The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => General Discussion => Meets & Gatherings => Topic started by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 09:27:29 AM

Title: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 09:27:29 AM
Im assuming that tickets are no longer exclusively through AA anymore and that the lock in tickets haven't sold out either to private members?

So with less than a week to go.. its officially mentioned on AP?

I wish you all the success I can at this Oscar, but its been a closed shop event for months now...
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 11, 2014, 12:49:32 PM
I wouldn't go based on the AA us and them ticket sales practices of the past.
At $30 a day, sounds like someone's going for a nice money grab.
Is this like the other pinball expo where they said they were raising $$ for charity then the two blokes kept the lot....

Hope it works out for you Oscar.
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: PinPal on November 11, 2014, 03:13:47 PM
$30 bucks I think is a bit steep for sum people. $30 bucks entry, all games on free play inc Wizard Of Oz.
Looking forwould to the show.

My thought

Pinpal..
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinsanity on November 11, 2014, 03:36:07 PM
Im assuming that tickets are no longer exclusively through AA anymore and that the lock in tickets haven't sold out either to private members?

Can't manage to sell 300 "exclusive" tickets to a supposed 10,000+ member userbase?  #@#
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 11, 2014, 03:49:05 PM
Come on guys, if you have an issue with the expo, start a new thread
No need to hijack a sponsors message
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: oldskool1969 on November 11, 2014, 03:50:16 PM
I dont pretend to understand what happened between these two forums, nor do I care! let it go please for the sake of us newbies that enjoy the hobby and enjoy PINBALL in general. I don't want to be soured by past activities and bad feelings amongst the broader pinball community.
I use this forum a lot more then the others, but , I am not restricted to solely use it and don't ant to be ostracised by my participation in other forums.
I don't recollect seeing any bagging from any of the other forums about us and hope not to in the future.

Back on topic though, would love to see heaps of machines in one place to play one day, though this is nay on impossible for me unfortunately, but am lucky enough to know some fellow freaks in WA

Thanks for posting about PINBALL MEMORIES as I was unaware of your company, thank you. GOOD LUCK Dude
Title: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinnies4me on November 11, 2014, 05:02:07 PM

In discussion with Strangeways, given that the tickets now seem to have become public in the last few days, and the comments made on a sponsors thread announcing his attendance, we thought it best to post this thread and move some of those comments here as it is unfair on the sponsor to have some of the comments in his thread.

Feel free to comment on the "Expo" here, we have added the off topic posts to this thread.

Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 05:36:34 PM
I dont pretend to understand what happened between these two forums, nor do I care! let it go please for the sake of us newbies that enjoy the hobby and enjoy PINBALL in general. I don't want to be soured by past activities and bad feelings amongst the broader pinball community.
I use this forum a lot more then the others, but , I am not restricted to solely use it and don't ant to be ostracised by my participation in other forums.
I don't recollect seeing any bagging from any of the other forums about us and hope not to in the future.

Back on topic though, would love to see heaps of machines in one place to play one day, though this is nay on impossible for me unfortunately, but am lucky enough to know some fellow freaks in WA

Thanks for posting about PINBALL MEMORIES as I was unaware of your company, thank you. GOOD LUCK Dude

Hey..sorry Oldskool.. didn't mean to upset anyone with my posting. But the event until now has been solely an AA affair and if you were not a member, you couldn't buy any tickets including the lock in and entry. When Oscar posted this morning, id assumed that he had been given permission to do so as the post is a cut and paste.
My thoughts were "why so late in the day is it an official post on here when its clearly not an open forum event"..

Anyway mate.. hope you enjoy the day and get to play the games you want to.. go have a ball pal!!!
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Boots on November 11, 2014, 05:47:47 PM
It's a pity there is exclusivity issues between forums as everyone is here for the same thing, to enjoy their amusement games.
Personally I wasn't aware of it.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 11, 2014, 06:09:37 PM
The forum vs forum thing is dumb
most of us don't care, but there are a small handful that need to grow up
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinsanity on November 11, 2014, 06:56:15 PM
The forum vs forum thing is dumb
most of us don't care, but there are a small handful that need to grow up

The issue isn't as simplistic as you are trying to make it appear.  ()
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 11, 2014, 06:59:31 PM
edit
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 07:06:40 PM
The forum vs forum thing is dumb
most of us don't care, but there are a small handful that need to grow up

The issue isn't as simplistic as you are trying to make it appear.  ()

maybe, but one thorn has disappeared lately


Mmm.. cryptic stuff eh??
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 11, 2014, 07:14:47 PM
Is it $30 per day per person or just $30 unlimited entry.....

You can't blame people for turning their noses up because it wasn't advertised or even offered to AP members in the past.... I support Oscar, I have bought pinballs from him and I support the fact he and his family have heavily invested in the pinball industry, have made a decent business of it, and has put a lot of pinballs into a lot of people's houses, BUT it's not about that. It's about the various functions that are advertised for only one forum member base and tickets only offered previously to one set of people only.
People complaining about discriminatory behaviour have every right to mention it if they feel so.
The only way discrimination goes away is if its dragged out into the light of day.

