First it was Predator, now it's Alien...

[Nephasth]

As one of the morons that pre-ordered the Predator pinball machine, I've been keeping an eye on what's been going on with this ---uvula---. If you're not familiar with the Predator scandal, it's a pinball equivalent of RAM Controls. Anyway, to preface this document a bit... The scammer (Kevin Kulek) is about neck deep into the legal system with the whole thing. The lawyer going after him, on behalf of the pinheads, is doing a pretty damn good job of following the trail of bread crums. Kevin sold some machines/part to this guy, but couldn't prove the sale (an attempt to hide assets) so the lawyer tracked this guy down to get the assets back. Dude never showed. According to this, the guy has some MAME rigs out on route. And the court is ordering him to hand over his MAME machines to the lawyer.

Anyway, here's the doc: https://images.pinside.com/9/e2/38/9e238e1836f09dd804c136203e76700e8d5a87e4.pdf

This is about the equivalent of a drug dealer suing the theif that took his drugs, and the judge ordering the theif to return them.

See. Nobody cares.

[pbj]

Man, I'm sorry to hear you got caught up in that.  That machine looked really interesting a few years ago.

It's crazy the personalities that got entangled in all these custom pinball flops.  Does Ben Heck even acknowledge it anymore?

The recordings of the Kulek court proceedings are oddly fascinating.  My rule of thumb in this hobby has been "don't do business with anyone in Michigan" for a good 15 years and it's never failed me.  There seems to be a casual attitude about other people's money that runs rampant up there.  (I also won't deal with Europeans or Brazilians as they're all 40, broke, and live with their parents)

[Mike A]

That sucks. I hope you didn't lose too painful an amount of money.

[Nephasth]

Those first two recordings were hysterical! Yeah, sucks I lost the money, but fortunately I wasn't hurting for it at the time. I spoke with the lawyer spearheading this back when he first got involved. I opted not to throw good money after bad. Still want the ---uvula---'s feet held to the fire though and the entertainment value recently has been pretty good.

That sucks. I hope you didn't lose too painful an amount of money.

$4750. Paid in full.

[Mike A]

That is a little painful. I don't pre-order anything. I figure if it is a good product it will become available through normal channels. I hope you get some kind of justice. I hate people like that. Their business model is completely backwards. Collecting money is their primary focus.

[Titchgamer]

(I also won't deal with Europeans or Brazilians as they're all 40, broke, and live with their parents)

Actually ime in my 30's and own my own house
As for broke aint we all!?

As for the whole point of this thread that really sucks mate.
Can you not get some kind of compensation out of it?

[pbj]

Can't get blood from a stone, twitch.

[thomas_surles]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

[yotsuya]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

I thought the dollar was going to the roach bag Motel you were going to stay in for zapcon?

Time to go hit that thread. I've been reading it ever since you pointed it out to me, Neph.

[ark_ader]

As one of the morons that pre-ordered the Predator pinball machine, I've been keeping an eye on what's been going on with this ---uvula---. If you're not familiar with the Predator scandal, it's a pinball equivalent of RAM Controls. Anyway, to preface this document a bit... The scammer (Kevin Kulek) is about neck deep into the legal system with the whole thing. The lawyer going after him, on behalf of the pinheads, is doing a pretty damn good job of following the trail of bread crumbs. Kevin sold some machines/part to this guy, but couldn't prove the sale (an attempt to hide assets) so the lawyer tracked this guy down to get the assets back. Dude never showed. According to this, the guy has some MAME rigs out on route. And the court is ordering him to hand over his MAME machines to the lawyer.

Anyway, here's the doc: https://images.pinside.com/9/e2/38/9e238e1836f09dd804c136203e76700e8d5a87e4.pdf

This is about the equivalent of a drug dealer suing the thief that took his drugs, and the judge ordering the thief to return them.

See. Nobody cares.

FTFY


The court probably doesn't understand what a "mame machine" is, except it is an object that has some value in this case.  If you Google "mame court" see what you get in the top 10 sites.  Type in "mame pinball" and you get a different result.     Again if it is a machine that has a game board that is dead and is using the said roms with mame, is perfectly acceptable, which I doubt in this case..

Incidentally I recently visited a client's game room at his place of business which had a proper mame machine installed. I told him it was illegal to have it, and he promptly removed it and took it back to his house (at the dismay of his employees), which I admit I felt rather smug about.  I'm sure if the same guy had financial problems, his mame machine would be up for the chop too. 

So your point is moot really. 

Sorry to hear that you lost money.  That totally sucks.   Maybe if you asked Ben Heck, he could build you one.

https://www.benheck.com/bill-paxton-pinball-making-of/

[pbj]

Nah, Ben Heck got wrapped up in one of the fizzled out games, too.

The cyber police thank you for your rom service.

 

[yotsuya]

So ark is "that guy" in real life, as well?

[ark_ader]

So ark is "that guy" in real life, as well?

Your friendly neighborhood compliance hooligan. Home audits are my specialty.   

[Titchgamer]

Compliance and friendly are 2 words that just dont belong in the same sentence.

[Mike A]

I thought I would butt out, but since others chimed in, Ark is a major ---meecrob---.

[chopperthedog]

I thought I would butt out, but since others chimed in, Ark is a major ---meecrob---.

Strange cat, no doubt. A little part of me thinks it's all troll.



good day.

[Mike A]

It is possible. He only seems to chime in when the opportunity to be a jerk presents itself.

[yotsuya]

Enh, Ark Gotta Ark. It's what he do.

[Le Chuck]

I think this is as good a place as any for this.   

! No longer available

[pbj]

Walking into a business and going, "nice place you got here, sure would be a shame if someone at the FBI found out about that mame cabinet" - what is that?  Blackmail? Extortion?  Racketeering?

