The whole basis for this subject is derived from Gene's series of articles on illegal chips in the Poker Digest.

Undoubtedly, it took an abundance of time and effort to research all the information, and for those people who are interested in the topic, I am sure much praise was received and certainly well deserved.

And although I'm sure my following suggestion is not unique, I am proposing it to the board readers for a topic of discussion.

I am well prepared for the criticism which I will receive by certain naysayers but not necessarily prepared to defend my position as I expect this to be a start of a thread with many alternative suggestions by those with more experience in specific fields, such as promotion, advertising, public relations, etc.

Simply stated, I would like to see a publication such as Poker Digest or the Card Player magazine devote at least a full trunk per each edition devoted to the issuance of new chips. I'm suggesting specifically the commemorative's and /or the new racks issued by casinos and cardrooms throughout the country as they are the most colorful and would attract the most people. In addition, and most importantly, a small block should be set aside with the club's logo and a list of time and location of each chapters meetings so that interested people could attend if desired.

The question will certainly be addressed as to why the magazine would consent to this or if not, who would pay for it.

It may be only my personal opinion, however, I feel that such an addition would enhance not only the appearance and readership of the magazine but also induce potential advertisers (the casino's who are not now advertising) to do so.

If this is not enough of an incentive, then I have an alternative suggestion. I first one, which will possibly be rebuked by many members, is for a special assessment (possibly $5.00 per member) allocated specifically for advertising in such a magazine. At 2,000(+) members, this would raise at least $10,000 which although would not pay for a double trunk in all issues, it could at least be used to advertise our periodic local chapter meetings as well as the annual convention. I believe it is of utmost importance for us to let the potential chipping community know of our whereabouts and how to communicate with us.

Another suggestion is to try and get the casino's involved in subsidizing the advertising. I'm probably really in a dream world if I expect the casinos to cooperate with each other, but it certainly would be an ideal situation. It does seem, however, that many of the more prolific chip issuing establishments might consider such a proposal if the right public relations person could take the ball and roll with it.

The Club magazine is a very nicely done, has a variety of articles, at least one of which is sure to appeal to most members. But it has limited circulation (to members only) and does not foster the membership roster. We need exposure to other mediums and the two publications named above are the most widely read; at least within the cardrooms.

I have for the longest time I wished I could wear a T-shirt full of different colorful chips to the card rooms which I patronize so that I could advertise (or announce) the fact that I collect chips. But typically, I just think of some of these things and do nothing about it. Rene has done something about it. You will notice he has printed up some T-shirts advertising his web page. I personally think it is a great idea and not only that, it happens to be a very attractive garment. I hope he sells a lot of them. It just so happens that I am one, (probably unique) that refuse to pay to advertise someone else's enterprise. I mention this only because I think it would be a great idea if the club were to initiate such an endeavor with the club logo as well as a bunch of chips both in front as well as in back and have it for sale to the members and others as well .

The above are just a couple of suggestion that might help accelerate the membership of our fine club. If none is acceptable, I would like to see other suggestions posted. I know that Nate and Barry are at least two of the current board members that read this board on a regular basis. Possibly, if a consensus of opinions were to be agreed up by many members, it could then go the board for final action.

For those of you who may not like anything I suggested, please don't read anything into this potential thread of my having any alternative motives. There are none. Once again, I thank Gene for initiating this idea (although he may not have realized it) and possibly with his inside contact with the Poker Digest and some of the casino's, he may be just the person to be able to pull together something for the benefit of us all. There are so many members, a list of which would take to long to mention who contribute so much, unselfishly, for the club.

Let me hear some positive comments.