I agree ANT(Tony) that he wants it finished ASAP etc, but the things out of his control bit, I respectfully have to disagree, or at least question it. Management of these issues is what controls it, versus it being out of his control ??
One thing Gary Stern always talks about is that the pinball business is all about stock control, knowing exactly how much to order and exactly when, that the product cant turn up a day or two early cause it gets in the way, the fact that a day or two late holds up production etc etc. Its a really good video I watched (the recent Stern talk at the latest 2012 Pacific Pinball Expo) but it was this video clip which kept ringing in my head when I looked at the delays with JJP and WOZ.
Gary Stern kept saying that successful pinball manufacturing companies had CEO's that started in the stock rooms etc, he mentions Harry Williams, himself and a few others who all started and had the stock control side of the buisiness down pat. Infact, its this he talks about and not being late with your products/machines that makes u a winner in the pinball business. It makes me wonder, now that JJP is so late with WOZ, whether Gary chose the stock control topic and being ontime with your product etc topic, specifically for the 2012 PPExpo meaningly to set himself apart from JJP (or to highlight JJP's lateness).
Third parties are involved in almost EVERY title. How do we know that the hold up is related to a third party license ? This is certainly out of Jack's control. JJP can only control what is under his roof. I'm sure that after the dust has settled, we will know more.
I find it ironic that you are comparing JPP and Stern. Stern historically have copied other manufacturers. That's what their entire Business model was based upon. "Innovation" and "Stern" are mutually exclusive. Here's comes an innovation to pinball in JJP, and Sterns response is to drastically drop the pricing on AC/DC - but produce their best game in 20 years. Coincidence ? Will the same pricing and quality of game continue ? The pressure is more on Stern in my view.
I'm not going to buy WOZ or a late model Stern. But I support both these guys for producing pinball. But we need to take Stern off their pedestal.