I have seen ALL the comments about the Hobby and the Convention posted over the last week or so - many interesting ideas have been put forth.

Here is my take on the "State of the Chip Collecting Hobby". As far as I am concerned the "State" of the Hobby is Strong !!! This assessment is based on my own personal experiences.

I had one of my best Conventions ever - sold a ton of Stuff and picked up a lot of items for my Collection. I think the Hobby is vibrant and is still capable of expansion and growth. I am always optimistic - but when you have 4 or 5 collectors at your table just chomping at the bit to buy chips, it gives you a good feeling about the Hobby. In many cases I could have sold several more items but I literally ran out of them.

I rarely sell any mega priced chips worth $100s or $1000s each, but I do move a lot of lesser value unique and unusual items - Roulettes, NCVs, Illegals, etc. I have found a little niche in the Hobby that works for me

As far as attracting "Newer Younger" Folks to the Club, I have always thought our best source of new prospects were "Newer Middle Aged" Folks. I am a living example of what I believe the ideal Club Member could be. I joined this Hobby and Club in 1992 at the age of 46 and have thoroughly enjoyed my self for the last 23 years and I look forward to many, many more years to come. By the nature of our Hobby - no one can even get in a Casino until they are 21 years old in most areas. It's hard to get "Kids" interested in something that can't even really experience.

In my travels I go to lots and lots of Casinos all over the Country and what do I see - Young 20 some things - NO (except for the Bars and Night Clubs) - What I see are mature folks - the "Gray and Bald Headed Crowd" - the ready for AARP Group - You know what I mean !!

So, I believe our recruiting efforts should not leave out a large group of "Middle Aged" people who could be viable members/collectors for the next 25 to 30 years, just like I have been. What ever has to be done to attract this group of people to our Hobby, I believe would be very productive. These folks generally - have more disposable income, less family obligations and more time to spend on a Hobby than the 20 to 30 some things. Also, they are already in the Casinos on a regular basis - kinda like a captive audience just waiting to be exposed to the Chip Collecting Hobby.

I am not discounting any suggestions or attempts to attract "Younger" folks to the Hobby - Just don't forget about the more "Mature" crowd.

Take care,
Jerry "Gray and Bald, but still Collecting !!" Birl