With all of the recent talk of what this "blue" is worth vs., what that "blue" is really worth when there are only 400 active collectors in a hobby and Ltd. Editions of 750, I have to ask myself what really makes for a true and healthy marketplace in a collectible hobby?

If you go to www.Wizardworld.com you will see a site devoted to tracking several popular collectibles just like tracking a stock in the stock market. As a matter of fact, I was told that you can set up a portfolio of collectibles tracked by that site and watch their fluctuations in the marketplace based upon prices realized and then tracked on the internet. I have never done this but I marvel at the prospect of being able to do it someday in Silver Strikes; but then comes the question will our hobby (Silver Strikes) ever go the route of those collectibles (comic books, baseball cards, action figures, barbie dolls, etc.)?

I have to ask myself what is the difference between why there are large numbers of people who want to collect baseball cards and comic books and barbie dolls (enough to create such a robust marketplace) and what makes you and me want to collect Silver Strikes and casino chips. I also have to ask myself "Do I really want this collectible hobby to go the route of baseball cards or comic books - would this be a plus or a minus to the fun factor we all have in our hobby?"

Just some thoughts - What do all of you think?

Do people collect baseball cards and comic books because they are in love with the subject matter on the card and in the comics? If so, we are in a whole different class of collectible because the subject matter in Silver Strikes and casino chips is rather boring. It is not at all consistent for one thing; it consists of anything the casinos want to put out there - cars, animals, deceased celebrities, national holidays, etc. Why would people across the nation want to start actively collecting silver strikes and chips unless they lived in Las Vegas or Reno where they have ongoing access to the enjoyable process of gathering (gambling) these items?

Why do we all collect what we collect? and What would make our hobby more attractive to other people who like to "collect" other than gamblers? Is there a reason for there to ever be a robust marketplace in Silver Strikes? EVER?

Does this interest anybody or am I the only goofy person who analyzes this stuff (aka as anal-izing!)

Best Regards,
Avram