I know one thing, if AP ever did a expo style deal, they certainly wouldn't do the isolation style ticket offerings.
I don't think anyone on here is that stupid or narrow minded.

Most people I know don't even admit to even being a member on a forum when they go to a pinball meet, being worried that they get the " oh your on that forum are you" type comments.
The divisions between the forums will only continue sadly whilst events are only offered to one body of people and not openly shared with a totally open invitation to all pinheads regardless of forum membership.

If u are going to invite people, invite everyone and advertise it on both forums. Simples.
OR run the risk of being seen as discriminatory. Is that too much to ask for in 2014 and 2015.

I know Nick n Nino have always tried to bridge the gap, but it seems that they and others always seem to call on deaf ears. I support AP because AP treats me and all its members equally.
Proud to be a pinhead on a site that encourages open- ness and individuality whilst also supporting the member base as a tight knit team.

Anyone is welcome on AP. And I am sure if AP ran a expo, anyone and everyone would be welcomed from day one, not when there are tickets left over only.
Where the Penrith thing falls over, is that you lose potentially hundreds of people who could attend because they don't belong to only one forum. Car companies selling cars advertise on all TV channels, not just one. Why limit your customer base. Food for thought.
I might be right, I might be wrong, but peace and harmony can only be achieved by treating everyone as welcomed equals...
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 11, 2014, 07:31:01 PM

Most people I know don't even admit to even being a member on a forum when they go to a pinball meet, being worried that they get the " oh your on that forum are you" type comments.
The divisions between the forums will only continue sadly whilst events are only offered to one body of people and not openly shared with a totally open invitation to all pinheads regardless of forum membership.

I spam it up on both forums
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 07:49:34 PM

Most people I know don't even admit to even being a member on a forum when they go to a pinball meet, being worried that they get the " oh your on that forum are you" type comments.
The divisions between the forums will only continue sadly whilst events are only offered to one body of people and not openly shared with a totally open invitation to all pinheads regardless of forum membership.

I spam it up on both forums

I just tried to in order to reply to Mr Mathers incorrect posting... unfortunately, I can log in but unable to post anything as it seems when I hit the button to post im logged out again.
Just to add though.. im not complaining.. organisers can run it how they see fit. there aren't many businesses though who would travel the same path.. but hey, its their money and all the best to them. But lets not beat about the bush. Until last week ( or whenever the tickets went public) it was only a member of AA meet.. as is the lock in of some 300 tickets for what now appears to be only 180 machines.. 2 people per machine if sold out.. theres value right there!

Good luck to the organisers..
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 11, 2014, 08:09:20 PM
that is odd, Queenslanders can do no wrong at AA

:p
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 11, 2014, 08:13:17 PM
that is odd, Queenslanders can do no wrong at AA

:p

LOL- im English and don't recognise the interstate rivalry.. plus the beer is crap and I say marOOn not marone.
Sets me apart from the word go..
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: RottyGuy on November 11, 2014, 09:25:38 PM
The forum vs forum thing is dumb
most of us don't care, but there are a small handful that need to grow up

The issue isn't as simplistic as you are trying to make it appear.  ()

maybe, but one thorn has disappeared lately


Mmm.. cryptic stuff eh??

Unfortunately some thorns are like cancer and continue to return and cause problems for all.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: robm on November 11, 2014, 10:04:34 PM
I don't usually post on these threads as normally people have strong opinions one way or the other and won't listen the opposing view (regardless of what side is correct). Not judging anyone on AP or AA with this statement, just an observation.

I am going to Expo and reckon it is going to be fantastic - the main reason i am going is to catch up with people i have met through the hobby and both forums

I really think the whole forum v forum thing is nonsense. People from both forums need to calm down, forget the past and move on.

Personally - i didn't get into the hobby until more recent years, so have no baggage. I am reasonably active on both forums and don't know all the background - hence why i think it is OK not to take sides in my situation.

One thing i will say, is that the organisers of Expo have put massive amounts of effort and $$$ into it so far - one has just posted (i won't copy word for word) saying that the event is completely open to the public and is an inclusive, not exclusive event. He also stated AP was offered a stall at no cost - i am not trying to stir trouble here, just sharing some comments of one of the organisers.

For what its worth - i have met people from both AA and AP that are absolute legends and very willing to share time, experience and a passion for the hobby.  I also have communicated with a small minority members of both forums who i probably will choose not to in the future as some are plain rude and disrespectful.  What i am trying to point out is that we are all PEOPLE with good and bad points.  No one individual is a forum or sole representative of a forum, they are all real humans, and most are good blokes and chicks.

