The Ever-Widening Circle - One Pin To Rule Them

[WARLOCK]

We all love pinball I suspect, or I hope so at least...
Isn't that the common denominator among us my friends?

Guess how this thread may go, if you dare to speculate upon it...
I've actually been writing it for a couple of months now. More in 1 week or so.

If you don't understand that it is all about Volley, the "new Volley"; or Joker Poker: then just wait...
Perhaps, from our good friends south, it is really all about EBD, or a Ping-Pong table; or Lyman's Tavern...

More soon.

Cheers.

Salut.

 

[WARLOCK]

My friend Chris over on maaca posted this. I "dislike requoting", so here are his thoughts and "exact" words below.

I'll jump in with an attempt on the thread direction. It's my opinion that the one pin fluctuates. One minute it's Medusa, the next minute it's EBD, The next month it's twilight zone. Location also has a big part to do with it and peer pressure.
I've noticed all Volkswagen Beatles end up on the West Coast and all the El Camino's and up in Florida. I figure the same for pinball machines. Popularity might concentrate certain machines in certain areas.
Am I on track?

 

[WARLOCK]

You sir are on track for a good part of it. Some background info. for you as a prize!
Volley was the first EM game that I bought. I actually traded it with Justin @ the North Star as it had been in the lineup for a long time and he needed a change.
Drano had tried a few months earlier for the two of us to make a trade/swap with +/- cash depending on the title we would trade for. In this case, Orbitor 1 came to MTL to Justin for a couple of years until it was time to switch that pin out again. It now resides back with me again in the Bluffs as no one seems to love this ugly duckling...
3 Volley's later, I have my keeper Volley here as well. My other couple of Volley's were bought and sold to me no fewer than 2-3 times for 1 example. Mike Hanley now has 1 for his personal collection. 1 went to Brock, then back to me, then to Speedy and then likely to one of Speedy's clients where I lost track of that 1 example. I suspect Cooke still maintains it for whomever that client was to this day.
The point I am making is this: 1 EM machine led to Justin and I making our first deal together in pinball. Now when we see each other, pinball was the catalyst for conversation, but it isn't what we discuss necessarily, and we rarely if ever would play pinball together. We generally chat and discuss the state of the nation and how everyone is doing.
In summary:
1 pin led to a brief story that led to 4 pins.
1 friend's suggestion led to meeting other friends, new and old, and placing pins in their possession.
4 machines are in the hands of 3 people now, and at least 7 people were directly involved with this story through purchases.
That doesn't even count the other 2 people the other 2 Volley's came from, or the 2 people I know who had the Orbitor 1 before I bought it from Walt.
The cast of characters involved becomes 12 people across 2 provinces very quickly and the whole thing centered around a pin than we compete with friends upon now, (Volley) and a pin that most people despise. Orbitor 1.
It all began by taking a chance on my first EM at a suggestion from a friend and buying an ugly duckling pin from another friend because no one wanted it.
More soon.

 

[WARLOCK]

Let us begin with this...
Volley is the "new" Volley.
It always will be + it always was. ( I suspect)
There isn't any other, but it does require friends...

So, I will try to tell a new tale.
Without naming names.

Just games. Tricky...

 

[WARLOCK]

Somewhere back in time, there was a pinball machine that "changed everything".
When Gottlieb ruled the pinball world and a transition came, all things changed. A "grail" was produced.

This was no ordinary transition in the usual sense, she was a sophisticated beauty that drew the young and the old into her.
This transition for Gottlieb produced a game of such "challenge" and charisma that the modern central Ontarians treat her with reverence.

She is none other than Joker Poker. An SS that is "very" fine and an EM that proves "rare" in reality and in practice, both conceptually and physically.

I let such a rare and fine beauty escape me years ago. I lamented this. My friends talked me down off the ledge of "collecting" a trophy pin we couldn't yet..
Steve Young apparently confirmed this Joker Poker EM in Canada, the only and last remaining sample EM known, was real.

