Letters to
the editor • • •
Tune of the times
I am former editor of Billboard,
former associate publisher of
American Automatic Merchandiser,
c urrently mid-West editor of
Beverage World and a strong
admirer and staunch supporter of
what you guys are doing.
It just proves that young, alert
people can always show the old
cockers up , especially when they are
fat cats , tired , lazy and not in tune
with the times. I enjoy what you are
printing and to go twice a month
shows the need and desire for you
do. Go get' em , tigers!!!
Frank Luppino Jr.
Glenview, Illinois
Pattern of things
As the owner of 3 well run and well
maintained arcades in the Chicago
Suburbs, I am very aware of the
ancient prejudices and unfounded
preconceptions of village trustees in
banning arcades from their
communities . In most instances it is
very difficult to get approval to do
business .
Much has been published in your
magazine regarding the formation of
associations and the contributions of
money to improve our public image.
We had better first improve our
private image as many manu -
facturers are making it impossible for
us to do business also.
These manufacturers are now
moving into our markets on a grand
scale with their own arcades. Bally
long ago gobbled up Aladdin's
Castle , and recently purchased a
Chicago chain of 26 suburban
restaurants . They are converting
them into food and game room
combinations. Taito now operates
large arcades in our market, and is
planning many more. Sega has done
the same thing in California. So you
see, when we finally get approval
from a community, we then have to
compete with the vertical monopoly
and corporate greed of the "pillars of
our industry. "
I realize this does not affect
everyone in our business , but it is
certainly a pattern of things to come
that will determine th e future
destiny of our industry. The question
most often asked me is, "How long
do I think video rooms will continue
to prosper?" Some manufacturers
are killing the goose that laid all of
our golden eggs . We , the operators,
are fast becoming an endangered
species .
Les Jacobs
#1 Fun Family Game Rooms
Chicago
Something on your mind you want
to uent? Got a gripe? Full of praise?
Haue a question? If you haue
comments on the coin operated
entertainment industry, write to Play
Meter. Our "Letters to the Editor"
columns are dedicated to you, the
operator/ reader.
All letters must be signed; if
requested, only initials will be used
or the name withheld from print.
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(although, for the sake of your
privacy, addresses will not be
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