In relation to some previous comments - yes there were tickets made exclusively to some groups (not only AA, but another two groups that i think were various members of leagues or competitions). While i would not to choose to do it that way, the event organisers did, and since its their money, its their call.  Maybe their motive was to offer a reward to guys that they have a connection with through various activities??? Also probably worth pointing out that there is no reference to either forum on the expo website.

In terms of the price - to me i got a lock in ticket (still available to anyone) and see value in it as it will be a chance to hang around likeminded people and some very good friends i have made through the hobby and play some pinball - i suspect i will do a lot more yarning than playing. To me, $30 is pretty good for a full day. Comparing to the Gold Coast club (been twice - awesome event) which is $15 from memory for 4- 6 hours, its pretty comparable - plus having such a wide variety of machines from the 40's through to now as well as some super rare titles is an opportunity that not many of us hobbyists get very often.

Anyway, they are a few of my thoughts and i respect other peoples opinions as well as the fact there may be underlying issues of which i am unaware.

 I'm looking forward to heading down to Sydney in a couple of days and having a blast!
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: blue95 on November 11, 2014, 10:57:56 PM
I wouldn't go based on the AA us and them ticket sales practices of the past.
At $30 a day, sounds like someone's going for a nice money grab.
Is this like the other pinball expo where they said they were raising $$ for charity then the two blokes kept the lot....

Hope it works out for you Oscar.

What year was the money from this event stolen? I'm assuming you're talking about Newcastle pinfest.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: nath2099 on November 11, 2014, 11:12:10 PM
Being new to the collector/custom pinball scene, and not knowing the issues that have lead to the current situation in regards to various forums, I reckon $30 to play pinnes all day sounds reasonable! Moving, setting up and maintaining and 150 pinnies isn't a small job I'd imagine.

Very much looking forward to this weekend, especially looking forward to seeing WoZ in the flesh. Would be fantastic to have an expo in Aus that the P3 guys could justify attending economically... maybe next year!




Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: rusty_dagger on November 12, 2014, 12:35:30 AM
Newb to this site and member also to the other. I wasnt aware of the conflict between the two. Seems to be some uninformed info here and comments made just to stir up sh*t.
Donated to this site and was hoping to be an active member of both.
Expo is an event that ALL should feel welcome to attend and now I realise why the organisers have said in the past that EVERYONE is welcome to attend
Its sad if it is seen as an AA exclusive event as I am sure that isnt true and I havent gotten that feeling from posts on AA.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Strangeways on November 12, 2014, 01:07:02 AM
Guys, just to set the record straight, Michael Shalhoub made contact with me on two occasions (around May before he went O/S - not exactly sure) for his bi-annual phone call about pinball. We talk a couple of times a year. I consider Michael a long time pinball friend. We chat about a wide range of pinball related topics.

He mentioned to me that an Expo was being organized and he suggested that Aussie Pinball and my Business - Australian Pinball Restorations be involved in some capacity. The second call was to inform me (as co owner of AP and director of APR), that it was his intention to involve both AP and APR, and that we would be contacted by the organizers to arrange two free stalls at the Expo.  While Michael was close to the organizers, it seemed two others were the driving force. There were some dramas, but the event was still in the process of being planned / organized. During this conversation I raised the concern that tickets were not available outside Aussie Arcade - where the Expo was being promoted. The event website was not even up I believe at that time.

My stance (and Nick agreed) was that as soon as we can buy tickets, that AP members can buy tickets, and our (APR) customers can buy tickets, that we would consider the idea of participating.

It made no sense to be shutting down my business and hauling up a truckload of restored games for a week until the event became public and accessible to my customer base and of course the forum members here. That was earlier this year. There were no calls from anyone associated with the event to either Nick or myself thereafter, and certainly neither of us hung up on anyone who (claims to have) called - the only calls were to me by Michael as above, and I am not likely to hang up on a well respected pinball colleague !

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. It didn't progress as indicated. That's not a decision we made.

I hope everyone has a great pinball experience at the event.


Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 01:20:04 AM
I wouldn't go based on the AA us and them ticket sales practices of the past.
At $30 a day, sounds like someone's going for a nice money grab.
Is this like the other pinball expo where they said they were raising $$ for charity then the two blokes kept the lot....

Hope it works out for you Oscar.

What year was the money from this event stolen? I'm assuming you're talking about Newcastle pinfest.

Only cause you asked, I will politely respond.

I didn't use the word stolen as you did. I didn't mention the Newcastle Pinfest as you have also.
However, I was told directly by a committee member who shall remain un named that ten grand was raised, but only 2 grand went to charity. It may be completely true or completely incorrect, depending on who u speak to.
It seems the history of Aussie Pinball expos are anything but dull. Lol

By the way, This is to no person specifically, but I hate fence sitters. I do however respect people for at least having an opinion, whether it makes them popular or not. When the discriminatory practices of the past go away, then no one will complain or have anything controversial to mention.

