Well as newbies to the whole Silver Striking Community we thought we would submit our first post after the recent conference. So here it is...

Top 5 things we really liked....
1) The great people we met, what a wonderful group of individuals and in general makes you proud to be part of this hobby
2) Playing the new machines and going for the blues... once again, just chatting and getting to know fellow collectors as we were waiting for our turn made it really enjoyable.
3) The incredible number of people willing to help you fill holes in your collection by selling commons for $12 at the convention.
4) Finding out about local trading clubs and groups, we are looking forward to paricipating and meeting even more local collectors and friends.
5) People willing to take the time to explain different mints, different errors, and help you know what is common, what is unique and what to look for.

Some things that disappointed us...
1) Grown adults that can't follow simple rules. Each place with blues had simple rules, and we were too happy to follow them. After all it is a hobby, but there are always morals and ethics in everything. One has to choose to follow them or not. Hey, when you get your limit of blues, time to move on! Or when they say 5 blues, 20 clears for a big one and a set of regulars, that's not so hard to understand, so set an example as adults that would serve as an example to new people, or don't expect your children to follow your rules.
2) The whole Four Queens Mess, I say ignore it, this is the kind of greed that ruins a hobby. Thanks, I'll pass...
3) OK, a repeat of number one, what is so hard to understand about having your name on only one list at the Palms until you finished your turn before putting your name on another list. Gimme a break, you think I was too stupid to see your anme on multiple lists? The rules weren't that hard, I'll remember your name and just consider you one of the non-hobbyist, a greedy dealer or adult that can't read a few simple rules!

Ok, now it is not fair to crticize without making constructive suggestions for improvements...
1) Put down cell phone numbers for all lists, when your turn is up, call the next two people and let them know. This worked GREAT for some of us on the El Cortez list. I even got a good nights sleep thank to Doug!
2) Get the Casinos to agree to enforce the rules, have club officers or volunteers agree to police the machines for the first 48 hours or so. If people don't follow them, revoke membership, after all, it's part of being a member to follwo rules. Let's face it, people will show their true colors, and the dealers that don't follow them shouldn't be members anyways.
3) How about a simple pamphlet as an introduction to Strike Collecting, I have learned so much from so many great people, I would be happy to volunteer to write the 'newbies guide', might be nice for new people next year.
4) Commonize the rules between the casinos so there is lees confusion, and publish them along with agreed start times before.
5) Maybe consider time limits at machines, one hour then ya go! I know this would upset the ones going for the $200, but hey, feel free at the end of your hour to sign up again! At least we could actually schedule times then and people could plan a little better.

Well, that's it, once again we really had a great time, and it was a real pleasure metting many of you. I know this will stir things up a bit, but that doesn't seem like anything new for this board.

Thanks again, and Happy Striking!