Okay, now read this carefully before everyone jumps all-over this. I'm not supporting the comments regarding the building fund being a "scam". I love the idea and have money into supporting it like most everyone else that's come out in its defense. I also know several of the folks involved and trust them. HOWEVER...

I want to point out a plausible scenario that we might want to consider before we cut into the next person who makes statements on the board.

* IF * (and I'm not saying Joe fits into this category) but IF someone relatively new or innocent overheard a couple of "dealers" at the convention referring to the building fund or any other function of the club as a "scam", don't you think it is reasonible to post to this board looking for information?

I agree that e-mailing club officiers would be a much better choice, but I know members of the board and I have a lot of trust in them. Remember, this person claims to have overheard DEALERS at the convention making the statements. (Dealers probably imply "in the know" or at least veteran club members for the most part to a newer person.) Certainly, if this was the case, that could be a credible comment, at least to the observer if they were as I described.

Now, if that was the case, going to the officers of club accused of a "scam" (whatever the heck that might mean/be) is probably not the person's first thought. With a lot of well respected people on the chipboard, wouldn't it seem reasonible that they might ask for a little info/help/explanation here? Especially if they don't know a whole lot?

I think so. I might have done it back in 99 had I had questions/concerns like that. I didn't know the CCGTCC board members at the time, but I had read thechipboard occassionally. With really passionate people like Jim R., Archie, and Gene on here, I would have thought that they would know what's going on and want to protect the hobby--thus any reference to a "scam" might be investigated/dismissed/explained. Remember, Joe used his name, so he wasn't hiding like a troll just stiring up trouble.

Okay... why am I posting this? Well, I would hope that rather that rip into someone, we might have as a group been just smidge more understanding that this could actually be a legitimate question from a chip collector. Instead, we got a rather embarrassing mess of posts on this.

Sorry to sound all preachy, but we're not exactly doing our hobby justice the last couple of days. I certainly don't think it speaks to our character or the integrity of the club to jump at people on here who might just be looking for information.

Now, I don't know Joe and maybe this has nothing to do with this situation. But what if Joe really were that innocent, newer member/collector. We didn't help right away, did we? (Until Tyrus made a great post.)

Go ahead and yell at me now. I'm sure I said something wrong. I apologize in advance for suggesting we create a kinder, friendly environment on here. (Someone usually tells me at this point that I'm too sensitive. Hopefully I just saved you the trouble.)

Bryan