I hope people enjoy the expo. I would have liked to go, but since it seems it was never advertised on this forum, it makes it hard to go to something u didn't know existed. Until today....



Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 01:22:21 AM
Guys, just to set the record straight, Michael Shalhoub made contact with me on two occasions (around May before he went O/S - not exactly sure) for his bi-annual phone call about pinball. We talk a couple of times a year. I consider Michael a long time pinball friend. We chat about a wide range of pinball related topics.

He mentioned to me that an Expo was being organized and he suggested that Aussie Pinball and my Business - Australian Pinball Restorations be involved in some capacity. The second call was to inform me (as co owner of AP and director of APR), that it was his intention to involve both AP and APR, and that we would be contacted by the organizers to arrange two free stalls at the Expo.  While Michael was close to the organizers, it seemed two others were the driving force. There were some dramas, but the event was still in the process of being planned / organized. During this conversation I raised the concern that tickets were not available outside Aussie Arcade - where the Expo was being promoted. The event website was not even up I believe at that time.

My stance (and Nick agreed) was that as soon as we can buy tickets, that AP members can buy tickets, and our (APR) customers can buy tickets, that we would consider the idea of participating.

It made no sense to be shutting down my business and hauling up a truckload of restored games for a week until the event became public and accessible to my customer base and of course the forum members here. That was earlier this year. There were no calls from anyone associated with the event to either Nick or myself thereafter, and certainly neither of us hung up on anyone who (claims to have) called - the only calls were to me by Michael as above, and I am not likely to hang up on a well respected pinball colleague !

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. It didn't progress as indicated. That's not a decision we made.

I hope everyone has a great pinball experience at the event.






Good to hear the facts Nino.
Title: Re: Pinball Memories at the Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: blue95 on November 12, 2014, 01:28:35 AM
I wouldn't go based on the AA us and them ticket sales practices of the past.
At $30 a day, sounds like someone's going for a nice money grab.
Is this like the other pinball expo where they said they were raising $$ for charity then the two blokes kept the lot....

Hope it works out for you Oscar.

What year was the money from this event stolen? I'm assuming you're talking about Newcastle pinfest.

Only cause you asked, I will politely respond.

I didn't use the word stolen as you did. I didn't mention the Newcastle Pinfest as you have also.
However, I was told directly by a committee member who shall remain un named that ten grand was raised, but only 2 grand went to charity. It may be completely true or completely incorrect, depending on who u speak to.
It seems the history of Aussie Pinball expos are anything but dull. Lol

By the way, This is to no person specifically, but I hate fence sitters. I do however respect people for at least having an opinion, whether it makes them popular or not. When the discriminatory practices of the past go away, then no one will complain or have anything controversial to mention.

I hope people enjoy the expo. I would have liked to go, but since it seems it was never advertised on this forum, it makes it hard to go to something u didn't know existed. Until today....





Someone's telling you rubbish, but believe it if you want.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 02:02:18 AM
I think I responded/posted on the wrong thread. Sorry, just realised their are two seperate threads that look very similar.

I wonder if on any of the AA threads/posts if it specifically ever said "any person from any forum " is welcome to attend.....that would have cleared things right up. Maybe it was mentioned that way? , does anyone know if those words were used specifically.

Were those words ever used.
I guess its old news now.
What we need is a photo of all the Moderators from both forums at a expo event all shaking hands and smiling together in a nice photo....(ok, I am just being comedic now)... Lol

Have fun at the expo and good luck Oscar with your stall.  ^^^

Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 12, 2014, 04:07:14 AM
Cavey, the question is whydid the expo oorganizers not post details  of the event on this forum as well as AA?
Surely you would advertise as widely as possible
Surely you would want booths filled with restoration suppliers (like Retropin) rather than another container guy (sorry Oscar)?
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 12, 2014, 04:22:48 AM
It is funny how some people who never post on this forum seem to know everything that gets posted here

Loosing respect
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pintoxicated on November 12, 2014, 08:35:40 AM
Newb to this site and member also to the other. I wasnt aware of the conflict between the two. Seems to be some uninformed info here and comments made just to stir up sh*t......


OK I'll bite.  If you haven't been around long enough to know about the 'history' then don't comment on it or as you say, make "comments made just to stir up shit."

It seems to me that tickets sales for the Expo are down so someone has suggested they finally include the guys on AP.

As they say, if you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything so in relation to AA - "         "

Honestly, lets face facts, nothing is ever going to change between the forums.  Too many chiefs that think they are "the authority and the voice" of all things pinball and not enough genuine guys running the show.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: goodolddays on November 12, 2014, 10:03:29 AM
I think this is going to be a fun weekend .. shame I can only go on the Saturday due to work commitments .

If I had stumped up my own hard earned to stage this event, then no way would I be making it exclusive .

Far as I know, tickets have been available for purchase on the event website for several weeks at least .

