wrote:

But the efficacy of Natrol and its risks, while an important issue, is
not even the main issue. Assuming for the sake of argument that Natrol
DID have the benefits it claims to have and was perfectly safe, is this
really the kind of thing that the USCF wants to promote? I mean,
instead of talking about the improved concentration, self-discipline
and ability to analyze that exposure to chess provides, the USCF will
just push a magic "smart pill" on the public? The answer to this
question, IMO, should be immediately obvious to everyone, and the fact
that it is not is rather disturbing to me.

- Geof Strayer

I disagree with the concept of "smart pills." There is an old story
about a vulnerable youth who saw a chemistry student with some
dirty-looking tablets, and who asked, "What are those?"

"Smart pills," the college student told him. "Want one?"

The woebegotten kid took one, tasted it, and spat it out. "That tastes
like ****," he griped.

"See?" the smarty responded. "Already you're getting smart."