The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => General Discussion => Meets & Gatherings => Topic started by: Strangeways on October 26, 2012, 10:17:15 AM
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Bruce from AMD has contacted me to assist with the promotion of the Australian AC/DC Competition in Victoria. Here is the official website info;
http://www.acdcpinballchampionship.com/#!the-format (http://www.acdcpinballchampionship.com/#!the-format)
It is being hosted by Cashbox Amusements at their venue in Epping. Hopefully, there will be a few members attending this event. I hope to have a classic Bally restored in time to bring along. Below is the official information regarding the event ;
The Victorian State Final for the Australian Pinball Tournament is being held at the Legends Entertainment Centre in Epping Victoria on Saturday November the 17th. Exact starting time has not yet been decided.
In order to make the event more interesting for the pinball community we would like to inform everyone to contact us with the possibility of anyone who is prepared to bring their pinball to the event and have it left on free play for the duration of the final. Entry fee to the event is $10 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds will be given to a worthy Victorian charity to be advised.
The benefit to people who bring their pinball is that they can offer to sell their pinball to interested parties on the day if they wish. They can swap or trade their pinballs with other people who have something that they want. They can advertise anything pinball related and take advantage of meeting like minded people on the day that they would very rarely get to meet otherwise.
We need to get commitments as soon as possible as our space is limited and we can only allow a certain number to participate. Please be quick with your reply.
Please contact us on the numbers below.
Leo Censori
CASHBOX AMUSEMENTS PTY LTD
PHONE +61 3 93291804
FAX +61 3 93291803
MOBILE 0411 867 000
EMAIL leo@cashbox.com.au
Website www.cashbox.com.au
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Sounds great I'll be there to check it out ^^^.
I better get hold of a AP t-shirt are they available?
Peter
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Sounds great I'll be there to check it out ^^^.
Peter
+1, sounds like a great event!!
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Yep ill be there. @@*
Do we need to contact Leo if i just plan to spectate? Happy to pay the fee, just would like to meet some of the members and take in the atmosphere.
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Yep ill be there. @@*
Do we need to contact Leo if i just plan to spectate? Happy to pay the fee, just would like to meet some of the members and take in the atmosphere.
I'll drop him an email and see what the deal is.
Peter
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Leo returned my email and did say he'd like to know numbers so just email him and let him know if your going and how many people with you.
Peter
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Leo returned my email and did say he'd like to know numbers so just email him and let him know if your going and how many people with you.
Peter
Good work Pete, thanks for letting us know! ^^^
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You need to email Leo at leo@cashbox.com.au or call him to let him know you are coming. He needs to know the numbers prior to the meet. You don't have to compete.
Anyone can bring along a game of their own set to free play. You can even sell or trade the machine. The event is not only the official comp, but a meet for anyone to attend.
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I'm really excited about this meet I'm taking my son also, will be great to catch up with the AP bro's.
Peter
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Leo returned my email and did say he'd like to know numbers so just email him and let him know if your going and how many people with you.
Peter
Email sent, thanks Pete.
Looking forward to this also. $#$
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Any idea of whether this will be afternoon or evening?
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I better get hold of a AP t-shirt are they available?
I think there are only a few mediums and smalls Peter. Maybe one for your son? Send Nino a PM as he has the remaining few.
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I better get hold of a AP t-shirt are they available?
I think there are only a few mediums and smalls Peter. Maybe one for your son? Send Nino a PM as he has the remaining few.
Ok cool thanks
Peter
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I may be in if it is in the evening *%*
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Will there be many machines there other than the AC/DC?
Is Leo setting up many of his games?
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Will there be many machines there other than the AC/DC?
Is Leo setting up many of his games?
Hope so to both your questions lol
Peter
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Will there be many machines there other than the AC/DC?
Is Leo setting up many of his games?
You would certainly hope so, otherwsie there is no point going unless you were in the competiton.
Will there be beer?
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Will there be many machines there other than the AC/DC?
Is Leo setting up many of his games?
There will be other Sterns at the venue. Pinheads are encouraged to bring their own if they wish. If I get the time, I will be bringing my "almost restored" Viking for people to play. That's ONLY if I get the time (I have not even started it).
Any idea of whether this will be afternoon or evening?
I'll find that out and let you know ^^^
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A couple of questions are answered in Bruce's email back to Leo this week ;
1. What time will event open and close , when will player identification and registration be,and when will competition start ?
All machines have been requested to be in the venue and ready for free play by 12pm. The event will open at 12pm and allow everyone to play machines or have a coffee or food. The competition will start at 1.30pm sharp and the period between 12pm and 1.30pm will allow all player registration to take place.