 
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Hashman on November 12, 2014, 10:15:52 AM
Forum wars. Lol. Who cares. What's the point.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Cow Corner on November 12, 2014, 10:18:40 AM
Who cares....not me. TBL, FT, WOOLY or Timeshock aren't going to be there, so there is really no point in going.

 ^^^
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 12, 2014, 10:22:15 AM
Forum wars. Lol. Who cares. What's the point.

Nah. This is kids stuff
I used to belong to a forum that had bad blood between former and current members
Death threats and legal threats were common
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 12, 2014, 10:49:46 AM
Who cares....not me. TBL, FT, WOOLY or Timeshock aren't going to be there, so there is really no point in going.

 ^^^

But wasn't Thunderbirds going to be there?
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Cow Corner on November 12, 2014, 10:54:31 AM
Who cares....not me. TBL, FT, WOOLY or Timeshock aren't going to be there, so there is really no point in going.

 ^^^

But wasn't Thunderbirds going to be there?

I don't know, you are best asking Mike. Has anyone heard anything about Thunderbirds at all?
It would be a nice surprise for those attending if there was a proto there.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinnies4me on November 12, 2014, 12:38:06 PM


Forum wars. Lol. Who cares. What's the point.

Exactly. The event was organised by members of Aussie Arcade, and if a decision was made to confine sales until recently to via that forum, then that is their prerogative. In my opinion these events should be used to foster relationships both at individual and forum level. However, some people have strong alternative views, and that is what it is.


If I had stumped up my own hard earned to stage this event, then no way would I be making it exclusive .


You would think so, but as the organisers are not members here, there was no reason we should have expected to have seen anything posted here, unless the organisers decided to contact Strangeways or me to post information, or joined for the purpose of that etc - we would have been happy to have set up a devoted section to this like we did for similar events previously.

However, that would not have worked because of the decision to not allow general public sales until a few weeks ago, so  tickets would not have been available to AP members.

As Strangeways noted earlier, when he was contacted by Michael our main concern was that we could not really do much until tickets would be available.


Far as I know, tickets have been available for purchase on the event website for several weeks at least .


That's right - since 27 October I think. But bear in mind that we are talking a couple of weeks available to the general public after many months of being only available to members elsewhere.


Now that general public tickets are available, I hope many get to enjoy the event.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: blue95 on November 12, 2014, 02:12:29 PM
Like Newcastle Pinfest, I don't think forum members of any type are these guy's target market. With the amount of money they would have to outlay it's definitely a general public event. They just probably assumed all hardcore pinball enthusiasts would not miss the opportunity to play all those games in one place without having to travel to the US.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 12, 2014, 02:37:26 PM
Like Newcastle Pinfest, I don't think forum members of any type are these guy's target market. With the amount of money they would have to outlay it's definitely a general public event. They just probably assumed all hardcore pinball enthusiasts would not miss the opportunity to play all those games in one place without having to travel to the US.

Just seems silly not to speed the word as widely as possible and promote it across both forums
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinsanity on November 12, 2014, 02:59:13 PM
Honestly, lets face facts, nothing is ever going to change between the forums.  Too many chiefs that think they are "the authority and the voice" of all things pinball and not enough genuine guys running the show.

Spot on. The current pinball expo is not the issue - though it does represent another tangible manifestation of a deeper underlying problem with the pinball hobby in Australia.

Not surprisingly it has caused a great deal of frustration amongst those who are genuinely passionate about seeing the hobby grow beyond the boundaries of the current entrenched fringe group hierarchical structure. It is simply another opportunity lost due to it being an exercise in personal/forum hubris and one upmanship, rather than a chance for magnanimity and impartiality.

As you said, nothing is going to change unless the structure of the hobby itself changes in Australia.

Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 03:16:19 PM
Forum wars. Lol. Who cares. What's the point.

Announcing the "Pinball Forum Wars in the UFC Hectagon for all forum Moderators".

To be held on Xmas day just after the turkey has been served.  &&

We will be using the "tag" system where the warriors will take turns In the UFC Silverball Hectagon".
The combatants will be armed with a handful of silver pinballs each. A giant baseball bat sized flipper bat and a oversized slingshot rubber to catch your opponent".

Weight classes will be designed and calculated by he who has the best and worst threads spanning back to five years.
We have lock in tickets for the wives and children only, and general entry will be at the graveyard gates. Lol

Come along a for the Moderator all in brawl and bet on your favourite Mod.
In our corner we have Strangeways, the monster of Melbourne known for his extensive use of pinball tools. This man can carve a pinball machine in ice with a chainsaw, and he will be assisted by Nick the Legal assassin.
A simple cease and desist letter can render even the best of fighters useless only minutes prior to the entry to the UFC Octagon.  They will make a strong team. They have Retropin in their corner, singing pommy football style songs and will be conducting the ASAP Mexican wave. We have cow corner also on the staff, yelling negative things at anyone resembling a tosser from the other side, and I will be head coach, shit stirring the hell out of anyone taking things too seriously.

