UP FRONT
Restating Play Meter's commitment
During this period of great personal grief, I and the
entire Play Meter staff were comforted by the over-
whelming outpouring of condolences and prayers
following my husband's death. It is truly gratifying to see
the heartfelt love and respect so many people had for
Ralph Lally. On behalf of my family , friends , and staff, I
wish to extend my thanks to the many industry people
from all corners of the world who not only conveyed their
sympathies but also made such generous contributions
to the American Kidney Foundation.
Back in 1974, Ralph and I started the magazine
together; but, as the magazine prospered, I took time out
to devote my energies to raising our two daughters. Then
three years ago, after Ralph's successful kidney trans-
plant, I started working my way back into the magazine
again. During this period, Ralph and I discussed all
aspects of the magazine , the editorial policy, the
principles. (Ralph believed very strongly in Play Meter's
principles.) And I vowed that , should the time ever arise,
I too would champion the unsung heroes of this industry,
the operators.
Ralph's editorial in Play Meter's tenth anniversary
issue restated his commitment to the operator segment
of the industry. Ironically, it was also Ralph's last
editorial.
But I think it's important everyone understand that
Play Meter's commitment is an undying one. So let me
restate , in part , what Ralph wrote in that editorial:
"It stands to reason that if the nation's operators
(are) healthy and prosperous, the manufacturers (will)
prosper as well ... The survival of the operator should be
the primary concern of everyone involved in the indus-
try . The future of the industry depends on the health and
welfare of the operator."
He concluded with these words: "!love this industry
and my publication and, like a loved one, wili cherish
them both forever ."
As the new editor and publisher of Play Meter, I will
not deviate one bit from this editorial principle or this
wholesale love of the industry. Play Meter is committed
to doing things the right way, not the easy way. One thing
I heard over and over again by people offering me their
condolences was that Ralph and Play Meter have
unquestioned integrity throughout this industry.
As I said, for the past three years, I have been
working more closely in the magazine. As the new editor
and publisher, I have some very definite ideas that I will
be incorporating into Play Meter to make it even better.
Under my guidance, Play Meter will be moving in some
new directions, breaking new ground. Longtime sub-
scribers to Play Meter won't be surprised by this. Play
Meter has always been a pioneer. But I want to assure
you, up front , Piay Meter will always remain committed
to this industry Ralph cherished and championed.
This year's Amusement Operators Expo (AOE) will
be dedicated to Ralph's memory. That wasn't my idea,
but the idea of Play Meter's staff. Personally, I hope you
can attend this year's AOE, not for my husband's sake
but, if for no other purpose, than for the sake of industry
unity and prosperity. We need an all-industry springtime
trade show. Ralph deeply believed that. I remember the
early days of the AOE, just as I remember the early days
of Play Meter. And , in its formative years, the AOE had
the full support of the manufacturers and distributors
and operators. The widespread cooperation and joining
together of the different segments of the industry made
the spring show the success it ultimately became. That
same cooperative spirit is what made us all enjoy our
greatest times.
But now the industry is suffering through one of its
worst periods; and, instead of joining forces, we see
factions within the industry trying to pull us apart. And
we as an industry cannot stand for that.
This industry has had its Civil War.
I'm here to tell you it's over. AOE '85 is our chance
to bring back that un ity within the industry which
brought us our prosperity in the first place.
Let's get on with the business of rebuilding this great
industry. No one company or segment of our business
should be allowed to control this industry. And none will.
Together we can insure that innovation, competition,
and fair play thrive in the marketplace, free from
suspicion, enmity, and mistrust.
Carol P. Lally
Publisher and Editor