1792

Barndog

in case it gets lost...

First, here are some things you should know which paint me in a bad light:

1) It was only yesterday when I said "For reasons I am not at liberty to divulge, this will be my last post here for 2006, if not longer", so you can't believe everything you hear from me.

2) I was previously warned by PCGS - this is not a quote - that as a PCGS dealer who was allowed to post on this forum (in effect, getting free advertising and the opportunity to do business with forum members, etc.) I was not to be overly critical of PCGS. I had admittedly pushed the envelope by starting threads on the "first strike" issue in which I was critical of PCGS and asked them to answer questions and provide some explanations, etc. At that time, I was also told not to post for a certain time period and to say nothing regarding what I was told or why I wasn't posting. I honored that request. That was the reason for my previous brief absence and mysterious silence some time ago.

3) I was told yesterday not to post here again until at least the FUN show, that I needed to talk to someone at PCGS first and not to say anything about it. So, I am admittedly ignoring, or, if you will, defying that order.

In case I have any credibility left, here is the rest of the story.......

I have been accused by one or more persons at PCGS of "bashing PCGS" in a recent thread or threads on the "first strike" issue. The thread or threads, incidentally, have been pulled by PCGS, so I don't have access to my comments. It is my recollection, however, that rather than "bashing PCGS", I was engaging in polite discussion and debate with other forum members regarding the "first strike" issue and some of the possible legal arguments that could be put forth in the pending lawsuits. I did not start the thread(s), I did not use the "F" word, and, if my memory serves me correctly, I did not say PCGS or NGC had necessarily done anything wrong. I do not believe for a moment, that in the eyes of any non-biased person who is not overly sensitive on the subject, I "bashed PCGS". Nor was it my intention to do so.

If PCGS cares to, I welcome them to show me and the forum where I "bashed PCGS" - all I ask is that they show my entire, unedited remarks. In fact, in a non-polite fashion, I have challenged someone at PCGS to back up their accusations.

PCGS obviously has the right to ban me, temporarily or permanently, if they choose to. I believe, however, that it is unfair to me and to other forum members, for them to tell me not to post, while hiding behind my silence and theirs, creating unnecessary speculation and/or concern, or the thought that I was playing games. Let them go on record, stating specifically why they are banning me - at least that might help prevent others from breaking the rules.

In case I am not allowed to post anymore (and, at this point, I won't, without their express permission), it's been my sincere pleasure to have participated here for the past four years. And that is a large understatement. I have made many friends and enjoyed myself greatly. Thanks to each of you and PCGS for that.

If anyone here ever has any questions I might be able to answer or needs any help that I might be able to provide, please feel free to contact me - I have a lot of pals here that I don't do any business with.

Sometimes we need to stand up and speak out on principle, and be willing to accept the consequences. I am willing to do that.

Sincerely,
Mark Feld