sales are like now. Given the age demographic in the hobby, it is possible that the hobby will never fully bounce back. Then again, it might. If internet poker is legalized and the economy becomes healthy, the hobby may be better off than ever. Or not. I just wouldn't put too much faith in what is going on now to determine how well chips will hold their value in the future.

Michael Siskin