UP FRONT
Manufacturers and operators
getting it together
The positive attitude at the AMOA show was a
refreshing change from the doldrums the industry
had been drifting in previously . Many claimed that
this summer was one of the worst, yet those who
experienced it are ready to forget the past and get
on with the future .
The disposition of the operators was conta-
gious . Distributors and manufacturers could not
help but be influenced by the air of optimism .
One of the most encouraging events at the
show involved communication between operators
and manufacturers . Communication between the
groups has been reputed to be of major urgency ,
and we saw it perhaps at its best in a seminar hosted
by Todd Erickson of Summit Amusement on
standardization within the industry . The manufac-
turers deserve an ovation for their participation ; Dan
VanEideren of Atari , Frank Ballouz of Nintendo ,
Steve Blattspieler of Bally, and Joe Dillon of Williams
bypassed the many parties scheduled that night to
participate in the seminar.
Erickson outlined various machine features he
felt could be standardized on all machines . Some
included locks , coin mechanisms , on / off controls ,
volume controls , bookkeeping features , fuses , and
coils . These are just examples , but each was dis-
cussed in detail. And though the audience should
have been composed of operators . it was made up
mostly of manufacturers (other Williams and Atari
personnel) and suppliers (Wico and Coin Mecha-
nisms) . These people truly were interested in opera-
tor suggestions , but only a handful of operators
showed up .
The biggest surprise , however , was that the
manufacturers agreed on four things that they
would begin working to standardize: a %-inch lock
with a straight cam , the on/ off switch on the top
right of the machine , the volume control to be front -
6
door accessible , and at least have the wmng for
mechanical metering . Frank Ballouz stressed the
willingness of manufacturers to help operators .
" We 'll get the ball rolling on these features ," he said ,
" and operators will get together a recommended list
of others ."
Ballouz was referring to a proposed list to be
compiled of features operators would like standar-
dized . Manufacturers w ill begin with those that can
be adapted more easily and work later on the others .
Operators and manufacturers working together
is a giant step forward . For too long one has blamed
the other for the woes of the industry . Now it's time
for mutual concern .
The manufacturers also participated in an
open-mike forum that gave the two groups the
opportunity to discuss issues . Some operators
complained that not enough time was allowed for
the questions and answers . but the manufacturers
were there ready to face the firing line . That alone
says a lot about the intentions of the manufacturers
in this industry .
In the editorial of Play Meter 's October 15 issue,
I wrote about putting aside the industry's past and
getting on with the future . I also believe operators
and manufacturers finally can put in the past any
problems and hard feelings they've had . The AMOA
show proved that manufacturers are willing to meet
operators half way , if not more than that. So, you
operators who are harboring hard feelings toward a
manufacturer, try giv ing them a call to voice your
complaint. I believe you will find someone inclined
to listen .
Valerie Cognevich
Editorial Director
PLAY METER. November 15. 1985