Tho\}gh it may come as somewhat of a surprise to most of you , one out
of every ten readers of PLAY METER lives and works outside the United
States . Considering the fact that every major country has its own
amusement machines publication , we are permlttedly proud of that
statistic . But , more pOintedly , we are grateful- grateful that all those
subscribers in foreign countries show continued support and confidence in
our publication .
Keeping that thought in mind , we address this issue of PLAY METER to
all the operators , manufacturers , and suppliers in foreign countries who
really should not be considered foreign at all , but rather industry brothers ,
who share Similarly the problems and rewards of the entire business .
We have , therefore , included here the stories of many nations' efforts to
build a successful coin machine industry , and have furnished , principally
through the eyes of our International Editor David Snook , an overview of
the European trade . Of particular interest in the Snook look is Michael
Green , who , as our Coin man of the Month , is introduced to American
operators .
In his multi-faceted role as managing director of England's A1ca
Electronics Ltd ., Michael Green embodies the personality international.
He participates in , and demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of, all phases
of the coin industry , and his involvement on both sides of the Atlantic has
furnished him the background to present an intelligent and most delightful
statement of the inferaction between American and European interests .
Furthermore , our domestic editors have mulled over the British music
operators' struggle for survival and contributed some observations, and
even critic Roger Sharpe, after his incisive review of some games from
manufacturers abroad , offers an additional comment on the industry's
foreign relations.
Keeping a watchful eye on the happenings in foreign countries broadens
our perspectives and quite often reveals solutions to some common
problems . It also serves to remind us that we learn not only from our own
successes and failures but also from the accomplishments and tribulations
of others .
While our industry brothers in foreign countries look to the U.S . for
innovation and stimulation , they concurrently return information that can
furnish us new Ideas. And it is precisely these open lines of communication
which serve us all so well and to which this issue of PLAY METER is
dedicated .
-----
Ralph C. Lall y [I
Editor and Publisher
4
PLAY METER. August. 1979