Don't miss the Forum Wars. It's going to be a multiball multiplayer Octagon spectacular...

Watch your favourite moderators in action. This will be epic. I am backing team AP ofcourse as the all time favourites.

Support your local guys with donations of medical supplies and a safe house once the spectacle has begun.
Pinball, the blood sport of forum fun. Lol %.% %.% ^^^ ^^^

(Anyway, have a laugh. It's all good to just be silly and have a chuckle when things are too serious. Lol

Long live Pinball and the friendships we all share !


Title: Re:
Post by: roundball on November 12, 2014, 03:20:01 PM
Tickets were never available for sale via AA.  It's always been the case that tickets be purchased via the pinball expo website.   There has been no real tangible imformation posted on AA up until very recently regarding tickets, promoting etc of the expo.  The standard response was,  check the website..

Anyway,  no one is excluded..  Do you think there is going to be a disclaimer on the door stating that if your affiliated witg AP, that you're not welcome.?  Not the case..  Get along, buy a ticket,  build some bridges and have a bit of fun.   We're not getting any younger.

Pinballexpo.com.au
Title: Re:
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 03:37:44 PM
Tickets were never available for sale via AA.  It's always been the case that tickets be purchased via the pinball expo website.   There has been no real tangible imformation posted on AA up until very recently regarding tickets, promoting etc of the expo.  The standard response was,  check the website..

Anyway,  no one is excluded..  Do you think there is going to be a disclaimer on the door stating that if your affiliated witg AP, that you're not welcome.?  Not the case..  Get along, buy a ticket,  build some bridges and have a bit of fun.   We're not getting any younger.

Pinballexpo.com.au


Well said.
Title: Re:
Post by: pinnies4me on November 12, 2014, 03:42:31 PM

Tickets were never available for sale via AA.  It's always been the case that tickets be purchased via the pinball expo website.   There has been no real tangible imformation posted on AA up until very recently regarding tickets, promoting etc of the expo.  The standard response was,  check the website..


Really? Nothing like what I read for the last few months.


Anyway,  no one is excluded..  Do you think there is going to be a disclaimer on the door stating that if your affiliated witg AP, that you're not welcome.?  Not the case..  Get along, buy a ticket,  build some bridges and have a bit of fun.   We're not getting any younger.


A partially sensible comment clothed in the usual stupidity. No-one is saying anyone is excluded. The issue is and was ticket availability, which has become public only in the last couple of weeks. Perhaps you should read some of the thread first instead of posting blind.

Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinnies4me on November 12, 2014, 03:44:13 PM

Announcing the "Pinball Forum Wars in the UFC Hectagon for all forum Moderators".


Thanks for the chuckle caveofcreatures...  @@*
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Caveoftreasures on November 12, 2014, 06:28:25 PM
I try to do my bit. Lol  @.@ @.@ ^^^ ^^^
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Retropin on November 12, 2014, 09:33:34 PM
My situation in this was very similar to Nino's in the fact that Michael Shalhoub rang me and told me that he and Dan were organising another Sydney Expo and that I was invited to have a stall for GOTTLIEB in Australia. I pointed out that I knew of the Expo already but it was being handled solely on AA and not in the wider pinball community and from what I could gather, unless you were an active member there you would have no idea of any expo and no possible way of buying tickets as it was all being handled through the forum.
Mike said that it would all open up shortly and on that note I agreed on hosting a stall.. I was then told that Dan had the final say but he would ring me within a week to arrange everything.
Roll on a month and Mike rings me again.. has Dan rang me yet?..No I said.
Mike then says that he'll give Dan a nudge... Dan knows about me and a stall and he WILL ring me.
Roll on another few weeks to a month and Mike rings again... has dan rung yet?... again.. No.
So I tell Mike that if Dan knows about me willing to host a stall but hasn't rung me then I can only conclude that he doesn't want a GOTTLIEB stall at the Expo..after all its his say so.
Mikes vision of an Expo was very similar if not the same as anyone elses... its an Australian Expo and should showcase everything that encompasses all that Australian pinball has to offer. My take was that he wanted the place bustling with activity... machines galore and stalls selling and promoting the whole hobby. As he said.. I want you there..I want stencils, GOTTLIEB etc.. I want Nino there.. I want everyone represented. I want restorations.. spare parts... etc.

I never got the call from Dan but did get one more from Mike promising me that Dan WOULD ring me... In the end I told Mike I didn't have enough time to prepare and wouldn't be attending as my work load in November is pretty heavy... im not investing time and some approx. $4000 to attend something im obviously not welcome at.