Asking for a friend.

[dkersten]

A little part of me thinks it's all troll.

he promptly removed it and took it back to his house (at the dismay of his employees), which I admit I felt rather smug about. 

Some people just have to follow the rules...
https://psychcentral.com/disorders/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-symptoms/
Just sayin...

[pbj]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldwater_rule

[ark_ader]

You guys are all heart. 

[Mike A]

When everyone thinks you are a jerk and you think it is hilarious, maybe some self examination is in order.

[BadMouth]

maybe some self examination is in order.

https://youtu.be/kBcZsc24rm0?t=1m21s

[ark_ader]

Not really. I know I am in the right, it just rubs you backwards that someone has a higher moral compass than you.  You would naturally think I am trolling you, but I am giving an insight into what I do, and I don't expect you to agree with.  Probably be the same situation if this was a Marijuana forum, and I was discussing a day in a life as a ATF officer.

I totally understand your points of view, and I am not offended in any way, but please remember where you are and observe the rules here, as you can always PM me if you have a particular issue with me.

Saint got rid of my old signature, and it would pretty much explain how I post.  Mike A needs to take a nap, as he sounds like he cannot take this conversation seriously. 

[Mike A]

You mean the conversation where everyone is calling you a jerk or mentally ill or worse? I think I was the nicest about it.

Your self righteousness is nauseating.

[pbj]

I think it's very strange to hang out in a community of copyright violators if one is offended by copyright violations. 

[smass]

I think it's very strange to hang out in a community of copyright violators if one is offended by copyright violations.

It is much less confusing when you take the time to understand how trolls work.  Of course he is going to hang out here.  It gives him ample opportunity to feed his ego. 

[CheffoJeffo]

Ark, why the ---fudgesicle--- do you hang out here ?

[yotsuya]

Ark, why the ---fudgesicle--- do you hang out here ?

I have a man crush on Cheffo.

[CheffoJeffo]

 

You're not alone.

I'm not angry about Jeff's comments.  I just like him the way he is.  You get used to him.  He is a real character.  He knows this hobby pretty well, and again to his credit, is a great asshat asset to this community.

Man, it has been a blast going back through ark's various dustups, watching his reversal of position (he used to call out people for being the MAME and ROM police) and remembering that he was onside with folks like DenverLatino, DriverMan/arababa and TranQShortGreyHairea.

EDIT: Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, I forgot that screed he posted about SOPA being a good thing and that saint should shut down BYOAC!

Good times.

[Le Chuck]

Ark, please stop mixing metaphors. "Higher moral compass" does not compute, dog.

You can have a higher standard of morality, which is to say, your moral compass tracks due north, or truer than someone else's. If your compass is higher it is merely elevated. Probably because of that damn high horse you're always riding around on, ya great donut.

[Nephasth]

This thread delivered.

[CheffoJeffo]

Gotta give pbj his props too.

Ignorant nonsense coupled with no demonstrable interest in the hobby that brings the rest of us together.

[ark_ader]

Ark, why the ---fudgesicle--- do you hang out here ?

I like arcade machines, and how people create and renovate them.  That is pretty obvious.

You're not alone.

I'm not angry about Jeff's comments.  I just like him the way he is.  You get used to him.  He is a real character.  He knows this hobby pretty well, and again to his credit, is a great asshat asset to this community.

Man, it has been a blast going back through ark's various dustups, watching his reversal of position (he used to call out people for being the MAME and ROM police) and remembering that he was onside with folks like DenverLatino, DriverMan/arababa and TranQShortGreyHairea.

EDIT: Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, I forgot that screed he posted about SOPA being a good thing and that saint should shut down BYOAC!

Good times.

I don't know where I sided with Driverman, as that guy was a complete nut job.  I think I said that somewhere he was a nut job. I do not know about those others that Cheffo quoted.  Maybe he is using some poetic license in his arguments.  SOPA...well...this is not my site, but you guys are doing a great job without my help.

I also find it quite amazing that you all here, are defending your position that mame roms are legal.  I know that they are not.  So do you.... so what are you trying to convince of here?  That you are all completely crazy?  I THINK you guys just like trolling ME, and I think that is very boring. 

Just go ahead and make your insults.. It doesn't bother me, what does bother me, is how other people who visit this site think of your comments, especially when I make some valid points to a thread that described the legality of MAME.  I didn't bring this up, I am just commenting on my position here, and how I see this hobby in the wild.

I do not only see the usual suspects posting in here, we get blessed with Cheffo's visit.  What does he bring to the conversation?  Any news articles that support his views?  No he searches for my past posts looking for opportunities to make cry and run away.  Nice moves there mate., and it is not working by the way.

I had a look at Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the American Constitution.  I would have a good read of that.  Very interesting. I am not judging anyone with this, I just think it is a good read.  Naturally it was written before the digital age, but here is another article that supports the digital age: http://www.acc.com/legalresources/quickcounsel/icpituscaeu.cfm

It brings the issue of IP closer to the very rights of who we are as Americans. Incidentally I think someone asked an IP lawyer on this site about mame and the legality of it.  Maybe Cheffo can locate it with his searching prowess, and make light of it. So I look forward to your constructive comments, your eventual insults and Mike's senselessness. 

Poke the bear for all its worth,and if you have any energy left, you can flog this dead [mame rom legality] horse too.   

[Mike A]

 

[CheffoJeffo]

We can just accept that ark is a total idiot and move on from there.

I think Fozzy should make an example to show his point in this debate.  I would like to see Fozzy deleating and destroying all his MAME roms in his collection, and go out and buy the licensed versions from the vendors involved, except Namco, Nintendo , Bally and Taito.

