Easy maybe, but I am not sure it is the right one. If we limit it in some way to 'of the year', then it fails to take into consideration the impact an outlet may have or have had.

A book may have been released in the fall of 2005. The book may be a truly wonderful addition to the hobby. But being somewhat a niche hobby, there won't be a lot of mass media on the topic. So it will take chatter on the net, efforts by some of the web retailers, and exposure at the convention before it could gain a substantive place in the hobby.

Even if all that happens within 12 months, the book is not even considered because it was released in 2005, and is no longer eligible.

If our mission the preservation of gaming history, then the award should be for a broader level of achievement, one that may take years to accomplish. I also don't think the limitation should be to chip collecting, but to any effort to promote or save the history of gaming (the foundation for the hobby).

Last night I failed to come up with an idea of something that was not truly an outlet or media oriented, but may be a legitimate nominee. I now have two. One is the Neon Boneyard, the other is the Gambling Hall of Fame/Museum (it used to be at the Tropicana, but has moved). Other considerees may be the Liberace Museum or the Elvis O Rama. They certainly act to preserve a slice of vegas history.

How is this for an award title (yes getting the name right before defining the purpose and criteria is akin to puttin the cart before the horse but...) 'Presidential Medal' for recognition for contributions in promoting and or preserving gaming history.