The area set aside for the competition is a section off area of the main hall which can accommodate upwards of 150 people. The rest of the venue is also open which can accommodate another 600 if necessary.
2. What time will presentations to 1st,2nd and 3rd be done ?
Presentations will be made around 3.30pm
3. How many pinballs will be available to play – (set on free play and must be working properly) ?
We only have about 10 pinballs as well as the four for the competition ***
4. Food and beveridges on the day ?
Food , coffee and alcoholic beverages will be available
*** Anyone can bring their own game to the event to trade, sell or promote their Services. Email Leo at Cashbox for more details.
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So can anyone enter the comp on the day? Or is it only people that have played on sited comp games already.
Peter :-)
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I'm out then, we have a work xmas party for the kids during the day
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Unfortunately I think my son is having his birthday party that afternoon!
Doh!
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Don't forget tomorrow - I'll be there around 1:00 PM - looking forward to catching up with everyone (who attends) *%*
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Don't forget tomorrow - I'll be there around 1:00 PM - looking forward to catching up with everyone (who attends) *%*
Please take photos guys to post...goodluck to the finalists and hope all of u have a really good time and enjoy meeting other AP members.
Well done VIC members...
P.S - a hint from a AC/DC owner for maximum scoring, change songs as often as u can, and get real good at shooting the left ramp from the left flipper over n over again to get multiball set up n complete by then hitting right ramp shot...take ya time and follow the flashing lights which will lead u to maximum scoring on the Pro....have FUN !
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I just got back from the comp, and I need to vent a little.
First off - Hats off to AMD, Cashbox and Norbert - They did a fantastic job running the comp and the prizes were simply AWESOME.
If I was a Stern rep, I would have been HORRIFIED at the turn out. It was abysmal. When are Stern going to learn about putting some marketing money into pinball downunder ? APPARENTLY, this event was advertised by MMM. But no one can tell me "when" these ads were running, because I don't know ANYONE that has heard the "Ad". There was NO promotion anywhere, at any time. It was so disappointing, and underwhelming.
I hope NEXT TIME (and there will be a "next time"), we Victorians will have more time to organize things a little better !
I guess my next point might be "off topic" - But there's a "pinball culture" issue that was completely evident. I accept that there was SFA advertising, and the only way I found out about the comps was when Bruce called me 3-4 weeks ago. But us Victorians simply don't leave our collections and socialize with other pinheads, and we don't interact with industry people. Our NSW counterparts are always having comps and meets. There's always something happening in Perth, and Queenslanders do get together from time to time. I can't put my finger on it..
Most of the industry heavyweights are in Victoria. More machines enter Victoria from overseas. Yet only a handful turn up to our event ?
Norbert and I discussed this, and it is a very strange nut to crack. The NSW Stern Symposium is going to be huge - Gary Stern in attendance and most pinball people will be going.
I'll post pictures later - I can't recall the winner's name, as the screen was tiny and is unreadable in my photos. The aggregate score was around 71 Million.
Again - I commend Norbert, Cashbox, Legends Bar (the venue) and Stern for their efforts today. The prizes were unbelievable !
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do you recon NINO people who know about these comps keep them under wraps for a better chance at winning?
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Unfortunately the politics in pinball has claimed another casualty it seems.
I have given up on holding any form of meets at my place. Granted I am in the middle of nowhere but it simply isn't worth the effort when there is little to no interest at all.
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What kind of attendance numbers would you estimate?
From my understanding, Vic and Tas finals were combined. Was there anyone representing Tassie in the State final there? Did Tassie even have a machine to qualify on in the first place?
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I think there were 8 competitors. One didn't show up. Each if the competitors had a friend or partner. I would estimate no more than 25 people at this event. I don't know if any of the contestants were from Tasmania.
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I am a little confused about the AC/DC Comps....and would have handled it differently from the organisers point of view.
Heres an example. In QLD, to be able to play/compete in the upcoming QLD version of what you had today Nino, which is the 1st December coming for QLDers, you had to get a high score apparently on a machine around the traps where 3 or 4 AC/DC Pro machines are located in 4 different locations (locations unknown to me except one !).
(this is where the problem starts) In order to get a invite to play in the comp on the 1st December, you had to travel a good 25 to 30 kilometres to play and pay for a play on a AC/DC Pro. That is very difficult for working people during working hours etc..and will people travel so far on weekends...and even if u did that and played a AC/DC machine, how do u know if your high score has or hasnt been beaten, which means u have to keep going back....this doesnt work....works for the operators pocket perhaps, if u travel, but you just cant keep going all the way back...
OK, so keep that style of comp only for a local prize pool of $100 for that machine only for locals who play that machine...but for a big comp, or a state final, it has to be a bigger place and qualifying on that day needs to be open to all...
