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| want my pinhead! [Editor’s Note: We receed a letter signed Miguel Valdez. He shared his thoughts on ASI and then asked about the “pinhead” promotion he had seen at the show. We werent aware of it, but planned to print the letter and ask if anyone knew more details. Then we received another letter signed Brian Hannover that was virtually identical to the first letter. This one, too, raved about the show and mentioned the pinhead promotion and, yes, wanted more details. A coincidence? I’m not finished. Still another letter arrived, identical format to the others, this time signed Barry Alford, who noted that he had seen some really neat pinhead T-shirts and hats and noted how much his players would like them. Maybe the pinhead promotion 1s panning out; |know I was impressed that someone had gone to so much trouble to promote it. We'd like to share those letters because the comments are interesting, and ifwe get any feedback on the pinhead promotion, we'll let you know. By the way, one letter will suffice!] AST in Vegas was the best show I’ve been to yet! As per usual, there was a lot of crap, but you didn’t have to look far to find some very strong product. I was particularly excited about the new pins. The new backbox on Sega’s Star Wars is a facelift long overdue. And NBA Fastbreak is a total gas. If the promised linkability pans out, it may just lift pinball from the doldrums. Speaking of pinball, I saw several people wearing “pinhead” apparel. What’s with that? My loyal pin customers would go bananas over that kind of stuff. If you know where I can order caps or shirts or whatever, I’d be very grateful. Barry Alford Omaha, NE After a wonderful week in Las Vegas, I would like to share a few thoughts regarding ASI ‘97. First of all I would like to congratulate AAMA for doing such a wonderful job. This year’s ASI was by far one of the best I have attended in a very long time. The show hada much friendlier atmosphere and was more open to PLAY METER a broader audience than it has been in the past. I cannot remember the last time I went to a trade show and was able to take away as many interesting tidbits of information being offered. I particularly enjoyed the operators’ party, which gave operators like me the opportunity to mix it up with some of the industry’s movers and shakers. Secondly, I was enthused by all the new and exciting promotional campaigns kicking off some promising games for the future. One that particularly caught my eye was the “pinhead” campaign. I’m not sure who or what it’s all about but it sure caught my eye. Perhaps you could shed some light on which manufacturer was behind the idea. I would really like to get some product for giveaways of some sort. In closing, I would just like to reiterate what a pleasure it was to attend this year’s ASI. I truly hope that AAMA can keep up the good work and continue this interactive atmosphere it has brought to the table. Brian Hannover Brookfield, WI ASI, with its new name has come and gone. Vegas was impressive, but I wasn’t that awed by the show itself. A new name. No big deal. Aside from new virtual reality games, I didn’t find much new to get excited about. When will manufacturers come up with something new that players won’t tire of quickly? When will they stop churning out games without supporting them like they should? Video is still as popular as ever, but it is getting harder to buy the really expensive games. Pinball is still pmball. There have been some good innovations; the look of the games are definitely changing. Pinball has the potential to be vastly popular, but is largely unsupported by the industry. I was impressed by a hat that I was given that read “I’m a pinhead.” To me, this is a good place to start supporting pinball. It is really funny and I think my players would like one of these hats. If we get more product support to the end users, I think the industry would be greatly helped. As operators, we can't do everything in the way of supporting games. Miguel Valdez Beaumont, TX Comments from readers [Editor’s Note: When we get back the equipment poll ballots, there are often comments scribbled in the margins. Here are a few of those words of wisdom from our readers:] “Let’s not fool ourselves anymore. It is the end of video games, pinballs, and CD players for street operators. New technology and the high price of equipment is taking over. Take my advice, start looking for a real job!” “There is no future in this business. The only people JUNE 1997