Isn't being a collector and enjoying the hobby enough?

[NERDtendo]

I am one of those people who wants to have an online personality. I am stuck in the house all day long every day. I get out maybe once or twice a week. The curtains are shut and I play video games and work on my arcade machines. I get on here to discuss my arcade hobby and talk about games. I have no one else to play with so I make threads looking for some competition. My family are people who don't get the whole game thing. They have a PS3 and only use it for NetFlix. They think I'm nuts for the arcade stuff I do. Sometimes I boast on here about how well I do at a game and I enjoy reading about other players achievements (whether it's their skill at a game or their skills at restoring & repairing arcade games). It's all in fun.

 

[SilverCoin]

I would say, I just want enough of a presence that when people mention my name they go "Oh yeah that guy.. he's got a good arcade hey?"

 

[jow]

I like both aspects.

I love collecting these games, but I also like trying to be as good as I possibly can at all of them, too. Why? Who knows. Maybe its the ex-athlete in me who always tried to be the best I could at what I was playing? If Im going to spend time on something, I want to be successful with it.

I do know the OP has had issues with a certain person here and there was a recent article about that certain someone breaking world records and maybe this is a jealousy thing? Who knows.

 

[Phetishboy]

I appreciate arcade restorations, arcade deals, putting together and decorating a sweet arcade space and playing these machines. Yes, I love all aspects of this hobby, except for some of the participants. I have noticed that this hobby (arcade-related) is full of a bevy of nerds, whiners, freaks, crybabies and other undesirables that honestly I never knew existed in such great numbers out in the real world. I always sorta thought everyone thought like I did. I was wrong. I've been to arcade auctions, CAX and various arcade parties, and I am always amazed at some of the socially retarded, hygienically-challenged people that I see there. I don't see these same people at the mall, or at the fair, or at restaurants or bars, I just see them where the reason for the gathering is arcade-related. Perhaps I have seen them in other public places, but never noticed them. Maybe it's their sheer numbers at arcade functions that trips my gaydar. Maybe it's because I am looking for them now. I don't know. But it scares me.

 

[gozer5454]

I do know the OP has had issues with a certain person here and there was a recent article about that certain someone breaking world records and maybe this is a jealousy thing? Who knows.

Also this ^

I believe you hit the proverbial nail.

 

[XXI21]

look at me.

That's me. as a World class gamer, nothing like the thrill of the the crowd and spectators... Yep, just trying to recreate the...

Ok... maybe they were watching Carlton more than me... or, just checkin' out Sav's ass...

Not really a collector or restorer, just a gamer... "I only ride 'em, I don't know what makes 'em work."

Got in to it mostly for WR attempts (EDIT: And king of kong has nothing to do with it. For me, at least. Never even seen the 'movie')... Well, 5 years later, no WRs Still enjoy TRYING to recreate the atmosphere and camaraderie of the old bowling alley gameroom and the Golden Age arcades of MadTown...

 

[Phetishboy]

Other things I love about this hobby:

-Quote Hacking
-Bri
-Sav
-That pic I have of the guy with the mullet flipping the viewer off
-Jow
-Fritz
-Mark's Bouquet of Dicks pic
-slobbing quietly
-nutballchamp's arcade

I'll add more as I think of them.

 

[Robotron Jon]

I have noticed that this hobby (arcade-related) is full of a bevy of nerds, whiners, freaks, crybabies and other undesirables that honestly I never knew existed in such great numbers out in the real world.

You obviously have never been to one of those conventions for guys who paint little figurines.

There are a lot of nerd hobbies.

 

[SuperGunGuru]

Most here are the latter. Seeking out games from the past, restoring them, tinkering with the mechanics, etc. The end goal to create a work of art which in a way is almost worshipped in their home gamerooms. The enjoyment seems to come out of having the game, displaying the game for others to see, and simply looking at the game and the aura it exudes.

I can't tell ya the number of times I've just sat there and watched my 6 player X-Men or MK2 just run in attract mode. Creating that aura and ambiance from the games is awesome and even if they aren't on, I can just sit at my work bench and look around. Sometimes taking a step back to realize all the work I've put into them helps, even though I always feel like there's more I want to do at least cosmetically.

 

[NERDtendo]

I can't tell ya the number of times I've just sat there and watched my 6 player X-Men or MK2 just run in attract mode. Creating that aura and ambiance from the games is awesome and even if they aren't on, I can just sit at my work bench and look around. Sometimes taking a step back to realize all the work I've put into them helps, even though I always feel like there's more I want to do at least cosmetically.

