During the course of soliciting information and opinions for the current edition of The Official Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide, a number of individuals stepped to the forefront of the discussion surrounding grading issues. Likewise, a formal organization interested in advancing the ideals of some of these individuals came together . As described on its website, The Network of Disclosure aims to “promote integrity, security and education” between the sellers and buyers of comic books.

Scoop talked with NOD Alternate Committee Member Court Eilertson about the group, its goals, and how it got started.

Scoop: What are the Network of Disclosure's goals?
Court Eilertson (CE): The Network of Disclosure is a non-profit (process pending), volunteer organization whose goals include advocating disclosure of all relevant and necessary information regarding the history of a comic book to help ensure the long term health of the marketplace while fostering a higher level of trust and comfort in trade/sales transactions.

The NOD is specifically committed to promoting full disclosure throughout the hobby while providing as much information as possible to ensure a level playing field in comic dealings involving our members. For example, there is considerable public debate within the marketplace as to what is acceptable in terms of the disclosure of manipulation [and/or] enhancement of a given comic book, particularly as to when such actions cross the line into restorative techniques. There are some who are trying to create new rules or use loopholes in existing rules and intentionally avoid disclosure for the pure purpose of monetary gain. These efforts are perceived to create schisms and disharmony within aspects of the community. The NOD's overarching goal is to educate the community on what is occurring so that all who desire to enjoy our hobby can reach informed decisions that they will always support.

Scoop: When was your organization founded?
CE: The NOD was founded in early 2006, and was officially announced to the public in July 2006.

Scoop: How did it get started?
CE: The NOD was created by many interested individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds (including collectors, dealers and restoration experts), all of whom shared very similar concerns about the overall comic book marketplace, and the long term health of the hobby.

Scoop: How would you describe your mission?
CE: Our Mission Statement is straight forward. The NOD is a group of comic book dealers and collectors, who have pledged to disclose any form of restoration or enhancement, known to exist, on a comic book in their possession or placed by them for sale. Our objective is to create a safer and more open environment for those buying and selling comic books. By publicly sharing this type of history of each of these books with our fellow collectors and prospective customers, we seek to foster both a greater level of confidence and sense of security within the marketplace. We especially seek to preserve the lineage/provenance of particularly important pedigreed books.

Scoop: How were the NOD's guidelines developed?
CE: The NOD's guidelines were developed through a democratic voting process adopted by the membership. Every NOD member has the right, and is encouraged, to participate in the development of our policies and practices.

Scoop: Who are the group's founding members?
CE: The NOD's founding members are Brent Moeshlin (QualityComix.com), Marnin Rosenberg (CollectorsAssemble.com / ComicCollectors.net) and Mark S. Zaid (EsquireComics.com).

Scoop: What types of individuals should consider joining?
CE: Anyone who is interested in the comic book marketplace should consider joining. In particular, the NOD is interested in anyone who wishes to participate in information-sharing, consensus-building, and can volunteer their time. Interested individuals can find more information, including examples of undisclosed “enhancement” (that some define as restoration), and our membership application at www.networkofdisclosure.com.