This question has reared it's head many times on the Chip Board. But, IMO it has never been answered satisfactorily within "reasonable club guidelines".

I am opposed to copying someone's chip scan if it is going to be used for the purpose of selling another chip like it. However I see nothing wrong with copying a scan if it is to be used for reference purposes only. Example: A new chip is offered by one of the many "new issue services " that we have in the club. Perhaps that chip is not being bought now, but "saved for future purchase or reference", or you see a chip on ebay that you may want in the future. What to do?? Again in my opinion, it is not practical to request permission in every case. Another example would be chip Mfgs, like Chipco. They have a collectors Gallery on new chip issues. I copy these for reference and I don't see Chipco crying Foul.

What I do is copy the scan and catalog it in my "Chips Wanted Binder". Then when I am ready to make the purchase, I have the scan for reference. After I receive the chip I discard the copied scan, as now I have the real item. How many times on this board has someone wanted a chip but has no scan. The first question from everyone is, do you have a scan? Well, obviously if the person doesn't have the chip the only way they can provide a scan is to copy another. According to some "Die Hards" your not supposed to copy a scan under any conditions.

I for one see nothing wrong with copying a scan for reference only. I am wondering how many other club members feel the same or are opposed to copying regardless of the reason.

As long as we have to deal with new issues or no ref numbers or lack of a single common source for chip info, I feel the above approach is the most practical way available.