+1

Right with ya there on everything you just said.

 

[XXI21]

Other things I love about this hobby:

-Bri

You're very special to me too. Playing Seawolf with you at CAX '11 is a new age arcade memory I will cherish forever.

 

[tron guy]

Agreed. For some it's about restoring. For some it's about playing. For some it's about collecting. For some it's about showing off. For some it's about enjoying the friendship. For some it's about making a few dollars. For some it's about having a place for friends and family to enjoy.

And for some of us it's about any and all of those things at any given time. Just enjoy it and don't worry about other peoples motivation. Having them involved keeps the hobby alive.

I would say all of the above for me. I am a junkie

 

[z3k3]

I do know the OP has had issues with a certain person here and there was a recent article about that certain someone breaking world records and maybe this is a jealousy thing? Who knows.

The original post gestated from a couple of conversations (at Winston-Salem) regarding a couple of recent arcade videos. While indicative of the arcade celebrity movement, a "certain someone" breaking world records has little to do with it.

 

[jow]

The original post gestated from a couple of conversations (at Winston-Salem) regarding a couple of recent arcade videos. While indicative of the arcade celebrity movement, a "certain someone" breaking world records has little to do with it.

Good to know. I was hoping that wasn't the reason for your thread.

 

[z3k3]

Good to know. I was hoping that wasn't the reason for your thread.

Also, I didn't mean for this to be about "world" record holders vs collectors. There are plenty of collectors who strive for celebrity.

 

[FrizzleFried]

Also, I didn't mean for this to be about "world" record holders vs collectors. There are plenty of collectors who strive for celebrity.

Do you consider "celebrity among collectors" as "celebrity" in general? I only ask because very very very few have achieved any sort of "celebrity" status outside of the hobby. Hell, I bet 99% of the world hasn't a clue who Steve Weibe is... and even (arguably) the most well-known arcade player... Billy Mitchell... isn't on the radar of 98% of the world.

I guess I just don't "get" the beef. Who cares (other than you it seems)?

 

[XXI21]

I guess I just don't "get" the beef. Who cares (other than you it seems)?

I guess it would help if the OP cited some examples...
Peter Hirschberg seemed like a 'celeb' collector with an online presence... (And, again, I don't think KOK had anything to do with that) But most thought it was cool of him to 'share' his arcade with other enthusiasts. And, many of us were inspired by his collection to get further in to the hobby.

 

[mitchschaft]

The hobby, in my opinion is split into two factions: the gamer and the collector.

Most here are the latter. Seeking out games from the past, restoring them, tinkering with the mechanics, etc. The end goal to create a work of art which in a way is almost worshipped in their home gamerooms. The enjoyment seems to come out of having the game, displaying the game for others to see, and simply looking at the game and the aura it exudes.

The gamer could care less how dirty the game is, or whether it has rare, prototype sideart, or if the leg levelers are uneven. They only want to kick the machine's ass and try and do something over and over and over again until they perfect their own skills. Much like a marksman going thru countless rounds and boxes of ammo to really hone their senses and sharpen their skills at a certain rifle.

Typically from what I've seen in this hobby, the gamer tends to be more extrovert, trying to alpha male their skills in front of crowds and display their prowess. They tend to play these games in public forums in order to validate their scores and as such earn a degree more exposure or attention.
On the flip side, the collector tends to be a bit more introvert. Quiet, relaxed, content. Much happier creating a utopian fantasy in their own home gamerooms so that others can enter their happiness and share the fantasy which the collector so fondly remembers. Most of the time, you can never tell who a collector is in public until it comes up in conversation.

Forgot where I was going with all that....you get the point.

Gamer= look at me.
Collector= Come back later, I'm busy.

So richie is a hybrid is what you're saying?

 

[XXI21]

So richie is a hybrid is what you're saying?

Yes, he is a mutant... Personally, sometimes, I'm put off buy his big mouth and his loud howard stern type delivery... But most of the time he's a down-to-earth guy you can talk games with.

He's brought alot of awareness of classic video gaming to the world... He's provided a venue for world class gamers to go for WRs, etc...On and on...Kong-Off, etc...

Plus, he's out there going for prestigious for WRs. Where most just try, or talk about it... he does it. He walks the walk.

I find it difficult to believe that the OP's main beef is not with richie...

 

[avidgeek]

... is full of a bevy of nerds, whiners,

Points for using the word, bevy.