Don,
I totally disagree with you. This is one of the primary reasons why individuals should use this board to ask general questions.

For example:

Does anyone have any information concerning chip X? I would like to know how many are floating around? What prices have you seen this chip selling for? Has the price begin to come down? Does anyone you know have this chip in quantity. Who can tell me a little history about this chip? etc. etc. etc.

I think you get my point. Best, Jim