That way he can then understand the meaning  (yet again) of "throwing stones".   

After your exhaustive search, Fozzy, you can then advise us on the legal perspective.     

ark, the point you miss ... again and again ... is that nobody is arguing about the legality.

We're just calling you out for being the --cream-filled twinkie-- that you are.

I know if I just snitch on the guy I will look like the  jerk and the whole team will distance themselves from me as nobody likes a snitch.

But then you've always been a bit slow on the uptake.

Now lets please stop with the Ram Controls winging, as there are other threads just ready for your troll.contribution. 

 

[ark_ader]

We can just accept that ark is a total idiot and move on from there.

I think Fozzy should make an example to show his point in this debate.  I would like to see Fozzy deleating and destroying all his MAME roms in his collection, and go out and buy the licensed versions from the vendors involved, except Namco, Nintendo , Bally and Taito.

That way he can then understand the meaning  (yet again) of "throwing stones".   

After your exhaustive search, Fozzy, you can then advise us on the legal perspective.     

ark, the point you miss ... again and again ... is that nobody is arguing about the legality.

We're just calling you out for being the --cream-filled twinkie-- that you are.

I know if I just snitch on the guy I will look like the  jerk and the whole team will distance themselves from me as nobody likes a snitch.

But then you've always been a bit slow on the uptake.

Now lets please stop with the Ram Controls winging, as there are other threads just ready for your troll.contribution. 

 

Oh so you agree with me that MAME ROMS are illegal.  Why didn't you (all)  say so earlier?

Me being a jerk?  Well you are entitled to your opinions.  I totally defend that right that you are entitled to free speech.  But asking if it is OK to snitch on someone at an earlier job (which was a consensus of introspection) and then calling me an idiot for supporting your opinions of the legality of MAME roms which are now are aligned with my opinions......

I'm confused.   

Thanks for clearing that up.   

[CheffoJeffo]

Its puzzling.   

[Mike A]

This guy can't be for real.

[CheffoJeffo]

You are sounding clueless again.

[ark_ader]

You are sounding clueless again.

Nearly 6 years ago and that gem is still good today.  Priceless.  Thanks mate.

[CheffoJeffo]

There is your problem right there. 

[matsadona]

(I also won't deal with Europeans or Brazilians as they're all 40, broke, and live with their parents)

Actually ime in my 30's and own my own house
As for broke aint we all!?

Just yet another american that believes Europe is a country... the statement would be true though if we narrow it down to Italy and perhaps Greece

By the way, I have a solid reputation after several years of ebay deals from the US, buying parts for my Mustang and arcade games.

Back to topic, interesting case here. I'll need some more popcorn...

[Nephasth]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

Or you could just https://www.paypal.me/nephasth a dollar...

[Nephasth]

(I also won't deal with Europeans or Brazilians as they're all 40, broke, and live with their parents)

Actually ime in my 30's and own my own house
As for broke aint we all!?

Just yet another american that believes Europe is a country... the statement would be true though if we narrow it down to Italy and perhaps Greece

By the way, I have a solid reputation after several years of ebay deals from the US, buying parts for my Mustang and arcade games.

Back to topic, interesting case here. I'll need some more popcorn...

Back before the hipsters ruined vinyl collecting... I used to buy/sell a lot on ebay. Italy was BY FAR the worst country to deal with, and Greece was a close second. LOL.
I had better luck dealing with Israeli metalheads...

[ark_ader]

(I also won't deal with Europeans or Brazilians as they're all 40, broke, and live with their parents)

Actually ime in my 30's and own my own house
As for broke aint we all!?

Just yet another american that believes Europe is a country... the statement would be true though if we narrow it down to Italy and perhaps Greece

By the way, I have a solid reputation after several years of ebay deals from the US, buying parts for my Mustang and arcade games.

Back to topic, interesting case here. I'll need some more popcorn...

Actually I would narrow it down to all member states except the UK, and we are getting out.

[dkersten]

I also find it quite amazing that you all here, are defending your position that mame roms are legal.  I know that they are not.  So do you.... so what are you trying to convince of here?  That you are all completely crazy?  I THINK you guys just like trolling ME, and I think that is very boring. 

Sorry, but please quote any thread where a member here was arguing that ROMs are legal.  I've never noticed anyone actually saying that...

That's probably because nobody argues that roms are legal, only that nobody cares that they are being pirated.  That's the whole point of this thread that you missed. 
Nobody cares that this guy is suing to get his pirated rom playing machines back. 
The owners of the intellectual property are not suing. 
They are not trying to get sites that host these files shut down.
They are not suing some old lady because her 12 year old downloaded a file. 
There is no campaign to protect the rights of 80's video game programmers. 
If you download a rom, your chances of getting in trouble for it are ZERO. 

Downloading roms is akin to smoking pot or jaywalking.  Yes, there are laws against it but nobody enforces them unless you take it to extreme excess or do something really blatantly stupid while doing it. 

In my eyes, the fact that you strongly believe that nobody should download roms is not the problem.  I could respect you for that.  But for you it doesn't stop there, you have clearly shown that you take PLEASURE in pointing out how righteous you are, particularly when people are adversely affected by your actions.  That isn't moral superiority, and your moral compass definitely doesn't point true north.  That's sitting on a high horse, being self righteous.  And that is why I responded in the last two threads. 

I apologize if the link I posted was offensive.  The fact that your behavior here represents a majority of the symptoms of OCD doesn't mean I think you have that disorder.  I have plenty of personality quirks that could be classified under a variety of mental disorders.  At BYAOC, it is OK to point out the quirks, but not to point out the disorder they may apply to.  That would be wrong, and I was wrong.  Sorry.

