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f ROM THE EDITOR Glad they got to know us a little better A couple of months ago Gerry Durnell, publisher and editor of Pizza Today magazine, visited New Orleans on business. Since we are in the same field-putting out a trade magazine-he called and asked if I wanted to have dinner with him. Of course! Whendolgeta chance to talk to someone who understands things like ''writer's block.'' Though we had never met before, many long telephone conversations fairly convinced me that we were already friends. lgottothemeetingplace; we had no problems making the connection. We chatted for a long time about how we ''do things." After all, no one can really understand the deadlines and problems like someone else faced with the same nightmares. But we both love what we are doing. As we made our way into the heart of town and the seafood restaurant on Bourbon Street, Gerry's eyes scanned the street, and he was able to point out the pizza establishments along the way . Funny thing; I have been down that street numerous times and never once noticed those places. But then again, I don't write about pizza every month. I realized that I am the same way about games. I can spot a game from outside the 10 PLAY METER/June 1990 location. I can even tell the name of the game by its decals . In movies, you better believe I pick out the games that characters are playing or those shown in the background of the scene. But I am writing about games every month; it's my job. After Gerry's visit, I started thinking about how others perceive our industry. Maybe he was thinking about how the public views pizza. Anyway, I was aware that the public is not all that concerned about what our business is. After all, why should they take any time or effort to understand it? That' s not their job. What does concern them is when it affects them. Iflittle Johnny is spending too much time and money at the local arcade, then mom and dad will start thinking about arcades; I doubt it will be very favorable . Johnny complains that the game ''ate'' his money and gave him nothing back in return, and parents begin wondering if there should be such things . Many of us in the industry just spent three days in our nation's capital in a massive lobbying effort. Many · more senators, congressmen, and their assistants kn9w about the coin-op industry than they did before. It was overwhelming to see senators and con- gressmen and their families truly enjoying themselves at the Congressional Reception . One of Louisiana's congressmen, Billy Tauzin, and his wife, Gail , brought their three children . Though they had planned to leave early for a previous dinner engagement, Gail and Billy both joined the basketball, dart, and pinball tournaments! Last year one of their sons won $350 for his favorite charity and was ready to win again. The results aren't in yet, but I'm sure pulling for him! This is our industry , our livelihood. We are proud of it. It gave me a warm feeling to see so many get involved in this tremendous public relations effort. I wouldn't be surprised if a few more of our lawmakers now have a better understanding of what we are all about. D Valerie Cognevlch Editor