FROM THE EDI TOR
Not too very long ago, I had the occasion to speak with the president of
a very well-known manufacturing company regarding the prospects of
the firm advertising in Play M e ie r.
While the gentleman eventually decided to begin advertising with the
magazine, I was astonished on this occasion to hear why he had delayed
his decision until after our first few i sues: "Because I didn't think Pla y
M e ie r was going to make it," he told me.
On another occasion, this time in London for the ATE how, I had
dinner one night with a couple of prominent British operator . During
dinner, one of the men mentioned that he had been receiving the
complimentary issues of Pla y M e l r that are mailed to prospective
ubscribers_ He said he thoroughly enjoyed the magazine, but when I
asked him if he had subscribed yet, I was flattened to hear another
person say, "No, not yet. I've seen magazines like yours start up before
and I want to wait and ee if yours is going to make it. "
I was perplexed: Two intelligent men, successful in different phases
of the industry in different parts of the world_ One was a potential
advertiser and the other a potential subscriber. Yet both were telling me
the same thing: "We're not going to help you become a success because
we don't think you will be a succe s." This, even though they re pected
what PIa M e ie r was trying to do_
I didn't reply to their remarks at the time because I wa so taken
aback, but I think I can answer them and others who think like them
now_
True. Magazines start and fail by the dozens each year. And the people
who tart them usually think they will be successful. At PLay M e ie r'
inception, I was convinced that the industry was ready for a quality trade
journal and I think the meteoric rise in subscriptions since our first
entirely complimentary issue is proof enough.
But to those who believe in sitting back while someone else struggles
to prove their ability, I can only ay: Where would the industry you
thrive in today be if the very first operator of the first coin-operated
amu ement machine had been told by his first prospective location, "It
look like a great idea, but I don't think it will make it. Sorry."?
The obvious answer is "nowhere." Success depends on the consumer
or someone else believing in the product or concept. Because location
owner had confidence in the first amusement games, the industr,. has
been able to grow successfully.
Similarly, I am grateful there were many manufacturers, suppliers and
operator throughout the world who believed in our idea and potential,
giving Pla y M e ie r it start and its continued livelihood.
Without their continuing upport, I could not be writing this right now
and the magazine could not be making a go of it. Which is not to say
we've made it. The door is definitely not closed to new upporter. But
we can at least proudly say today that we have the financial and moral
support of the industry's best-known companies added to the most
cheri hed supporters of all--you, our readers.
Sincerely,
Calendar
June 7-8:
Coin Operated Industries of Neb-
raska Inc., annual convention. Ra-
mada Inn Central, 1-80 and 72nd St.,
Omaha, Nebraska. (Note change in
dates.)
July 25-27:
Montana Coin Machine Operators
association, annual convention. Out-
law Inn, KalispeU, Montana.
Sept. 11-14:
Florida Amusement Merchandising
Association, annual convention.
heraton Towers Hotel, Orlando,
Florida.
Sept. 18-20:
West Virginia Music and Vending
Association, annual convention.
Heart O'Town Motor Hotel, Char-
lestion, West Virginia.
Sept. 19-28:
lIIinois Coin Machine Operators
Association, annual convention.
Lincol.n shire Marriott, N. W. Sub-
urban Chicago, Illinois.
Sept. 27-28:
North Carolina Coin Operators As-
sociation, annual convention. Holi-
day Inn, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Oct. 2-4:
Music Operators of Virginia, annual
convention. Howard Johnson Motor
Lodge, Richmond, Virginia.
Oct. 16-19:
National Automatic Merchandising
Association, annual national con-
vention and exhibit. The Rivergate,
New Orleans, La.
Oct. 17-19:
Music Operators of America, na-
tional annual convention and exposi-
tion. Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago,
,tA~~~~~~:.....!.~lUinois.
Ralph C. Lally II,
Editor and Publisher
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