[thomas_surles]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

Or you could just https://www.paypal.me/nephasth a dollar...

Dollar sent sir.

[CheffoJeffo]

The fact that your behavior here represents a majority of the symptoms of OCD doesn't mean I think you have that disorder.  I have plenty of personality quirks that could be classified under a variety of mental disorders.  At BYAOC, it is OK to point out the quirks, but not to point out the disorder they may apply to.  That would be wrong, and I was wrong.  Sorry.

If the offender is mentally ill, terminate them anyway.  Just get rid.

I beleive that Big Brother would be a help in this, and we all should be monitored.

[Nephasth]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

Or you could just https://www.paypal.me/nephasth a dollar...

Dollar sent sir.

Thanks Angela! Only 4,749 to go... 

[thomas_surles]

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

Or you could just https://www.paypal.me/nephasth a dollar...

Dollar sent sir.

Thanks Angela! Only 4,749 to go... 

I use my wifes paypal. 

[Mike A]

Dollar sent.

[Nephasth]

  Thanks guys! But it was just a joke. Guess I'll put this $7 towards the Zapcon fund.

[Mike A]

It is a gesture. Those of us with a low moral compass need to stick together. Even though I am still not sure what the altitude of my moral compass has to do with what direction it is pointing in.

[thomas_surles]

Thanks guys! But it was just a joke. Guess I'll put this $7 towards the Zapcon fund.

I always commit to my jokes.

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm all for it.  It is time to start seeing a moral change

[CheffoJeffo]

Cheap and cheerful.

[HaRuMaN]

youre up to about $10 meow

Make it $20.  lol

[nitrogen_widget]

Thanks Angela! Only 4,749 to go... 

I have a mame bartop in my cube with a coin acceptor on it.
been using it as source for vending machine money.
If I donate can i deduct it on my taxes?

[dkersten]

5 more sent, Sorry to see someone in this hobby get screwed.  Besides, according to the paypal.me page, you are a fairly close neighbor..

[Nephasth]

Up to $24.82!
Zapcon is going to be lit muthafukkas!

[yotsuya]

Up to $24.82!
Zapcon is going to be lit muthafukkas!

[yotsuya]

That's more than we raised to get PBJ to ZapCon two years ago!

[ark_ader]

I also find it quite amazing that you all here, are defending your position that mame roms are legal.  I know that they are not.  So do you.... so what are you trying to convince of here?  That you are all completely crazy?  I THINK you guys just like trolling ME, and I think that is very boring. 

Sorry, but please quote any thread where a member here was arguing that ROMs are legal.  I've never noticed anyone actually saying that...

That's probably because nobody argues that roms are legal, only that nobody cares that they are being pirated.  That's the whole point of this thread that you missed. 
Nobody cares that this guy is suing to get his pirated rom playing machines back. 
The owners of the intellectual property are not suing. 
They are not trying to get sites that host these files shut down.
They are not suing some old lady because her 12 year old downloaded a file. 
There is no campaign to protect the rights of 80's video game programmers. 
If you download a rom, your chances of getting in trouble for it are ZERO. 

Downloading roms is akin to smoking pot or jaywalking.  Yes, there are laws against it but nobody enforces them unless you take it to extreme excess or do something really blatantly stupid while doing it. 

In my eyes, the fact that you strongly believe that nobody should download roms is not the problem.  I could respect you for that.  But for you it doesn't stop there, you have clearly shown that you take PLEASURE in pointing out how righteous you are, particularly when people are adversely affected by your actions.  That isn't moral superiority, and your moral compass definitely doesn't point true north.  That's sitting on a high horse, being self righteous.  And that is why I responded in the last two threads. 

I apologize if the link I posted was offensive.  The fact that your behavior here represents a majority of the symptoms of OCD doesn't mean I think you have that disorder.  I have plenty of personality quirks that could be classified under a variety of mental disorders.  At BYAOC, it is OK to point out the quirks, but not to point out the disorder they may apply to.  That would be wrong, and I was wrong.  Sorry.

If memory serves, you can play certain popular arcade games via outlets such as xarcade, as they sell a game disc, there are free legal mame games, and if you have the game board and it is dead, sure get the rom and play it.  Its the roms from nintendo,atari,etc that are still in business that i have a problem with, but i can only be a voice of reason.  I cannot force anyone to comply.  The original post said that nobody cares.  Well they do, but maybe it is not financially viable to sue individuals who download and distribute games.

The argument that nobody cares, is hard to understand, where a certain game might appeal to a younger generation, in the form of a reboot.  One comes to mind was yars revenge 2 but it was a flop.  But somebody had to code,market it and distribute the game (and if it was any good) make some money off the IP.  Granted the offshoot for the popularity could have come from an emulator or game system.  Who knows, but yars revenge is a popular game regardless, and from atari no less.  Would we see a reboot of The Legend of Hero Tonma?  Probably not, and after a brief search, no mention of Irem could be found.  Is the game still protected under copyright law?

I am commenting on a view that too many games, music, and films have been exploited or considered "free" to the public, due to the ease of copying and accessibility of films still in the cinema.  To those of us that was exploited by the film and music industies of the 70 and 80s, the napster revolution seemed fair at the time, and created a paradigm that exists today.  What it also teaches the youth, that the napster behaivor of the past is now acceptable and free form of theft.

It doesn't affect you to grab a free game,song, or movie from a torrent or download site.  It affects a huge industry that employs tens of thousands.  When it happens to people who you love and respect, it hits hard.  Sure you have 40 plus thousand games in your mame cabinet, but why promote it?  Why keep on making the point that IP is a free for all at others expense?

Why attack a voice of reason?

