I find it so interesting how so many people have so much to offer; yet for some reason they don’t see the potential of it all.
Let me share a story that I think many can relate to. Las Vegas, I remember seeing the bright lights; I remember thinking “it must cost millions to power this city.” I was shocked at how inviting it was, it seemed like all of my senses were suddenly alive. My eyes couldn’t scan the landscape fast enough, my ears couldn’t keep up with the sounds; I loved the hot air on my skin even though it was late at night I was so caught up in the experience, I felt like I could smell and taste the glitz and glamour. I had driven about 6 hours with some friends and after sitting in a car that long with other people, the sights and sounds were a jolt to my system, and I hadn’t even walked into a casino yet. The mystique was all so true. Just like the millions of other visitors, I was there to put my money on the table and get involved in some games. It seemed so familiar since I had seen it on so many movies. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the adventures that waited just behind those casino doors. Trying to remain calm, I walked in to the bright lights and the sounds, each machine singing, coins falling from slot machines, conversations between dealers and players and those in the crowd.
I felt overwhelmed as I approached a table and realized that I was just about to put my hard earned money in the hands of total stranger. I was greatly relieved as we exchanged money for “chips.” The casino chips were a bit heavier than the plastic ones I had used when gaming at friend’s houses’. These chips must have some serious value, or did they? I pondered, once I left this casino, did I know if I could use them to purchase a hamburger at a fast food restaurant, or use them on a table at a different casino? Ah that didn’t matter, I knew I’d win more chips and be able to cash them in at the many strategically placed exchange stations, and get my hard earned cash back, plus more. I overheard people talking about how close they were to winning that hand, and even some that were celebrating having actually won. Even though there were many more people complaining about their loses, I was optimistic about my chances and felt I’d be one of the relatively few people to have success.
With such a great outlook and attitude, I started to miss my cash less and less. My fear of losing actual cash subsided as I allowed myself to believe that the chips on the table and in my hands weren’t real money. Obviously, it became easier and easier to put the chips on the table and see it taken away by that greedy dealer. After losing all the money I had taken with me, I found I was trying to convince myself that I had “paid” for the entertainment. I didn’t realize how much I had lost; after all, they were only chips right?
How did I give my hard earned cash, something that had value, for chips that by the end of my trip I wasn’t seeing as valuable as I put them on the table? It has been stated on Wikipedia, “…it is observed that consumers gamble more freely with replacement currencies than with cash.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poker_chips)
How do cash vs. chip value apply to trading on this website? I was left to believe that the chips had no value; they were only good for that particular casino and I wasn’t being paid in chips back home. I was led to believe that these chips weren’t as valuable as real money because they were so easily disposable. Yet, stamped on the face each chip I was told the value; which if cashed in is what I would be paid.
So many people have things to offer, or services that can be rendered. Over time; however, they’ve been convinced that it isn’t worth anything. The person who made a career change that was once an accountant; possesses knowledge of a service, which has value and can be used. A mechanic who knows how to repair a car possesses worth. If the accountant needs his car fixed and the mechanic needs his books worked, they can trade each other their services. Each service has a value to the one who needs it, but why spend your hard earned money when you can trade for the things you need?
This website provides a vehicle to find others who want what you have and are willing to trade what you want or need to get it. YOU decide the worth of what you possess. The possibilities are limitless, it doesn’t matter if it’s your profession, hobby, talent, items you possess, and all hold value, value that can be offered and traded here. Don’t fall victim as I did, to believing those chips didn’t have value. Understand that your hobby has value or a former career has value. Each of these things can be used by you to get things you need and in some cases things you weren’t aware that you needed until you got it, simply by putting value to things or talents you have, and trading it here.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 5:37 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.