I've just had a chance to read the numerous bulletins posted in the last few days about the slabbing seminar in the works for the convention.

I'm not quite ready to make a public announcement about the seminar, because I want to receive confirmations from all invited speakers before I do so.

I only have a couple of comments that I'd like to share at this point. No one - and I really mean no one - knows exactly what's planned at this point, because I haven't said!

There's no "blame" or "credit" to be given. There were varying views on whether a slabbing seminar should be conducted, and one of the considerations frankly was whether our membership could be expected to maintain decorum and courtesy in such a setting.

The concensus among the Board, Wayne, Belinda and me was that under the proper circumstances and with the right format, balanced education is what this club is about, and would benefit the membership. That's what will be presented.

I understand the view, expressed by some people I respect and who are friends, that ANY seminar, regardless of format, is a promotional opportunity for slabbing businesses. Put that way, I'm not sure I disagree. CHIPCO, PaulSon and every dealer who has ever served on a seminar panel had a similar "promotional opportunity."

But that opportunity will not be the only one, I can guarantee that. There will be equal opportunity for the opposition's "promotion" and there will be discussions by those who have substantial experience in the coin hobby, where slabbing has been common for some years.

Our members will have the chance to evaluate for themselves, given at least three different points of view.

Maybe a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. This seminar will provide more than just a little knowledge.

Finally, a word about the time that the seminars are planned. Frankly, I'd prefer a later time than 8:30 am as well. But the show opens at 10 am each day. If we hold seminars after 10 am, it means two things: first, that anyone who has taken a table (and let's not forget that those people are paying for a large part of the convention) are precluded from participating, either as panelists or as attendees. Second, if a large number of collectors is in a seminar room during the show, they don't have the chance to visit the tables they want to see, and the dealers don't have the opportunity to sell to them during that time.

If the seminar topics are of interest to you (and we try each year to make sure that they are), you'll attend. If 8:30's too early, the topics can't be of that much interest.

I'm hoping that the topics for this year's seminars - which I'll announce in detail as soon as the panels are set - will be of sufficient interest to enough members that we'll have some decent attendance. I know the speakers are sacrificing their time and making the effort to assist the membership. It would be a shame if the members didn't care.

Michael