Jill, you wrote a wonderful response. After reading all the posts (as of this minute...) regarding Mel's departure, I came back to yours - wishing that I could have done as well. As a (fairly) new collector, I share your excitement about the hobby.... getting new chips in the mail to happily add to my growing collection, thinking about all the history packed into that little piece of clay. Since I'm so new at this I haven't had some of the other pleasures that you describe, but I have heard a story or two from Mel. He answered my very first post on the Chipboard, sold me a chip (AND told me not to bother sending any money until I got the chip and decided to keep it), and after 2 emails invited me into his home. OK, I'm a rookie and have tried to avoid taking sides. I now have a position. It is: I urge you all to re-read Jill's post.