I had to pass on her and she traveled south to what I hope was a good home. We had no parts collectively to do her justice just yet.
Years later, another emerges. A long wait. Outside of the US nations capital in Alexandria, VA, another presented itself.

My friends watched for me, vigilant, for years until the time was correct, and this pin moved from fiction to fact before us.

It led to a chain of events that involved at least a dozen participants, online and off. The ever-widening circle.

It "is" about us and what we "do". It is also about so many others who "do" and "don't do" so very many things.
After a long journey (which of course involves other tales and other people) that Joker Poker EM is home.

Here and now, several of us have the collective hunting and gatherings skills, the wisdom, and most importantly the parts to fix her.

Thank you my friends. I had little to do with this other than be myself, and a participant in this journey.

Make it happen...
If you possibly are able...

More soon.

 

[WARLOCK]

I mentioned Steve Young in the first part of this story, not to name names, but to illustrate the importance of whom it is; in this a case, a well known supplier in the US with knowledge and some authority on all things pinball from the past.

The rest of this story is intended to be told without naming names, and I had intended not to even mention the names of the pinball machine's involved. That 2nd part remains remains difficult to do and the machines don't mind when you name them anyhow.
Contributor # 1 is whom first showed myself, and many of us, Pinball # 2. (Joker Poker) A fine example and a challenging and under rated pin who many of us knew little about only a few years ago.

I sometimes refer to Contributor # 1 as "coach" and sometimes as an older brother figure, but always as friend. Thank you for that initial exposure to both Pinball # 1 (Volley) and Pinball # 2 (Joker Poker).
For the sake of simplicity, Pinball # 1 (Volley) really became 3 examples of this game of which I passed on 2 of the 3 examples of Volley to others while keeping Volley # 3 from coach. (Which is now Pinball # 1) Clear enough? As mud...

This story is really about Pinball # 2 (Joker Poker - SS) and ultimately Pinball # 3 (Joker Poker - EM) In order to move forward in this tale, one needs to know that Contributor # 2 sometimes referred to as an enabler and friend found Pinball # 4. Pinball # 4 (Centigrade 37) is yet another whale of a pin which led Contributor # 3 (myself) down a Gottlieb Wedgehead love-fest path from which I have yet to and may never recover from... Years earlier Contributor # 4 had shopped and serviced this Pinball # 4 (C-37) with such care that it had only been waxed and played in many years before resurfacing as Contributor # 2 had located it.

Contributor # 15 whom I have hung with for 25+ years, stepped in to help pick up this Centrigrade 37 as well as another arcade vid for himself which led to Pinball # 4 being set up and played in my office at work. Contributor # 5 (whom I refer to as friend and brother regularly) picked up another pinball machine for me not long ago, which was Centigrade 37 # 2 now referred to as Pinball # 5 (C-37 #2) from Contributor #6. In a trade, Pinball # 6 went to Contributor # 6 so I had 2 x C-37's. Why? Because we all could and it benefitted all parties. Contributor # 5 also repurchased Pinball # 7 from me. Some of these pinball machine's that were mine but belong now to others and won't necessarily have a title attached. Some of the stories on certain pins are not my story to tell, but they were part of a plan that slowly came together over time. The point I am making is that I knew there would be need for 2 x C-37's, but not quite why just yet.

Contributor # 7 was a collector and player in the US who presented Pinball # 3 (Joker Poker - EM) for sale deep in the south east in Alexandria VA. We checked out whom each other were, I gave him his asking price on Pinball # 3 and asked if he could hold it for a few months until Contributor # 8 and myself (Contributor # 3 if you forgot) could pick it up over March break. Contributor # 7 graciously agreed and eventually Contributor's # 8 and 3 traveled on a journey of 24 hours driving in 36 hours to retrieve just 1 pinball machine, Pinball # 3.

