Mechanical Memories Magazine
Issue: 2006-December - Issue 8 - Page 3
Editorial
Hello, and welcome to issue 8 of Mechanical Memories Magazine. Well, I suppose the
major news item this month is the auction. A success? Yes, I think most would agree it
was a great success. Bearing in mind that it was originally intended to be more of a
social thing, with an auction 'tagged on', what we actually ended up with on the day was
a great social event and a very good auction. Even taking into account the various ideas
and suggestions for improvement, I can say that the response has been very positive, and
we will certainly be organising future events. At present, we're considering two a year,
which will probably be in March and November.
If nothing else, the auction served to confirm what many of us have known for
some time: prices have dropped, and we are unlikely to see them rise to the levels we
saw several years ago. There have been a number of theories for this, all of which
probably bear some validity. However, in my view, we are facing an overwhelming
long-term problem, which is a lack of newcomers taking an interest in our hobby. When
I think back to the auction, I knew a good percentage of those attending, either
personally or at least by sight. And they are exactly the same people that attended
similar events five or ten years ago. The fact is, we're all getting older and there are not
enough younger collectors coming along. The problem lies in the nostalgia element: if
you're not old enough to remember vintage slot machines, then you're unlikely to feel
very nostalgic about them!
Anyway, I'm running out of space and it's nearly Christmas, so let's leave the
doom and gloom for another time. I think there are a number of issues worthy of debate
and I shall return to this subject next month. Suffice to say, for the immediate future, this
magazine; the pennymachines website, and future events organised by Jeremy and
myself can only help to promote our hobby.
And finally, going back to the auction, I suppose the highlight of the day must have been
that tosser's mobile going off right in the middle of the auction, blaring out the Mexican
Hat Dance of all things! What a plonker! There's always one isn't there? ...... I promise
I'll remember to switch it off next time.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
All the best
Jerry
Page 3
Hello, and welcome to issue 8 of Mechanical Memories Magazine. Well, I suppose the
major news item this month is the auction. A success? Yes, I think most would agree it
was a great success. Bearing in mind that it was originally intended to be more of a
social thing, with an auction 'tagged on', what we actually ended up with on the day was
a great social event and a very good auction. Even taking into account the various ideas
and suggestions for improvement, I can say that the response has been very positive, and
we will certainly be organising future events. At present, we're considering two a year,
which will probably be in March and November.
If nothing else, the auction served to confirm what many of us have known for
some time: prices have dropped, and we are unlikely to see them rise to the levels we
saw several years ago. There have been a number of theories for this, all of which
probably bear some validity. However, in my view, we are facing an overwhelming
long-term problem, which is a lack of newcomers taking an interest in our hobby. When
I think back to the auction, I knew a good percentage of those attending, either
personally or at least by sight. And they are exactly the same people that attended
similar events five or ten years ago. The fact is, we're all getting older and there are not
enough younger collectors coming along. The problem lies in the nostalgia element: if
you're not old enough to remember vintage slot machines, then you're unlikely to feel
very nostalgic about them!
Anyway, I'm running out of space and it's nearly Christmas, so let's leave the
doom and gloom for another time. I think there are a number of issues worthy of debate
and I shall return to this subject next month. Suffice to say, for the immediate future, this
magazine; the pennymachines website, and future events organised by Jeremy and
myself can only help to promote our hobby.
And finally, going back to the auction, I suppose the highlight of the day must have been
that tosser's mobile going off right in the middle of the auction, blaring out the Mexican
Hat Dance of all things! What a plonker! There's always one isn't there? ...... I promise
I'll remember to switch it off next time.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
All the best
Jerry
Page 3
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).