”Jay, theres no sense in arguing”

Actually, Burt, there are no GROUNDS for arguing. This is, in the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “like déjà vu all over again.” This “poor, poor me” bullshit won’t fly any more. We’ve been there and done this routine with you, Burt. I’ve personally received an e-mail from you requesting a truce, only to have you begin needling me the next day.

The problem, Burt, as expressed by many others, is this: you just don’t get it. It’s becoming ever clearer that you never will.

What you don’t get is that this hobby is not only about chips… it’s really not even primarily about chips. It’s about relationships. At this point no one would expect you to understand, because you’ve demonstrated an absolute disregard for this aspect of the lives that the rest of us lead. But after what I’ve heard at the convention (where you were the hot topic, as you may well imagine), and read here on the Board today, I can assure you that, joining the club or not, you will ALWAYS be on the outside looking in.

Prior to the convention, I’ll admit that I’d been advised of two or three of your abortive trading and buying attempts. In Las Vegas, however, I was amazed at the depth of the hole you’ve managed to dig for yourself. At one point I sat down at a table with two other gentlemen who at the time I had only known through reputation, although I’d had some dealings with them over the years. I was met with a “cheers” from one of them and within 30 seconds I discovered that you’d had unsatisfactory transactions with both of them. As the convention went on, I heard more horror stories about your dealings with other friends of mine, with the common thread being that none of them will have anything to do with you in the future. You’ve pissed off some very good people, Burt, and you WILL pay the piper.

Beyond the unacceptable nature of your business dealings, however, I heard other troubling issues… from 12 e-mails in an hour to one seller, to quoting unnamed “reliable sources” regarding another’s pricing structure (after the fact, of course), and the list goes on and on. As people began to compare notes about your communications, a troubling profile emerged. I’m sure it’s clear now to all of the participants in prior dealings with you and readers of the tip of the iceberg that’s been revealed today by Jill and Will that you are completely undesirable as a trading partner or even as a buyer.

As far as your apology is concerned, although I can’t speak for others, it’s meaningless to me. Just empty words, as always. As for your alleged “friends” on the board, I still challenge you to name just one. As for the “handful” of people that don’t like you, I think it’s time to start dealing with reality. With regard to joining the club, I feel that you have nothing to gain by doing so, and I’d be amazed if you could find a sponsor at this point or if your application would be accepted. One of the things we do for each other, Burt, is to protect one another from people like you, and, frankly, I can’t see anyone welcoming you with open arms.

I am aware, as well, that you have received quite a bit of advice from many, many collectors (including myself), who were willing to help a newbie in the hobby. I am also aware that you have chosen to follow exactly NONE of the advice that was offered. Your inane daily comment-free chip posts notwithstanding, you continue to do everything in your power to alienate everyone on the board. As far as I can tell, this has been your only successful endeavor to date.