While I don't like the idea of slabbed chips, I am having a problem with some of the arguments being made here.

Many are not only against slabbing but against any sort of grading system. Fine, I understand you believe that a grading system will lead to slabbing.

But without a grading system why are many here willing to be critical of sellers for describing a chip "wrong"

Some people get upset about the use of the word rare. But since there is no uniform system of "grading" the rarity of a chip how can any seller know when it is or isn't appropriate to use that term.

Few of us would buy a chip without giving some consideration to the condition. However with many transactions taking place over the internet, by mail or by phone how can we know what the condition of a chip is? We rely on the sellers description. If there is no uniform system of describing condition (ie grading) then you can't criticize the seller who you feel misdescribed a chip by using a term like mint or good or excellent, because you refuse to define what these words mean.

So while I think it is proper to condem the idea of sending ours chips off to an "expert" to grade and slab our chips, you should not be condeming the idea of having some grading standards.