Anyway this is falling on deaf ears.  In relation to your apology, there is nothing to apologise about.  I think some of us are cursed by some form of OCD, like making or restoring old arcade cabinets, making sure the doors are locked several times (I do this) before leaving, or have somthing unfortunate like compulsive house cleaning.  Call me names by all means, but reflect on the above.  I dont need you to tell me, but we all know the difference between right and wrong on this subject.

Now lets see what jeffo cooks up for a retorte. 

I disabled auto correct so apologies in advance.

[Nephasth]

Well, we're over $44 now! This wasn't supposed to happen... guys. So let's put this money to good use! It'll all go towards the beer tab at the Outback while we're feasting on PBJ dollars turned into chicken wings!

[ark_ader]

Well, we're over $44 now! This wasn't supposed to happen... guys. So let's put this money to good use! It'll all go towards the beer tab at the Outback while we're feasting on PBJ dollars turned into chicken wings!

Only $4,000.00 to go.....

[CheffoJeffo]

I have been told I'm a ---smurfing--- ---uvula---, for voicing my opinions, from the highest of echolons

[ark_ader]

I have been told I'm a ---smurfing--- ---uvula---, for voicing my opinions, from the highest of echolons

The disney cuddly toy crowd is probaby spitting blood right about now. 

[yotsuya]

Who's got the yayo?

[CheffoJeffo]

Perhaps I should be more mindful of the bigger issue and to learn when to quit.

[RetroGreg]

Donation sent to the Neph fund.

*Closes the blinds and plays Mame games. Shhhhh. Don't tell!*

[CheffoJeffo]

You don't want the FBI knocking on your door and ruining your life

[dkersten]

The original post said that nobody cares.  Well they do, but maybe it is not financially viable to sue individuals who download and distribute games.

You don't have to sue, all you have to do is send a letter stating that you are the copyright holder and you don't give permission to put that IP up on their site and 99% of the time whoever it is will take down the content.  If they don't, you can send a letter to Google telling them they are listing a site that is pirating and they will remove it from the google results.  If someone is selling machines with your roms on it and you send a nasty letter, chances are pretty high they will stop including your rom if they don't completely cut and run.  And for any case where you can't scare them into stopping, that means they are making money and where there is money, there is potential for a lawsuit that will pay off.  If the IP has any monetary value to you, then it would be worth suing.  The fact that there is no money in it for most of the copyright holders is enough to tell me that nobody is going to come after me for downloading the intellectual property.

The argument that nobody cares, is hard to understand,

The context here is "nobody" equates to "nobody who could or is willing to do anything about it".  Nobody cares that there are hundreds of sites giving away intellectual property or they would take action to get them to remove that IP.  It is pretty easy to understand.

It doesn't affect you to grab a free game,song, or movie from a torrent or download site.

Actually, it does.  I own and sell intellectual property.  A few months after publishing my first book, I googled it and found it for free on 3 popular pirate sites, all on the first page of the google search.  There were hundreds of downloads on one, and someone paid a bounty (in credits for the pirate site) to get a link to a free copy on another.  I sent letters to each site and within 24 hours, the sites had no record of ever having my book available for download and they were no longer showing results on Google within a week.  I can maybe find one pirate site in the first 10 pages of google when searching for my book now (a few for my second book), and it has been over a year since I took action.  Frankly I would bet money that if I clicked the link to download it for free I would just get a fake site or a virus, but I know it is still out there on pirate sites that hide from google's search engines, and again, I don't care.  At worst a bunch of people who would never have paid for my book read it for free.  At best, I made a few sales when they talked about it.

It affects a huge industry that employs tens of thousands.

USED TO employ tens of thousands.  Those companies either moved on to other things or are gone.  Nobody here is going to take food off a table of some family if they download Zaxxon.  We aren't talking about movies or music here, although I think the same things above apply to them, but that is a whole other discussion.

Frankly, I think the copyright holders made a huge mistake.  If roms were for sale for a reasonable price, and they made a small effort to stop sites from hosting the downloads, there would still be a little money involved.  Who here wouldn't download Pac Man or Centipede if it cost a few dollars and you couldn't find the rom for free easily?  I know I would.  I didn't download it because I could, I downloaded it because I couldn't buy the rom legitimately and a simple google search led me to a way to download it easily. 

I know I am not going to change your mind on this, I am not trying.  But I am someone who is affected financially by pirating, and I can't find a reason to take a hard stance against it.  I have sold nearly 7,000 copies of my books, and I can only hope that several thousand more have been pirated and read because that would mean that people are willing to break the law to read what I wrote.  That's pretty damn cool if you ask me..

[CheffoJeffo]

Can someone please translate what he said, I've read it twice and got no clue what's so ever.

[ark_ader]

The original post said that nobody cares.  Well they do, but maybe it is not financially viable to sue individuals who download and distribute games.

You don't have to sue, all you have to do is send a letter stating that you are the copyright holder and you don't give permission to put that IP up on their site and 99% of the time whoever it is will take down the content.  If they don't, you can send a letter to Google telling them they are listing a site that is pirating and they will remove it from the google results.  If someone is selling machines with your roms on it and you send a nasty letter, chances are pretty high they will stop including your rom if they don't completely cut and run.  And for any case where you can't scare them into stopping, that means they are making money and where there is money, there is potential for a lawsuit that will pay off.  If the IP has any monetary value to you, then it would be worth suing.  The fact that there is no money in it for most of the copyright holders is enough to tell me that nobody is going to come after me for downloading the intellectual property.

The argument that nobody cares, is hard to understand,

The context here is "nobody" equates to "nobody who could or is willing to do anything about it".  Nobody cares that there are hundreds of sites giving away intellectual property or they would take action to get them to remove that IP.  It is pretty easy to understand.

