... with that opinion, did I? <g> So be it.

Obviously, this is a complicated subject which will require very careful consideration of any specific purchase. And please note the key language in my position statement:

>> I support the acquisition of such records by the club, IF THEY CAN BE OBTAINED AT A REASONABLE PRICE.

Rich Hanover makes a good suggestion for alternative uses of the records which ought to be considered if any are ever purchased. Though I disagree, Rich, with your objection to the "double charge". Happens all the time in the real world and while it may not be palatable it is often the only way to make things work -- a relatively large cost of acquisition [or construction] which can only be practically funded by the entire group while actual users pay the maintenance cost. User fees for parks and recreational facilities, tolls for bridges and highways, tuition fees for public universities and colleges, and so on -- all examples of the same basic concept.

The objections of the two Jim P's are somewhat puzzling in their vehemence. I do think "control" is an important issue and it is one of the reasons I support club involvement in purchasing and maintaining records. I would rather see such records under the control of a non-profit educational organization (i.e., the club), even if run by volunteers, than any private person (who could exercise his "control" at any time to make the records unavailable to collectors). Same basic principle underlies the establishment of public museums, libraries, the Smithsonian Institute, etc.

It should have gone without saying, but I will say it -- I would expect the club officers to exercise appropriate diligence in evaluating any potential purchase of manufacturers records and that club funds would be expended only after very thorough and careful consideration of all aspects of the situation. That being said, I stand by my original opinion on the subject.

----- jim o\-S