I did the last Sydney Expo and it was good... I scrabbled together some stuff to showcase at the last minute and held a stall. Shipped the lot down in a crate and set up the night before. Was more than happy to do the same here at what I thought was going to be an EXPO...
Maybe one day an expo that puts Australia on the world pinball map will happen and ill jump at the chance to take part.. chuck in restorers like Timbo.. Nino and his stuff including CPR... GOTTLIEB merchandise ( stencils, signs, T shirts etc)... spare part vendors.. what about Mike Homepin?? Without his Australian boards many machines would be dead and buried.. plus he is now an Australian manufacturer!... That's an Expo, not a gathering of machines and some bloke in the corner charging $2 for a game of WOZ... !*! !*!

LOL- nevertheless. It is 180 machines to play and its not to be sneezed at so those attending will get to play games they've never had the chance to. Michaels collection is second to none and my understanding is that he has supplied many woodrails. Not often you get the chance to play games from many eras ( unless in my shed/house which is where ill be staying).
Have fun everyone that attends
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pintoxicated on November 13, 2014, 09:54:50 AM
That is a real shame Gav but in all honesty, did you expect anything different?  This Expo could have broken down a few barriers but it wasn't to be.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, too many chiefs that think they are "the authority and the voice" of all things pinball and not enough genuine guys running the show.

I really do wish I had the $$$ and skills to put a proper Expo together.  Pinball in Australia is bigger than just 1 or 2 two guys.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on November 13, 2014, 10:02:23 AM
That is a real shame Gav but in all honesty, did you expect anything different?  This Expo could have broken down a few barriers but it wasn't to be.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, too many chiefs that think they are "the authority and the voice" of all things pinball and not enough genuine guys running the show.

I really do wish I had the $$$ and skills to put a proper Expo together.  Pinball in Australia is bigger than just 1 or 2 two guys.
I agree that pinball is bigger than one or two guys
But those one or two guys did organize the event and are supplying most of the games. Victorians seem to have trouble organizing a meet

Edit
Yes, I have been welcomed into peoples homes. I mean a meet where every one is invited and there is 20+ games to play
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Strangeways on November 13, 2014, 10:16:24 AM
That is a real shame Gav but in all honesty, did you expect anything different?  This Expo could have broken down a few barriers but it wasn't to be.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, too many chiefs that think they are "the authority and the voice" of all things pinball and not enough genuine guys running the show.

I really do wish I had the $$$ and skills to put a proper Expo together.  Pinball in Australia is bigger than just 1 or 2 two guys.

Unfortunately, this is the issue in a nutshell.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: robm on November 17, 2014, 07:00:42 PM
Where do I start on the awesomeness that was the Australian Pinball Expo 2014….maybe the beginning is a good spot!!

Arrived from Townsville to a hideous 39 degree scorcher in Sydney on Friday afternoon. Headed out to Penrith and went straight to the massive pavilion to be greeted by 228 pinball machines from Dan, Michael and Leigh’s personal collection, as well as another 20 or so from vendors lining the sides of the pavilion. It was great as it was a hive of activity of setting up the finishing touches and doing some last minute repairs before opening time. What was also great was how happy and helpful everyone was. I got into some adjustments on Indiana Jones and a few other machines with minor issues – I think what is worth pointing out at this point in time, is that these are all machines from 3 guys personal collections – so a bulk amount of pins for an individual to own/maintain. I know there was some serious work put in by the owners and other techs in the weeks leading up to the event, and full credit for the hours they put in.  Just think about ordering flipper kits, rubbers, balls etc etc for 230 machines – just the cost and let alone time involved is staggering. With this many machines, there are always going to be some breakdowns throughout the course of the event, so I was glad to be able to help a little, and also the fact that plenty of other hooked in and understood when a machine went down or had a stuck ball etc.

Anyway, doors open at 7pm and we were all giving the machines a good workout- I can’t remember exactly, but I think I lasted until about 3ish in the morning and had to head off.  Some highlights for me – playing Medieval Madness, which inspired me to continue on with the NBA FB to MM conversion I am currently part way through, some fun games on Spiderman, Black Hole, Eclipse (it was in amazing condition), Humpty Dumpty (first pinball machine with flippers! and a lot of older machines I had never heard of.  Playing Hercules was a fun experience as well.  Managed to get my initials on 1 of the two Aaron Spelling machines in the world but the best part of all was catching up with old mates, and meeting new people.  Also hooked into the competition, but didn’t get many scores worth repeating….i really did enjoy playing Joker Poker though, and I guess got a bit more appreciation for some of the older machines (my collection is mainly DMDs) with reasonably simple rulesets that are not always that simple to achieve!

