Hi Bob,
I am surprised you are "surprised". It is no secret unscrupulous people use our club auction as well as ALL significant auctions to manipulate market price of chips they own in quantity.

Last club auction contained a $25.00 El Rancho die-cut metal center bought by a "new" investor who happens to be an acquaintance of mine. I had written a little story on Prodigy about the chip and how great I thought it was. I later learned over a box of them were being held by an individual waiting to determine price FROM the auction. I got sick to my stomach, posted a note stating ignore what I said about the chip. I also promised myself I would not get involved any further. Why??? Did you see ALL the individuals who came to my assistance here on this board as sensitive subjects were being discussed? You guessed it - none!!!! If you remember correctly, only YOU got involved on my side in the roulette discussion. It gets mighty lonely fighting causes.<VBG>

Hell, I got so much supportive email I almost fell over. Yet, no one posted a public note on this board on my behalf. Sorry Bob, let others do their part also. I have enough battles going without adding the "Auction Wars". Why do you think I post comments like - "I don't care for auctions"? Too make me feel better? It's to force people to think!!! Anyway, I'm tired and have much work too do. Talk later, Best, Jim

It happens all the time.