It doesn't affect you to grab a free game,song, or movie from a torrent or download site.

Actually, it does.  I own and sell intellectual property.  A few months after publishing my first book, I googled it and found it for free on 3 popular pirate sites, all on the first page of the google search.  There were hundreds of downloads on one, and someone paid a bounty (in credits for the pirate site) to get a link to a free copy on another.  I sent letters to each site and within 24 hours, the sites had no record of ever having my book available for download and they were no longer showing results on Google within a week.  I can maybe find one pirate site in the first 10 pages of google when searching for my book now (a few for my second book), and it has been over a year since I took action.  Frankly I would bet money that if I clicked the link to download it for free I would just get a fake site or a virus, but I know it is still out there on pirate sites that hide from google's search engines, and again, I don't care.  At worst a bunch of people who would never have paid for my book read it for free.  At best, I made a few sales when they talked about it.

It affects a huge industry that employs tens of thousands.

USED TO employ tens of thousands.  Those companies either moved on to other things or are gone.  Nobody here is going to take food off a table of some family if they download Zaxxon.  We aren't talking about movies or music here, although I think the same things above apply to them, but that is a whole other discussion.

Frankly, I think the copyright holders made a huge mistake.  If roms were for sale for a reasonable price, and they made a small effort to stop sites from hosting the downloads, there would still be a little money involved.  Who here wouldn't download Pac Man or Centipede if it cost a few dollars and you couldn't find the rom for free easily?  I know I would.  I didn't download it because I could, I downloaded it because I couldn't buy the rom legitimately and a simple google search led me to a way to download it easily. 

I know I am not going to change your mind on this, I am not trying.  But I am someone who is affected financially by pirating, and I can't find a reason to take a hard stance against it.  I have sold nearly 7,000 copies of my books, and I can only hope that several thousand more have been pirated and read because that would mean that people are willing to break the law to read what I wrote.  That's pretty damn cool if you ask me..

Why did you not sue the sites hosting your book? You could have easily recovered some of your losses, and stop future copyright violations.

[CheffoJeffo]

We all can profit by that.

PS -- you really are completely clueless about lawsuits and the innertubes, aren't you? Show me one person who has ever "easily recovered" some of their losses.

[harveybirdman]

---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- all we need is Steve posting in this thread and we'd have thr great mother ---smurfing--- wall of text...

[CheffoJeffo]

That would be an improvement.

[pbj]

It may just be me, but I always get a sense of unease whenever it's been awhile since a Xiaou2 post. 

Like.... good news ain't the reason he isn't posting.

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm sure we will see some decent people slide down the wrong path.  Just protect yourself and use your common sense.  Just remember how lucky you are, and how easy it is to lose it all.   

[yotsuya]

It may just be me, but I always get a sense of unease whenever it's been awhile since a Xiaou2 post. 

Like.... good news ain't the reason he isn't posting.

It's not just you. I have actually reached out to him before when it's been a while since he's posted. I know a lot of people don't care for him, but he's still one of us.

[yotsuya]

Like, I'm being sincere when I say I wish there was some way we could get him out to ZapCon.

[dkersten]

Why did you not sue the sites hosting your book? You could have easily recovered some of your losses, and stop future copyright violations.

You didn't read my post very well.

If there was someone making a lot of money on my book, I would sue in a second.  But there isn't. 

It gets pirated, but it gets pirated by people who would never buy it anyway.  So there is no money lost by me. 

The copyright holders of roms are not losing money when people pirate the roms.

The people pirating roms either would never pay for the roms, or are willing to pay but the owners are not offering it for sale. 

Either way, no money in it, and you can't get blood from a turnip.


Frankly, piracy is a spin topic, a way for media companies to claim losses where there are little to none.  Of everything I have pirated in my life, I would have paid for less than 5% of it if it had not been so easily available for free.  The rest I just would never have bothered with.  I could spin my own situation and say that potentially thousands of books have been pirated from me, and then claim losses of nearly ten thousand dollars.  In reality, I probably gained from it because those people who pirated it read it and some told paying customers about it and I made sales as a result. 

And when it all comes down to it, what skin do you have in this game?  How much has piracy cost you?  Because if you have not lost anything from piracy, you are arguing a case on behalf of people who don't bother to argue because there is nothing to gain from it.  If you want to join an effort, get with the RIAA and help them go after old ladies whose grandkids download music for free.  Nobody is campaigning for ending the piracy of 80's software. 

[CheffoJeffo]

I think it is a great wake up call, and if you do not protect yourself, then it only you who is to blame.

[DrakeTungsten]

The people pirating roms either would never pay for the roms, or are willing to pay but the owners are not offering it for sale.

You are ignoring the category of people who will download for free when they can but will pay if they can't. You later backtrack on this false dichotomy using yourself as anecdotal evidence that this omitted category is insignificant,  but anecdotal evidence has the reputation it has for a reason. It's a pretty bold claim that nearly everybody who pirates something wouldn't pay for it if it wasn't available for piracy. It's not the type of claim I would make without real evidence.

In reality, I probably gained from it because those people who pirated it read it and some told paying customers about it and I made sales as a result.

I hope that's true. If that's how you defend/cope with/market the piracy of your product, and it works for you, then that's swell. However, if the owners of some other IP take a different stance (not just talking about arcade games), then it's nothing but self-serving BS to claim that you're helping them to market their product by pirating it.

[CheffoJeffo]

It is funny you should say that.

[Le Chuck]

Like, I'm being sincere when I say I wish there was some way we could get him out to ZapCon.

You mean besides paying his way and putting him up on your/haruman's couch/hotel?  Seems pretty straight forward.   

