I am no longer going to collect casino chips or memorabilia. It does not mean I am leaving the hobby. I am not. I will continue to write and stay involved as much as I can. I will attend our convention with my wife and support our fine organization whenever I believe support is required. My decision was based upon the amount of time I have to devout to this wonderful hobby versus my other “loves” such as poker that seem to suffer because of a lack of time. Time is something that is in short supply, especially, when one turns 65.

My wife who is also an independent life member in our fine organization had given up collecting years ago. Her personal collection of Alaska chips has not been added too since my friend Doug Saito gave her the last chip for her collection a while back. Yet, she attends the convention with me and spends time talking with other collectors.
I have not been around as much as I would like, but from time to time, I click on the Chipboard to get caught up with the latest. I have read as many posts as I can including all the political ones. I, like my friend Jay Sands, have not voiced an opinion within those posts but not for the same reasons.

Unlike many of my friends on the board I don’t see anything wrong with political discussions. It’s part of everyday life. Many years ago when the Chipboard was in its infancy I made a post knocking the collection of limited edition chips and also posts that were not chip related such as contests, etc. I also remember my friend Andy Hughes telling me I was “out of line” because individuals should be allowed to collect what they wish BUT more importantly ANYONE should be allowed to post anything they wish. If a post should be publicly offensive, Greg would remove it.

I took what Andy posted and gave it much thought. Andy was correct but so was Greg. Greg would remain the final authority as to acceptability as to “AN INDIVIDUAL POST” not subject matter. I spent time with Greg at our last convention playing no limit poker with Neil Silverman gawking behind us as to how we played our hands. Greg sat next to me on the right and we discussed many subjects. I planned on writing an article about our discussions and I eventually will do that. Greg was very thin and not feeling well but his smile was still infectious. One of the items I asked Greg about was what posts would he remove. He told me any post that would be publicly offensive. He also said that from the beginning if he removed more than a half dozen posts he removed a lot. He did not believe political posts were publicly offensive. He also believed ANY subject was fair game.

Now, that being said Greg is no longer with us. The chipboard is now being operated by someone else. Brian Watts now operates it and sets the parameters of what he will allow and what will not be allowed. I don’t envy Brian in his responsibilities, however, I do caution him in his exercise of authority. Once a subject matter is not allowed the door is open to restrict other subject matters that one finds they do not like or care for. The concept of removing a “publicly offensive” individual post (a somewhat objective criteria) now becomes the concept of removing or not allowing “subjects I don’t like” (totally subjective criteria). To argue this is censorship is absurd. It is the power of the pen and Brian has the pen. However, by not allowing specific subjects, it is my opinion more damage is done in the long run than simply ignoring the thread and let those who wish to participate within it….. do. As was so eloquently and previously stated by someone if you don’t care for the topic or posts “don’t click on it”. However, that action “of just not clicking on the post” appears to be too simple and it is just easier to complain instead of just ignoring and moving on.

Brian you are doing a “Great” job of running the board. Greg would be proud of the job you are doing. I am sorry you have let these posts get to you to the point of saying you would prefer not to run the board if they continue. I know you were truly expressing yourself and how you feel. Please take a moment and reread what you said. It comes across as a type of ultimatum to those who have always felt they could express themselves openly and freely on any subject.

I don’t know if there are others who would or could take over for what you do. Maybe there are or maybe not. I would hate to see it come down to that. The Chipboard is a wonderful place to read about chips, read jokes, see antique cars, enter contests and yes voice ones opinion about politics. I hope for everyone’s sake it stays that place.

Perhaps the suggestion should have been “To express oneself in a respective manner” rather than throwing out a subject in its entirety; Just my thoughts on this subject.

Brian, by the way, if you need any contribution to keep the board operating just ask. No one should bear all the cost by oneself. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion.

Perlowski