Automatic Age

March, 1938
AUTOMATIC AGE
14
Those who want to make winter trips can al­
ways arrange to be back for the show. Quite
often the weather in January is very inclement.
Some of the California, Florida and Texas boys
who come here three winters ago when we had
such a terrible winter have talked about it ever
since. They also claim that January is the
height of their season and often they don’t like
to leave at that time to come up here. April
would be much better for them as it is just be­
tween seasons.
Cost of Space
A group of manufacturers at the last show
went around with a petition to which they claim
they got 100 booths signed up for a show charg­
ing exactly one-half what has been charged.
We are of the opinion that either the cost of
booths be cut in half or that something tangible
for the benefit of the industry be done with the
money. The show makes a clear profit, accord­
ing to all reports, of $10,000 to $15,000. From
the business done at the last show, the cost of
booths was not justified, and the managing
committee should take cognizance of the fact
that this dissatisfaction exists. If they don’t,
they are going to be forced with an attempt to
put on another show and we repeat again that
that is exactly what must be avoided at all
costs. It is no more than right that if a hundred
exhibitors are objecting, that they be listened
to. The membership of the Manufacturers’
Association includes a minority of the manufac­
turers in number and if history repeats itself
it will continue to lose members with the slump
in business. It will then become the old story
of a handful running the show without account­
ing to the industry as a whole. Something
should be done to correct whatever is wrong
that 90% of the manufacturers do not belong
to the association. Some say it is getting so
that the offices are not passing around enough
and that it is again getting in the hands of a
clique. There should be no room for such
accusations. There are plenty of capable men
in the industry who have not yet served as presi­
dent and they should be given an opportunity.
W hat the industry needs is a Judge Landis
or a W ill Hays. We need a man of national
prominence who has the prestige to get a re­
spectful hearing before any Board of Alder­
men, State legislature, or Congressional com­
mittee. There are a number of x-governors and
ex-senators, experienced in appearing before
legislative bodies, state’s attorneys and other
enforcement agencies. With the profits of the
show and reasonable dues, we could get a na­
tional figure. Had we such a man in the last
© International Arcade Museum
several years, it is safe to say that the industry
would be better off today. Such a man would
be in position to hold our best side to the public
instead of allowing the public to judge us by
our worst side. No second-rater will do. We
can afford and should have no less than a man
of national prominence.
Jobbers and operators would be willing to
raise voluntary funds here and there. Operators
now, on the other hand, complain that if they
write into the Manufacturers’ Association re­
garding taxes, etc., they are asked what they
want with it and if they are members of the
association, etc. We can’t blame the association
for not giving its inside statistical matter to non­
members. If a manufacturer is not a member,
he should not feel entitled to it. But an opera­
tor, who is the bread and butter of the manu­
facturer, should be given this information free­
ly, voluntarily and gladly. Whatever could be
of help to them will be of indirect help to the
manufacturer. A man with the prestige of
Judge Landis or W ill Hays would bring confi­
dence to the association and reflect credit on
every faction, group and individual.
They
would feel that they could point with pride to
the industry’s standing. They would feel con­
fidence in its leadership and they would feel
that they would be given a square deal instead
of being kicked around on every hand. It is
not an idle dream or an impossible proposal.
It is practical in every sense. If all the profits
of the show were diverted to this cause, there
would not be need for a great deal more money
to be raised and such additional sum as would
be needed could easily be pledged by various
groups so that the association would be sure of
ample finances. You can’t do it with some un­
known or light-weight. You must pick a man
with unquestioned background and national
prestige. They are to be had. Such a move
would put new life and new spirit into the
industry at this time when it is much needed.
Operators will take heart to buy. Manufac­
turers will be imbued with new enthusiasm.
%
Vote On This
I favor JA N U A R Y for the Annual Show
□
I favor A P R IL for the Annual Show
□
S ig n e d _______________________________________
A d d re ss____________________________________
Sign this w ith your choice and return to
Autom atic Age.
http://www.arcade-museum.com/