[yotsuya]

Like, I'm being sincere when I say I wish there was some way we could get him out to ZapCon.

You mean besides paying his way and putting him up on your/haruman's couch/hotel?  Seems pretty straight forward. 

Well, yeah, I'm sure that van doesn't run on rainbows and wishes!

[harveybirdman]

It runs off the blood of narcissists.

[CheffoJeffo]

Well he can do what he likes since it isn't a crime any more to sell your cabinet with roms inside.   

[dkersten]

You are ignoring the category of people who will download for free when they can but will pay if they can't. You later backtrack on this false dichotomy using yourself as anecdotal evidence that this omitted category is insignificant,  but anecdotal evidence has the reputation it has for a reason. It's a pretty bold claim that nearly everybody who pirates something wouldn't pay for it if it wasn't available for piracy. It's not the type of claim I would make without real evidence.

Not ignoring them, just have never seen a shred of evidence that shows they are a significant group of people.

And who better to talk about the real effects of piracy than someone who is an actual victim?

Of course, I can get a hell of a good look at a T-Bone steak by sticking my head up a bull's ass, but I'd rather take the butcher's word for it.

In reality, I probably gained from it because those people who pirated it read it and some told paying customers about it and I made sales as a result.

I hope that's true. If that's how you defend/cope with/market the piracy of your product, and it works for you, then that's swell. However, if the owners of some other IP take a different stance (not just talking about arcade games), then it's nothing but self-serving BS to claim that you're helping them to market their product by pirating it.

It's a common belief among self publishers.  It didn't come naturally though, it is a consensus derived from many authors spending the time tracking sales and experimenting with different marketing techniques, including making their books available for free.  In fact, that kind of marketing is well established and offers a ton of empirical insight into how having your media out there for free affects your ability to make money.  There is also a lot of evidence out there that people who get your book for free would never have bought it.  When you track your numbers closely and experiment with different marketing techniques, you are no longer working with "anecdotal evidence", you are working with empirical evidence.

Furthermore, although I am not going to go search out examples, I recall more than once a company "leaking" copies of music or movies to garner exposure.  If you believe for a second that half the music that is making money today would have made more than a few pennies if not for rampant piracy (and the exposure that comes with it) then you are delusional. 

I don't support piracy.  And I am also guilty of practicing it once in a while, particularly in my youth. I accept that it is a fact of life and that there is nothing I can do to stop someone who wants my IP for free.  I am pretty damn sure piracy isn't holding me back from being a best seller either, or even taking food off my table.  Can I prove it?  No, but common sense combined with what I have experienced in my life strongly suggests that I am on the right track.  When it comes down to it, I know what sells books - exposure.  I can run an ad in a given market and tell you ahead of time within 5-10% how many books I will sell.  You can't do that based on feelings, you do it with hard evidence. Then I can use the sales from that ad and determine with relatively good accuracy just how many ancillary sales I will get.  The same can be applied to pirates.  Expose them to your product and you will get ancillary sales.  That only leaves a question of whether a pirate will pay for your product if he can't steal it.  Based on a lot of collected data on free giveaways, the answer there is pretty clear as well:  no, most people who will download your free book would never have bought it.

But none of this matters, if you believe piracy is evil and every download is taking food off some copyright holder's table, then you aren't going to listen to any kind of evidence, empirical or anecdotal.  Trust me, it sucks the first time you see something you worked hard to create sitting out there for free, but just like a bad review on your product, you learn to live with it, and do your best to use it to your advantage.  No sense in whining and complaining about it, particularly when it never even affected you directly.

[dkersten]

It runs off the blood of narcissists.

aaaaaand, we're back to mental disorders..

[CheffoJeffo]

It runs off the blood of narcissists.

aaaaaand, we're back to mental disorders..

If you play in the toilet you are bound to get ---smurfy--- eventually.

[Nephasth]

You guys are really ---smurfin---' up my beer thread here...

[05SRT4]

So is there a gofundme or not?

[Mike A]

Here you go. Back on track.

[CheffoJeffo]

You guys are really ---smurfin---' up my beer thread here...

I'm happy with it, and  that is what is important. 

How about for every donation, I'll find an appropriate ArkMangle(tm) response?

[yotsuya]

You guys are really ---smurfin---' up my beer thread here...

I'm happy with it, and  that is what is important. 

How about for every donation, I'll find an appropriate ArkMangle(tm) response?

I'm gonna donate daily then!!!

[CheffoJeffo]

I am not alone in this thinking. 

[Nephasth]

So is there a gofundme or not?

Start a go fund me to get your money back. I will donate a dollar i promise.

Or you could just https://www.paypal.me/nephasth a dollar...

[05SRT4]

Gotcha man

[DrakeTungsten]

You are ignoring the category of people who will download for free when they can but will pay if they can't. You later backtrack on this false dichotomy using yourself as anecdotal evidence that this omitted category is insignificant,  but anecdotal evidence has the reputation it has for a reason. It's a pretty bold claim that nearly everybody who pirates something wouldn't pay for it if it wasn't available for piracy. It's not the type of claim I would make without real evidence.

Not ignoring them, just have never seen a shred of evidence that shows they are a significant group of people.

And I've never seen a shred of evidence that they aren't significant. Granted, I haven't looked for myself, but whenever I ask the "my piracy is actually beneficial for the producers of the work" advocates, they've never given me evidence for their claims. I don't claim to know either way. I would just expect people who do take a stance have something to back it up with.

It's a common belief among self publishers.  It didn't come naturally though, it is a consensus derived from many authors spending the time tracking sales and experimenting with different marketing techniques, including making their books available for free.  In fact, that kind of marketing is well established and offers a ton of empirical insight into how having your media out there for free affects your ability to make money.  There is also a lot of evidence out there that people who get your book for free would never have bought it.

