<Sigh>, here I go...

I'm going to get flamed for this. I never made a comment on this subject when we discussed it 6 months ago, so here goes. WE ALL KNOW THIS... between a high priced chips, we would choose the better condition one over an inferior one. When we make a subject remark like I enjoyed the movie on a 10 point scale I give it... or this wine is an 8 on my scale of...we are just assessing some kind of relative measurement. We are trying to set an objective scale to a subjective assessment. Subconsciously we do that but Campiglia and Wells have chosen to publicly write about it.

Would we pay more for a better condition chip? I think yes, so why not admit that we do have our OWN criteria for grading. Nothing is set in concrete certainly not prices of chips. But it is a starting point. I fail to see how it is bad for the hobby. If a chip is listed in TCR one might make the point of taking lower or higher than book value because of condition. Is that really any different than what is printed in the "OFFICIAL" book. Perhaps the title is offensive and the sense of arrogance. It's called marketing, salesmanship, etc. These guys certainly didn't make any money on this venture. Who in their right mind would put so much effort, blood, sweat, and beers into a money losing venture. Is it for the hobby, ego, who cares, it's another resource and they should be commended for the effort.

My opinion has been the price all depends on whether you're buying or selling. They're just guides, not the bible. And the more information we have published on the subject the greater the exposure and hopefully a growing healthy hobby where we are more inclusive than exclusive.

As a relatively new collector, I've tried to get my hands on as much reading material with regards to chips and casino history. I think that this book along with The Chip Rack, The Gaming Table, Nevada Gaming Checks and Chips, Nevada's Golden Age of Gambling are all BENEFICIAL to the hobby. There are other guides too that have only been printed/published in the last 5 years Black, Pollack, Hertel, Lauderman, Nezhoda, Weaver, etc. Look what was available ten years ago.

I take offense when people really make an effort and get shot down for the work they do. Okay, enough said. This was my turn on the soapbox. I welcome any comments. I do, really.