We are talking about a knowledgeable and well respected CC & GTCC member who goes by HLM-001. You are correct. I did not ask for advice. I didn’t want nor need his advice. The Post was a continuing dialog which reflected that member’s opinion and his position on disclosure. It is in the archives so feel free to do the research if you really care.

What HLM-001 did state was “it was none of one’s business how many chips he may have depending upon who was asking the question”.

As I’m sure you understand, rarity is based on the perceived number of chips known. Thus, when determining what the perceived value to the buyer may be, a buyer needs to have as accurate as possible information to make an intelligent decision. Yet according to HLM-001 if he doesn’t like a particular individual, then HLM-001 feels it’s quite alright to withhold full disclosure. Cleary stated in his post.

Article 9 specifically addresses that subject especially for a member that has superior knowledge. I would conclude a person that writes a price and identification guide has superior knowledge.

More importantly, for the “newbie’s” that the club wishes to add to membership, a person that writes a price and chip identification guide, and one that “newbie’s” read and accept his posts as gospel, HML-001 owes the hobby a much higher standard, if not a fiduciary obligation to be 100 percent open and honest. Not just to people he make like or feel like disclosing what he really knows.

As for your question regarding my compliance with the formal complaint / grievance procedure, indeed I did file and act in accordance with the club’s policy.

Please note, my issue was initially sent to the proper officer, an individual that was running for Club President. He in turn said I had a legitimate issue that had merit, but he needed to send it elsewhere for consideration as HLM-001 was supporting his election to the board and didn’t want o rock the boat.

The issue eventually went to Travis Lewin who ruled HLM-001 made no statements that were in contravention of the Code of Ethics.

For the record, I never asked for a fine, suspension or anything harmful or detrimental to HLM-001. All I sought was a retraction of his pompous and misleading statement which was in violation of Article 9 of the Code of Ethics.

All of us agree at times and disagree at other times. But in my opinion, I honestly believe the club made a decision that was not in the best interest of the membership at large. Accordingly, and based on their decision, I resigned my membership.

Glenn