Upon reviewing, I should point out that Contributor # 9 sold me Pinball # 2 (Joker Poker - SS) after I had hunted, searched and desired this pinball machine for several years. so, now that Pinball # 3 (JP-EM) was here, it was time to purge and clear the decks. Pinball # 2 (JP-SS) could be sold along with Pinball # 4 (C-37 #1) because I had already replaced them for myself with Pinball #3 (JP-EM) and Pinball #5 (C-37 #2). To further complicate an already complex spider-web, Pinball # 8 (Volley #2) went to Contributor # 16 and Pinball # 9 (Volley # 1) went to Contributor # 10.

So, where does this leave us... With Contributor # 11 of course, which involved the purchase of Pinball machines #'s 10,11,12 and 13. All EM's and all pins to change it up@ Bluff's Pinball for Season # 2 as it approaches at the end of next month.
Pinball # 10 (Abracadabra), Pinball # 11 (300), Pinball # 12 (Flip Flop) and Pinball # 13 (Skyjump) will all be enjoyed in the next few months by 44 members in the last 60 days to join Bluff's Pinball hosted by Contributor's 3, 15 and 8.
Just so you don't think this has become too simple, Contributor # 12 took Pinball # 10 (Abra) for a full on treatment. Contributor # 13 took both Pinball # 2 (JP-SS) and Pinball # 4 (C-37 #1). Yes, I knew Contributor's 12 + 13 wanted these pins. They had also been watching for them for long periods of time and the puzzle pieces all went together over the last several months allowing this chain of events to occur.

This isn't where this current story ends, more happens, but this has become complex for Contributor # 3 to write, So I will pick it up again tomorrow.

The purpose of this story is that the "Ever-widening circle" is 100's of like minded individuals all assisting each other; online and offline and we are all a part of that if we choose to be involved.
It is amazing that we can get what we want by helping others get what they want.

I have known Contributor # 11 for a long time. I introduced him to this world online and the 2 collectors forum whom he actively participates in the 1 here. He told me the other day that he didn't realize he was part of this offline world.

Contributor # 11 sold me a beautiful Pinball # 14 (Pinbot) a very long time ago. I sold it long ago to Contributor # 12 who lovingly restored it along with the assistance of Contributor # 14. It returned to me, years later very recently.

Whom is Contributor # 17 ? and what is Pinball # 15 ? It could be anyone and it could be any machine.

 

[luch]

again WTF , its like an Abbott and Costello skit , Who's on first ,What's on 2nd , I don't know's on 3rd . with Contributor in the bull pen ! LMFAO

 

[WARLOCK]

As many people would already know here, Luch is Contributor #11.

 

[DRANO]

again WTF , its like an Abbott and Costello skit , Who's on first ,What's on 2nd , I don't know's on 3rd . with Contributor in the bull pen ! LMFAO

Don't sweat it Mike... you're not the only one confused. I actually found Abbott and Costello easier to follow.


I simply try not to overthink it when Scott starts to pontificate... I usually assume it's just some form of self administered therapy he's working on

Since he's the probably only one that can make sense of the entire post/thread, I'll wait until he provides a legend (or little orphan Annie decoder ring) indicating who said "contributors" are; or just hold out for the reader's digest edition... whichever comes first

Although... he did say it was going to be a "tricky" game.
Maybe I've missed the point. Wouldn't be the first time.

PS.
I think the answer is 42... maybe

 

[luch]

too funny

 

[WARLOCK]

As some people may already know here, Drano is Contributor # 14.

With a simple text and intro, Drano introduced me to Contributor # 9 in Quebec.

 

[luch]

Hello #14 , from #11 ,can wait for the other #'s It's like the Get Smart tv series .

 

[WARLOCK]

This isn't really a "naming names" game but this is good fun. I am merely indicating there were at least 16 people involved with these 14 pins.

You and Drano were both revealed because you both posted on this thread. You both are regular contributors online here (and elsewhere) and you both don't mind me letting the general public know who you are. Many people will stay anonymous and don't post online very much.

In Summary to date...

14 pins were bought and sold in this tale, mostly offline, but kijiji and both CAN pinball forums members were involved in some way.
7 of these 14 pins were kept for either myself or Bluffs Pinball League.
7 pins went to 6 other owners

 

[FastEd]

I love this thread! I even followed it to a point where I found a mistake. Where Pinball #3 is mistakenly referred as Pinball #2. Hopefully I can be Contributor #27.

