with the Pai Gows. Many of you will remember how I was Four Queens Crazy when I started in the hobby almost 2 years ago.

At that time, I was into anything and everything "Four Queens". Of course, I came across tha Pai Gow chips on the Internet somewhere and had to have them because they were so cool! I posted on the board seeking them, and someone responded with a set for sale. I can't recall exactly who (it was about 18 months ago), but I can recall that I paid about $20 for the pair (I remember because they were the most expensive chips I'd bought at the time). Yes, I was told they were never in play, but I didn't care - they said "Four Queens", and I was happy. (someone later gave me a 2nd pair that I in turn gave to a collector friend of mine).

What I do recall is no one coming down on me for seeking them or the seller for selling them at the time. It was just another chip transaction.

Now, I've decided to sell my Four Queens chips (you've seen the bulk of them get posted within the past 48 hours). Naturally, I want to sell the Pai Gows along with the rest of them. I certainly don't want to keep them anymore than any of the other 4Q chips. I'm not trying to "scam" anyone, or rip anyone off. My listing clearly indicates they were never used on the tables. I just want to get part of my investment out of them.

But recently, some members have gone on a public crusade against these chips. For reasons that I understand yet don't entirely agree with, I am now put in the position to have to throw-away chips because someone else finds their history offensive? What if someone else who is not offended wants them? Should I destroy them anyway? Is it ok to give them away? Why is that any better than selling them?? Mark's certainly not getting any more money out of these 2 chips.

Furthermore now, simply because I'm trying to sell part of my own personal collection, I'm being attacked as someone who's trying to hurt this hobby. Unbelievable!! In the past 18 months, I believe I've done more than my share of good things for the hobby, yet because I'm selling two of my own chips (no, not lining the pockets of Mark Karoll), I'm all of a sudden the "bad guy"??? Now THAT is ironic and hurtful.