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fROM THE EDITOR It was bound to happen W ell, I've been sitting here in front of my computer trying to begin my informational, entertaining editorial that all of you wait so patiently for month after month. Since I've been spilling my feelings out to ya'll for many years now, I should have known there would come the day I could not think of a thing to write about. Don't get me wrong, I've got a few ideas rolling around in my head, but none that would by itself fill up this whole page. But why should that stop me? It shouldn't, of course, so what I'll do is use this valuable space to mention but a few things that are on my mind. First, I'm disappointed and feel greatly for a certain operator we've talked with several times who has obviously been shamelessly ripped off by some unscrupulous businessmen posing as industry representatives. You know the scenario: an ad in the paper offering games and "free" locating service. The games either don't show up or the locations are nonexistent. Now this operator is out nearly $30,000 and I'm sure feels the industry is a scam. I hope he doesn't get elected to some public office anytime soon. I've also been pondering the rationale of operators who claim they can't attend trade shows. It's certainly a contradiction to those who claim how important the shows are. I know that AMOA and ACME are more than equipment and more than spending time at your favorite bar. Seminars, discovering new support/supply companies, meeting with manu- PLAY METER 10 MAY 1992 facturers , and getting a feel for what the business is all about cannot be taken lightly. How can anyone in this industry say it's not important? Alright, I'll concede that it may be cost prohibitive to go to a national show, but a state show? There's no excuse at all for not going. How can anyone run a business and not be eager to find out what the latest issues are in the state? I've been asked more than once about the state of the industry and with a lot of thought, I can honestly say that I believe it's OK. No, not what it could be or may be in the future , but surviving. I see operators taking a wait-and-see attitude toward video lottery and that scares me a little. There's way too much infighting and disagreements about it. With states so desperate for money, gambling seems to be the most acceptable way ofraising funds. Unfortunately, gambling seems to bring out the greed in too many. And we can't forget it's an election year. Will video lottery be good for your state, for your business? Whether you're for it or against it, if it's legalized it will affect you. Again, get to your state show and find out what's really going on. The IFPA pinball tournament was a success and I'm looking forward to next year. In fact , why couldn't I practice up and play in it? OK, I know I'm not a good game player, but the point is that these players have such a good time. Anyway, get involved in the IFPA and have some players at the next show. Doug Young and all the guys who worked it deserve a big hand for the tremendous job they did. I'd like to thank two very special people for the kindness they showed me recently. As some of you may remember, it was three years ago in March that my daughter died. While it seems ages, I still think of her and miss her just as much as ever. Joel Friedman's (Rowe) secretary, Loretta, called me on the anniversary of Kim's death and sent me a beautiful poem that I will always cherish. Loretta lost her own daughter three years ago come November, and she has been a comfort many times when I needed to chat. Also, Jan Green of Green Coin Machine took the time during ACME to give me an article she had cut out of the paper about losing a child. In the midst of the hectic show, she cared enough to think about me. Thanks to both of you-more than you'll ever know. We're coming up on the summer months that are dreaded by some and relished by others. When we emerge in the fall we'll have a much better idea of the status of the industry. I don't think we'll be disappointed. Optimistic? Sure, we all should be. D Valerie Cognevich Editor