... to the questions you've asked, David, though I'd rather not get into a full-fledged debate until the board publishes its decision.

Suffice it to say for the moment:

>> The question that is raised in my mind though about what you've
>> posted on Mr. Whalen is isn't what he has done likely going to be
>> harmful both to individual chip collectors and the hobby as a
>> whole since there are now unmarked fake chips out there?

That's a legitimate concern regarding which I would say two things: first, I learned nothing which indicates that David intended to deceive anyone; second, while the chips are unmarked, they are not unidentifiable (as indicated in my earlier post tonight and on October 24th).

Nevertheless, there is an obvious risk of deception, which is the reason that David obtained the die punch "W" with which to mark any such chips he might produce in the future and why he agreed not to produce any more pending the completion of this inquiry.

Would it have been better had he marked them all from the get-go? Of course.

>> It kind of makes me think of someone saying someone that
>> prints up counterfeit money hasn't done anything wrong
>> if he didn't personally pass any of it.

I see this somewhat differently, for the following reasons:

Unlike counterfeit money, these chips for the most part were intentionally made to look different than the real thing. "Counterfeit" money could hardly be passed if it was printed in different colors than the real thing.

The chips were produced without intent to deceive and were sold by David with complete disclosure of their nature.

>> If I've misinterpreted your posts, I apologize,
>> but that's the impression I've been left with.

No need to apologize for expressing your opinions in a civil manner. I take no offense, even if we ultimately disagree on the subject.

BTW:

>> First I want to commend you for being as open as you have
>> been to the online chipping community.

You're welcome (as you may have noticed, I even answered the other post that you deleted! ). However, I serve as Claims Director at the pleasure of the board and for the most part feel detailed discussion of these issues should await publication of their decision(s),

----- jim o\-S