Was straight back into a few minor repairs and adjustments early before the doors opened to the public on Saturday morning.  9am, doors opened and people started to move in. By mid morning, the noise was sensational – a mix of Ems, SS and DMDs all going off at the same time.  Was great to walk around the Vendors as well – played WOZ and MMR at Mr Pinball’s stand – both sensational machines. Had a game on Walking Dead at AMD, as well as a few of the other newer Stern’s.  Luke’s machines (LA Games) were absolutely amazing – TZ, MB, STTNG, Getaway, LOTR, IJ4, MM and Family Guy.  There was a comp on family guy, and I pumped plenty of $2 coins in there but couldn’t quite get a good enough score.  Also bought some parts and LEDs off Luke at a great price.  There were also some virtual machines and others there as well.  It was also great to chat to a few other members  and of course Dan, Leigh and Michael.  Picked up a couple of WPC power driver boards for my possum pins off Michael as well.  Was just fantastic sitting around a spinning yarns with these fellas and heaps of others. Played plenty more games during the day, as well as chatting to general members of the public – was really awesome to see families there with kids playing the head to head soccer game, and all the pinnies. Just about everyone couldn’t have had a bigger grin on their face!

Managed to have a little break for a couple of hours when it closed to the public at 5pm, then reopened at 7 on Sat night.  A lot of guys were qualifying for the comp this night – not sure how many extra tickets I bought to try and improve my pathetic scores, although it didn’t work – it was a whole heap of fun trying to jump a few positions on the leaderboard that was set up with a projector. Was also great to see some of the guys get some decent scores on machines that were set up incredibly hard.

Couldn’t quite last out until 4am on Sat night, and got a few more hours sleep, before getting back into making sure most machines were up and running with a few opto replacements ,switch adjustments and the like before crowds started coming in Sunday morning.  Ended up not playing a lot of machines on Sunday, rather chatting to people and watching the comp. Ended up helping out at the door which was fun greeting people and seeing the looks on their faces when you told them once they got in, there were over 200 machines on free play!!  Was also great to meet some forum members, and chat to people who have quite decent collections and they didn’t realize there were so many other likeminded people around the country.  Just about every single person that walked out the door in the arvo stated that it was a fantastic event, and what time was it on next year.   Another dude had a classic comment when he walked out “I had the best day ever, played pinball non stop for 9 hours without even a break for anything to eat of a pee…”

Watching the final of the comp was great, and congrats to Peter Watt for the win – top bloke as well!  Unfortunately I couldn’t hang around to help pack up, but hope there were those who were able.

I spoke to Leigh at length about the event, and without going into any detail, will just mention that the efforts that he, Dan and Michael had gone to get the event such a success it was is nothing short of phenomenal. The cost, pressure, stress and sheer work and lack of sleep is a credit to the passion these guys have for the hobby and sharing it with everyone – my sincere thanks and congratulations. Also a shout to the families and friends of these guys who have helped out/put up with all the stress and chaos as well!

I would be back next weekend in a heartbeat if it happened again, and I reckon anyone that did not go missed the event of a lifetime. Had to have a chuckle at a comment on Facebook that someone in Sydney said Penrith was too far away……I know a couple of other people from Townsville, plenty from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and everything in between – not to mention the legendary effort of Kiwis that came over.


Anyway, a few dodgy phone pics

(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/rjmilla/2014-11-14185349_zps1ada563e.jpg) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/rjmilla/media/2014-11-14185349_zps1ada563e.jpg.html)


(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/rjmilla/2014-11-14212913_zpsc92e19fc.jpg) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/rjmilla/media/2014-11-14212913_zpsc92e19fc.jpg.html)
Me playing an MM and getting inspired to continue my build

(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/rjmilla/2014-11-15011727_zpse2919594.jpg) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/rjmilla/media/2014-11-15011727_zpse2919594.jpg.html)
Hercules

(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/rjmilla/2014-11-15212441_zpsd01d15b6.jpg) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/rjmilla/media/2014-11-15212441_zpsd01d15b6.jpg.html)
Humpty Dumpty

(http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/rjmilla/2014-11-16143530_zpse7a061b2.jpg) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/rjmilla/media/2014-11-16143530_zpse7a061b2.jpg.html)
View from the final of the comp, looking back at the first row of machines
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: oldskool1969 on November 17, 2014, 07:15:03 PM
Nice write up Rob, would love to play Hercules again. Such a novel piece of pinball history.
Imagine the heat coming off the machines and the people on top of the 39deg ambient temp. That will test how good the AC is.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: Slash on November 17, 2014, 08:25:44 PM
Yep great write up.

Would love to get to a big event like this one day and play some of the pins I have only read about/seen on the net but not in person.

Massive amount of machines to have working/fit for play if they are only from a couple of people's collections.
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: pinballheaven on November 17, 2014, 08:43:09 PM
Thanks for the write up Rob ^^^ You looked a picture of concentration on MM!!
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: skywalker on November 17, 2014, 10:12:53 PM
thanks for the pics, going by the pics looks like it was Massive  ^^^
Title: Re: Australian Pinball Expo 2014
Post by: blue95 on November 17, 2014, 11:23:37 PM
I made a cameo appearance in the last photo :)
It was a great day out.