Recently there was a thread regarding a trend in the hobby towards more buy/sell and less trade. I did not have time to respond when I saw it and I just cannot find that thread now. Was it removed? I beleive it was initiated by Allan McCurdy.

Anyway, here are my comments:

First of all, Allan (and some of you others) have been VERY gracious in selling me some chips when there is nothing of interest from my (new and limited) trader list.

Second of all, I definetely share the consensus opinion that I would strongly prefer to trade then buy/sell.

Now the tricky part...How does a newbie develope a desirable set of traders? I have seen suggestions to acquire extras (for the purpose of trading) wherever you go and to ask friends to do the same on your behalf. However, Having a bunch of current rack chips does not comprise a desirabe set of traders.

I understand I need to have reasonable expectations (i.e. cannot expect to trade current racks for obsoletes). I also am beginning to realize it will take some time to build a desirable set of traders. Any suggestions in the mean time would be appreciated.

Thanks...Jim