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f ROM THE EDITOR A fragment of thoughts I' ve had several days to wind down after the AMOA show and a few thoughts have crossed my mind. I usually like to connect my ideas in my editorial, butl won'teven try this time. This is just a collection of observations on various things about the show, the industry, and whatever else I might think of. First, I would like to give a little credit, where a lot of credit is due, to Sam Atchley. If you're not sure of the name, he is the one who is responsible for the AMOA banquet and stage show. I can remember when the AMOA banquet was a "regular" so-so dinner and perhaps some-yawn-entertainment. Now it is an event; one written up in newspapers across the country. I enjoyed it a lot this year and felt that I wanted to thank the man responsible. Thanks, Sam, for making it such a stunning event. The only thing is, you are certainly a tough act to follow for yourself! The Convention Center is really a beautiful facility to have a show. It's a left-over from the World's Fair held in 1984. However, because there is no hotel attached to it, everyone was scattered far and wide throughout the city. I missed sitting at the bar after the show, talking to everyone passing through. It made me realize that the show is so much more than just visiting booths and seeing products . It's the people and what they have to say that lets you assess the industry . I came back to the office thinking about all my I 0 PLAY METER/December 1990 friends that I didn 't get a chance to talk to . I don't like this at all. I hope future shows will be closer to the host hotel . The Half Century Club held a luncheon to honor the late Jack Gordon. I felt tears stinging my eyes as Eddie Adlum , Al Rodstein, Ed Blankenbeckler, and others shared their own personal stories about him. I thought then and there that I don't want anyone from this industry to pass away without being given the chance to share his experiences with the industry. That's why I am doing the Half Century Club Interviews. Those that have been the subject of the interview have given us newcomers an insight into our industry that no one else can provide. You'll be seeing more of them . There was tension in the air between AMOA and AAMA concerning legislation to legalize the use of parallel boards. On the last day of the show, word came down that the law was passed. They said it was "in favor" of AMOA because it was spearheading the efforts to have it passed. Unfortunately, I think that there might be some serious repercussions that could adversely affect the industry. While I can see AMOA ' s point of view about declaring this a victory, I want to strongly suggest that AMOA follow up their efforts with some educational information for operators concerning parallels and copies. Parallels are one thing; copies are another. Back in AAMA 's enforcement days , on an average of 50 boards picked up, just three would be parallelsthe others blatant copies. I'm afraid that if operators get complacent about using copied boards, this industry will suffer greatly . I never did think that parallels were as prevalent as some thought. Now they will be legal. OK, but for heaven's sake, don't start trying to step beyond the bounds and use copied boards . If you don't know one from the other, ask someone who knows or don't use it. It's just not worth it. One last thought before ending this narrative: I hear so many times from operators that they wish they would see some certain article in the magazine. Or they will compliment us on something we had . LET US KNOW! We are here to keep you informed of what's going on, but we can't help you if you don 't help us. We are gearing up for our annual State of the Industry Report and I want to thank those considerate operators in advance for filling out the survey. We can't do such an issue without your help. In fact, we wouldn't have an industry without operators who care to make the industry the best it can be. Keep up the good work. D Valerie Cognevich Editor