Hey Leland: Hope all is well with you. I'm writing this to let you know that I started a new column on our website (we're trying to get it going...just keep shooting ourselves in the foot on getting an organized plan working to be able to put out frequent and interesting content. I'm doing a bit more now...I pleaded ignorance at first but finally realized that I needed to dig in and learn website editing) Anyway, there will be more columnists and more frequent updates. I started my own column and since you made the "time delay rules" a hot issue, I decided to follow up by using it as the subject for the first column. I invite you to read it to get another perspective on the issue. Don't worry...although my opinion differs from yours, there's no personal attacks or anything like that...your name is not even mentioned in the article. I would like to get some action on our message board...maybe this would be a good topic for it. Consider sharing your thoughts on it. It is an open forum...not edited unless there is anything offensive. Of course we wouldn't allow that and I don't think that would be an issue for anyone except teenagers and S.g? (LOL) Leland, I hope you realize that I harbor no animosity toward you. I have been blunt a few times in written correspondence...I will defend myself when I feel it's necessary, but I still would prefer to be friends. Sometimes statements appear harsher in writing than they would if the parties were talking in "real time". I hope you eventually find your way clear to join us on Tuesday nights. I hope the sincerity of this message comes through. Let's talk soon .... Gary ************************************************ Gary: Thanks again for your invitation. This evening, I went back and carefully read CCC Messages 315 & 317. Except for the cute quip about the "Captain's Platter," nowhere could I find one statement which I made that could be considered a personal attack upon you. But, somehow your emotional analysis of my sentiments became accusations of statements which I simply did not make!? -- What I indicated were my own personal reasons why the Asian Library did not appeal to me as a comfortable place to play chess?! And, again, my answer is the same. If you were to find a better location with more room, full size tables and chairs and food or refreshments, I would be honored to participate. Considering that just before you occupied it, you told me "you really didn't like the location, yourself, but it would work for now," are you continuing to seek a better location, or are you completely satisfied with the Asian Library? (And, regardless of the fact that because few of their books or magazines are written in English and few people disturb them, I can hardly believe those kind folks want you there in perpetuity?!). Fifteen or so years ago, the Charlotte Chess Club had a time control which provided for adjournments!? Players would study the positions and meet their opponent early to finish the game the following week. We also played 3 round events with a G60 time control! No one seemed to be bothered with that. Obviously, times have changed and chess has changed. One would think that the modern player who relies on the "time delay" rule, would jump at the chance to play G60! Therefore, the current "local chess community complaint" doesn't make sense? Though you have not visited, location notwithstanding, I submit that the Seafarer is a far better facility for chess than the Asian Library! What we have, that local chess players seem to reject, is great food and lots of room to move around! I can't prevent "Leland haters" from damning me behind my back. But, I still have 50+ players on the CCC roster who paid their membership fees in order to have a good facility in which to play chess. And, until something BETTER comes along, I feel it is my responsibility to be there to accommodate them. Please understand this; I am not referring to Gary Newsom the organizer, I am referring specifically to the ASIAN LIBRARY. In fact, over the past year, the "new guard," which include about a dozen young motivated players, seem to have flourished and arrived at a level of competence which we have not seen in Charlotte for years! And I believe you to be partially responsible for that success! But I can hardly believe that their years of experience at the Charlotte Chess Club was all for naught!? I have enjoyed watching them grow up, and ultimately accepting their challenge over the board! Gary, we have known each other for a long time. And, I have enjoyed the many lively encounters we have had over the board!  Though we had one unfortunate business disagreement, I would still like to think that we are friends. I do not recall ever being disrespectful to you publicly, nor you to me. In fact, you have supported my efforts for years and even spoken up to defend me on many occasions. That, I appreciate. The food at the Seafarer makes it worth the trip! Maybe one of these days, you might consider joining us. By the way, I told Dr. Tkachouk about your club; he said he was only available to play on Wednesday evenings. When you move to your "new" location, I'll be there!! Best regards, Leland Ps. Recalling one of your "big" promotional points, whatever happened to the "FIDE ratings" which your participants where to receive?