For someone who did not even attend this year's convention and has stated they have virtually left this collecting field to make such brash statements on an open BB is, in my opinion, a very foolish thing to do. But since they have stuck their nose where it has no business being you will now hear my side of the story.

I did not attend the convention simply because I, personally, do not like the Tropicana. I have not liked the Tropicana for the past 20 years and over the years I have found no reason to change my opinion of the place. Since it was decided to hold this years convention there, so be it, I just didn't go and that was my own personal choice.

I at no time tried to discourage anyone else from going there and wished everyone involved to have a great time. I did end up going to the Wednesday night reception, due to repeated requests from certain of my closest friends.
The room was far to crowded, but as far as I could see EVERYONE still had a great time.

I talked to many people during and after the convention and as far as I could tell EVERYONE that went enjoyed every minute of it.

As far as my telling anyone I felt the event was a "flop" I would like Mr. Bruton to give me the name of the "friend of his" I am supposed to have talked to because I would like to speak to this person again to hear just what I said that would have given him this impession.
I know very well just how hard Wayne, Belinda, and many others worked for a whole year to assure the success of this event and there is no way I would care to tear apart all the tremendous work they did on this project. As far as I know the object of the whole thing is for people to come together once a year to enjoy the company of all those with like interests in collecting and THAT is just what happened 2 weeks ago at the Tropicana.
It made not one iota of difference whether I was there or not the convention went on as planned by those that did all the work.

In the past week Jerry and I, and this hobby in general have lost the one person that devoted untold number of hours in promoting our collectible and doing his very best to get new people started in this hobby. Bob Matthews can never be replaced.

At this point those of you that have nothing better to do than spend time on this BB just trying to stir up trouble should do a whole bunch of soul searching and try to find something productive to do or say.

To all those not involved in this mess I apologize for your having to read all this nonsense.
Most Sincerely, Janice O'Neal