 

[WARLOCK]

It is a tough thread to write. Thank you for that reference. I will attempt to fix it up tomorrow then.
We are all "in this" when we post, when we PM, when we communicate together. There is no "conspiracy".

When it works for one person "online" or "offline"; hopefully it works for everyone. In due course, over time, it works.

 

[DRANO]

As funny as it sounds when I try to read this thread... the underlying truth still reveals itself quite clearly.
If I can be so bold as to interpret Scott here, the "ripple effect" that has been prompted by this one simple game transaction a couple of years ago has had lasting effects and connections to multiple people (in small and in large ways)... especially the OP. And we create this effect again and again with every new discovery or quest or deal.

Hence, from one night and one deal with contributor #1, this ever widening circle is created.
The players are certainly not all close friends... but they are part of the bigger picture and bigger experience.

I sort of feel bad for people who have adopted this great hobby but remain sole practioners. They may lurk or try to find deals but never truly engage. I feel bad because that was me not so very long ago and it was kinda boring... only half an experience.
Others treat it as a business or treat deals as some form of sport and nothing more. I feel they are only cheating themselves out of a much more fun and rewarding experience. It is the people who have made this hobby more than just hoarding

Sure, we all want to buy low and sell high (or at least not lose money) but I also kinda like being this "contributor" at times and playing whatever part I get to play beyond the world of simply buying and selling and currency exchanges or racing to be the first to unbox their NIB pin.
The contributing (such as it is) has been the most rewarding facet of the hobby...even if the exploits of contributor #14 were grossly under recognized in this saga of volley and wedgehead-dom.

Hey, it's not like I introduced a certain someone to C-37, or had a hand to play in the locating of 3 or 4 Volleys, or get anyone hooked on wedgeheads in general... ahem, Golden Arrow, ahem ahem, Spin Out, El Dorado... that's okay, I'll just go back to my corner now, don't mind me. What's a guy gotta do to get a little bum-hugging over here?

 

[CJBob]

'll wait until he provides a legend (or little orphan Annie decoder ring)

Great, now I get it. He's telling us to remember to drink our ovaltine.

 

[WARLOCK]

Well, after a week on hiatus, Drano of course has pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Contributor # 14 (Drano) has had a "massive" influence on all of the pins we collect.
We don't necessarily "hunt and search" for what everyone else is looking for tho.

The stories I tell of Joker Poker and Volley are days long past; yet they remain.

What we are "hunting" today and next week; isn't on anyone's radar.

The stories of these pins won't be told for some time yet.
We won't engage contributor's #15,#12,#8 or #47 til...

The time actually comes... Cheers. / Salut.

 

[fantasygoat]

I sort of feel bad for people who have adopted this great hobby but remain sole practioners.

Speaking from the outside, your collective isn't particularly welcoming. Now I'm sure I'm not helping my situation any saying it here, but it's true. I'm friends with most of the older Toronto-area collectors but for whatever reason the newer crew is pretty frosty and insular (with a few notable exceptions). I've made an effort to introduce myself on a few occasions and been actively brushed off.

That's actually pretty normal for a close group to be like that, but you should be aware of that when you make statements like the above.

 

[spiroagnew]

Speaking from the outside, your collective isn't particularly welcoming. Now I'm sure I'm not helping my situation any saying it here, but it's true. I'm friends with most of the older Toronto-area collectors but for whatever reason the newer crew is pretty frosty and insular (with a few notable exceptions). I've made an effort to introduce myself on a few occasions and been actively brushed off.

That's actually pretty normal for a close group to be like that, but you should be aware of that when you make statements like the above.

Please. I think we both know who was "frosty" when I attempted to strike up a conversation with you at the hotel breakfast area in Ann Arbor last year. I was brushed off like Gary Stern's dandruff.

Don't try to assign blame. I'm not saying there isn't static, but it comes from both ends of the spectrum.