It is very obvious that some new folks have not read the link for "First Time Users Of This Board" that is provided at the top of this page.

Every once in a while, I think this must be copied and pasted into the "meat & potatoes" portion of this bulletin board. So with that thought in mind and a New Year coming up ... and not directed to anyone specifically ... for whatever it is worth ... here is what this message board is all about ....

"You have just wandered into a public, no-holds-barred, uncensored airing of many controversial issues in and outside the boundaries of the chip hobby. You are reading and digesting opposing opinions of many dedicated chippers. Some of these chippers are brand new to the hobby, just like you are.... others are seasoned veterans more than willing to share their experiences and the knowledge they have received in the hobby with others.

Please treat this bulletin board as if you lifted the receiver of your telephone at home and overheard some private heated discussions.... much as someone else has compared this board to listening friends argue at the neighborhood bar. Do not take these public exchanges for more than they are worth. Most posts are merely opinions.... others are very factual. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two. You may agree with some of them. You may disagree with others. But in the final analysis, most of the posts on this board are meant to be informative and others are intended to be expose's of various conditions in the hobby.

Many heated exchanges you will be reading are between friends who have known each other for years and who will continue to be friends after the fire has died down. Some exchanges are between former friends who will never be friendly again. Some are just plain spiteful. So it is with that caution that I welcome you to thechipboard.com where everyone is encouraged to say what ever is on their minds. Hopefully, we can all appreciate where the other person is coming from when the day is over."