What Stern/AMD needs to do from now on, is advertise heavily thru the forum, via the AMD usual email announcements, get us to use word of mouth etc, and have a qualifying tournament at a given location, where alot of us can turn up, and compete against each other and so on...
Then, when it comes to the Final (where u win prizes or something excellent), everyone will still turn up and give it a go...but there is no incentive for people who didnt get a high score on a machine 30 kilometres away to compete up here say on the 1st December, cause we cant win anything, or even brag about coming a place in the comp...its also harder, when people like me who own a AC/DC would love to compete, but the AC/DC machine at Timezone was in filthy condition, with the first ever software on it, compared to the latest software I have here, 6 updates later...
The whole format needs a tweak...at least well done Nino for your attendance and enthusiasm. ^^^
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I think there were 8 competitors. One didn't show up. Each if the competitors had a friend or partner. I would estimate no more than 25 people at this event. I don't know if any of the contestants were from Tasmania.
I see the point(s) your making Nino
but to be fair 25 people is pretty good considering its probably the first "real Industry" comp
that I can remember in at least 10 years in this State
at the same time I don't think 4 weeks was enough time to organise this sort of Event
we can only hope that Leo gets more notice next time
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I went to a location on the website and they didn't have a machine to qualify on and thought I was mad lol so yeah it was hard to even qualify and as you said Brett you'd have keep going back to check you still have a highest score , I'd hope to go today but due to staff members calling in sick I copped nightshirt.
Peter
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Pictures of the event
Here are the competition machines set up with the trophies and prizes in between them
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ACDC%20Comp/meet%20011.JPG)
The Prizes. All contestants recieved a T-Shirt, Cap and a medal
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ACDC%20Comp/meet%20007.JPG)
During the Comp - The eventual winner was the guy in the black "Johnny Cash" T-shirt
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ACDC%20Comp/meet%20004.JPG)
Waiting for the results as the scores are tallied up
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ACDC%20Comp/meet%20001.JPG)
The Winner and his spoils !
(http://www.aussiepinball.com/strangeways/restores/ACDC%20Comp/meet%20016.JPG)
^^^
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Nino, to your knowledge, did the organisers get any serious interest in any machine sales/purchases ?.....even seasoned players could fall in love with a new machine and look at buying as well. Those Premium models sure look nice in the flesh...
Did u play the Pro or the Premium Nino ? thoughts.....
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Nino, to your knowledge, did the organisers get any serious interest in any machine sales/purchases ?.....even seasoned players could fall in love with a new machine and look at buying as well. Those Premium models sure look nice in the flesh...
Did u play the Pro or the Premium Nino ? thoughts.....
I think all four were NIB. They were that good !
The event was strictly focusing on the competition. I would have hoped for more promotion that may have brought in the "mum and dad" types that previously would not have had exposure to Pinball. I think this kind of strategy might be incorporated into next year's competition. I certainly would have liked attendees "outside" of collectors and hobbyists - without focusing on the industry / commercial sectors - which would be hard to do. There has to be a balance.
I spoke to a family member tonight that listens to radio "all day, every day" - and he had not heard any promotional advertisement of the competition. This is what needs to be fixed.
I didn't play any of the AC/DC pins, as straight after the comp, they were all played and I had to leave.
I can see potential in the future of these competitions. Create enough hype and you will draw in the crowds. Have an AMD Distributor on site with a NIB "box" in the vicinity, and who knows what could happen.
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Any members rock up with their pinnies?
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^^^
Any members rock up with their pinnies?
Glad I didn't, the way some of these guys treated those pins I was in shock. Hitting the glass in anger during the comp. the winner almost kicked some of those NIB AC/DC's.
Some of those guys need to show some more respect IMO.
And while I'm at it, if you plan on starting a 4 player game by yourself, finish the f**king game. Otherwise play one player. To many players left with all four players still having 2 balls each. I don't want to walk up and finish YOUR game. Ungrateful bastards.
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^^^
Any members rock up with their pinnies?
Glad I didn't, the way some of these guys treated those pins I was in shock. Hitting the glass in anger during the comp. the winner almost kicked some of those NIB AC/DC's.
Some of those guys need to show some more respect IMO.
And while I'm at it, if you plan on starting a 4 player game by yourself, finish the f**king game. Otherwise play one player. To many players left with all four players still having 2 balls each. I don't want to walk up and finish YOUR game. Ungrateful bastards.
TSPP, EXCELLENT post....that pisses me off too...I would love to see what they would do if u went to their house n treated their games like that..
