Dear Jim ----- I agree with your expressed concerns about fraudulent and misleading practices in our hobby. As you know, others share your concerns and are active in attempting to correct false information about chips (Travis Lewin, in particular, though I don't mean to slight by omission anyone else who does so).

Your style is somewhat abrasive (particularly when contrasted with that of the Southern gentleman from Syracuse), which probably increases the criticism which you sometimes receive for "causing discontent". Nevertheless (and while I sometimes think your comments unnecessarily personal), I admire your willingness to speak your mind and applaud your efforts to keep our hobby clean.

Knowledgeable collectors should always be willing to share their knowledge, especially where false or misleading information is being disseminated. I do think, however, that one should know what one is talking about before doing so (hence, in this case, my shut mouth, as I know nothing about the chips involved).

I guess this is a roundabout way of saying thank you for the positive aspects of your contributions to this board and chip collecting generally.

----- jim o\-S