**& **& **& **&
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I to hate people leaving games halfway through with the machine waiting for the next player just play a one player game!! Hitting someone else's game is plain rude.
Peter
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Congrats to the winner.
I wasn’t aware of today’s gathering, until I read this thread from the first page before and to be honest, I had no real interest in participating the AC/DC comp.
I’ve only played Park Hotel’s LE version just the one time and came across King’s Entertainment’s Pro by accident (wife was shopping @ DFO Moorabin).
Hopefully AMD can continue such a comp for next year.
Food for thought – have any of you distributors approached management @ Westfield/Centro/Independent shopping centres for a pinball machine to be leased out?
Can’t see why not, considering a kids ride is under your portfolio/forte.
Ps - long drive for you Jared.
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AMD paid for the tassie person to fly down to this event and he eventually ended up fourth, I believe.
Very disappointing for Norbert who of course flew down for the event as well, disappointing for Legends who housed the event. Aggregate scores were pretty low, but being NIB they were probably lightening quick with new rubber as well.
I expected some sort of meet type environment but wasn't to be. Waste of effort preparing/trailering one of my machines down for it to get played.... once! And the bastard left it with 2 balls remaining of a 5 ball game! Yeah no worries, I'll finish the game off for you.
If we can take something from the day; at least an industry event occurred and it was a public event in which people had available to attend at their free will. Just a shame that hardly anybody did.
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Unfortunately I was tied up with a family birthday party, but pinball was played by a bunch of 13 year old kids if that helps!
PS The flipper on the Cactus Jack's does need a new kit...
Sounds like there would be more people at a pinball auction than rocked up to this event? It must have been very poorly promoted.
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It must have been very poorly promoted.
That was the problem. It was NOT promoted. The MMM radio station were apparently "sponsors" and "promoters" - but they failed to promote the event and no-one from MMM turned up ?
No promotion, no advertising and three weeks notice. Was never going to be a "big" event, unfortunately.
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It must be very disappointing for the organisers who put in so much work and money.
This I believe was an attempt to involve the "public" rather than just the "hobbyists" (us).
The method of qualifying was understandable by putting some money into the ops pockets who support AMD and Stern. We (I include me in all these comments except being a pro *.*) find it hard to pay for play when we have our own machines and attend meets etc. It is also a way of not "intimidating" Joe Public" with "pro players" being there when they play. I have seen this and people become very disillusioned when they see what they are up against.
Hopefully they will look back on this and fix what went wrong and continue it on an annual basis as it could pinball great exposure if promoted well.
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Lets hope AMD get a better turnout at the Queensland - Timezone Surfers event next month?
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Lets hope AMD get a better turnout at the Queensland - Timezone Surfers event next month?
Local paper is going to run an article for the GC Timezone event, at least thats something otherwise no one would know about it except the pinball community
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I live in a cave, this is the first I heard of the event and I have been hanging to play a comp. where were the qualifier games located?
Is it possible for the forum system to automatically email local members or all members of events like this. I don't read all threads on this forum and so miss lots of stuff it seems
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Rob - Unfortunately, AMD paid for advertising for this event with MMM - and Norbert himself assured me it was promoted in Melbourne. I know 2 tradesmen who listen to MMM all day, every day - and there was no mention of a pinball comp. the ONLY promotion of this event was on this forum. The turnout was basically the patrons that happened to be there. I have a feeling most of the finalists were also barflies as they spent more time belting the play field glass than seriously playing the game. There were three local forum members including myself.
Hopefully there will be a "real" competition one day..
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And now the venue for the comp, Legends Entertainment has since closed down!
Lucky for Nino's photos or else it may never have happened!
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Rob - Unfortunately, AMD paid for advertising for this event with MMM - and Norbert himself assured me it was promoted in Melbourne. I know 2 tradesmen who listen to MMM all day, every day - and there was no mention of a pinball comp. the ONLY promotion of this event was on this forum. The turnout was basically the patrons that happened to be there. I have a feeling most of the finalists were also barflies as they spent more time belting the play field glass than seriously playing the game. There were three local forum members including myself.
Hopefully there will be a "real" competition one day..
Yeah by all reports most of the finalists where just guys in the pub at the right time, from what I read they where very rough on the games but as Nino said hopefully one day we get a real comp.
Peter
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Bugger you mean there was no qualifying stuff before hand. I coulda won (well maybe)
Someone please email me next time I'm such a dick for not spotting this on time ^.^
Ah well will have to continue inviting the oldies from the retirement village up the road. They don't have the strength to belt my machines and in fact get out of breath half way through playing a ball which makes posted a good score a little difficult.
If one of them do start having a good game the plug always seems to fall out of the power point #@#
Does this sometimes happen at real comps