Well, if you say so, sure, I guess.  Other than lack of citation, I have no reason to doubt you.

When you track your numbers closely and experiment with different marketing techniques, you are no longer working with "anecdotal evidence", you are working with empirical evidence.

Seriously, I'm not doubting that you're accurately describing your own experience or that your conclusions are valid for your experience, but you're not providing anything concrete to make me consider "my piracy actually helps out the IP owners" claims are anything more than feel-good justifications. You do understand when people claim that their illegal activities actually benefit the folks that would appear to be possibly harmed by said activities, then a degree of skepticism is warranted, yes?

I recall more than once a company "leaking" copies of music or movies to garner exposure.

I have no reason to doubt this. And that was their choice. Others do not choose this. For the ones who decide not to market in such a manner, don't insult my intelligence by telling me that you're doing charity marketing work for them when you pirate their product. Are you also going to volunteer to do HR work for them? Accounting, maybe? If your interest is in marketing and you feel so strongly that their marketing department is dropping the ball and you need to fix it, then apply for a job in their marketing department.

If you believe for a second that half the music that is making money today would have made more than a few pennies if not for rampant piracy (and the exposure that comes with it) then you are delusional.

I have no opinion on the subject at all. But until you deign to link to real research, I'd hold off on calling people delusional.

I am pretty damn sure piracy isn't holding me back from being a best seller either, or even taking food off my table.  Can I prove it?  No, but common sense

Yeah, common sense. Everyone's a genius marketing expert/professional sports coach/armchair general/political strategist. I'll take empirical evidence over common sense any day.

But none of this matters, if you believe piracy is evil and every download is taking food off some copyright holder's table,

This doesn't describe me at all

then you aren't going to listen to any kind of evidence, empirical or anecdotal.

Don't get so defensive. Pre-emptively accusing me of a closed mind is a low tactic. Here's an idea: provide your empirical evidence, and then when I dismiss it as you predict, you'll have the pleasure of pointing to my closed mind and laughing. When someone throws anecdotal evidence at me and only claims they have empirical evidence, and then gives themselves an excuse for not providing empirical evidence, I have to wonder about the existence of this alleged empirical evidence. Would you not entertain the same skepticism in my position?

[Nephasth]

Cheffo... Deven just dropped $25 into the beer fund! Give that man a wall of ArkMangle(tm) responses!

[yotsuya]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

[harveybirdman]

Damn at this rate the beer fund could have the potential to reach titties out level by Zapcon

[Nephasth]

$74.82 as of now...

[Nephasth]

[opt2not]

Sorry to here about the scam, bro! Donation sent.

Bring on the next ark quote!

[ark_ader]

Sorry to here about the scam, bro! Donation sent.

Bring on the next ark quote!

There are plenty of gems on here to get that 4K together.

[thomas_surles]

Sorry to here about the scam, bro! Donation sent.

Bring on the next ark quote!

There are plenty of gems on here to get that 4K together.

Does that count as an Ark quote?

[pbj]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

[thomas_surles]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

Well since you didnt go, it sounds like you owe 20 to the beer fund.

[yotsuya]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

Well since you didnt go, it sounds like you owe 20 to the beer fund.

Naw, PBJ donated $65  to the Eats Committee. He's aces in my book.

[thomas_surles]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

Well since you didnt go, it sounds like you owe 20 to the beer fund.

Naw, PBJ donated $65  to the Eats Committee. He's aces in my book.

Oh yeah, forgot about that.

[yotsuya]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

Well since you didnt go, it sounds like you owe 20 to the beer fund.

Naw, PBJ donated $65  to the Eats Committee. He's aces in my book.

Oh yeah, forgot about that.

So are you still scuffing up the Michelin, or are you gonna commit?

[thomas_surles]

I find it funny that beer fund has probably raised over 60 bucks, and we only got twenty bucks to get PBJ to ZapCon.

 

Well since you didnt go, it sounds like you owe 20 to the beer fund.

Naw, PBJ donated $65  to the Eats Committee. He's aces in my book.

Oh yeah, forgot about that.

So are you still scuffing up the Michelin, or are you gonna commit?

Firestone.

[CheffoJeffo]

Cheffo... Deven just dropped $25 into the beer fund! Give that man a wall of ArkMangle(tm) responses!

I know I get that all the time.

You are such a cunny funt. 

I love bacon.  Should I eat pork? No, pig is a filthy animal.

I just love these posts. 

[CheffoJeffo]

You are ignoring the category of people who will download for free when they can but will pay if they can't. You later backtrack on this false dichotomy using yourself as anecdotal evidence that this omitted category is insignificant,  but anecdotal evidence has the reputation it has for a reason. It's a pretty bold claim that nearly everybody who pirates something wouldn't pay for it if it wasn't available for piracy. It's not the type of claim I would make without real evidence.

Not ignoring them, just have never seen a shred of evidence that shows they are a significant group of people.

And I've never seen a shred of evidence that they aren't significant. Granted, I haven't looked for myself, but whenever I ask the "my piracy is actually beneficial for the producers of the work" advocates, they've never given me evidence for their claims. I don't claim to know either way. I would just expect people who do take a stance have something to back it up with.

It's a common belief among self publishers.  It didn't come naturally though, it is a consensus derived from many authors spending the time tracking sales and experimenting with different marketing techniques, including making their books available for free.  In fact, that kind of marketing is well established and offers a ton of empirical insight into how having your media out there for free affects your ability to make money.  There is also a lot of evidence out there that people who get your book for free would never have bought it.

Well, if you say so, sure, I guess.  Other than lack of citation, I have no reason to doubt you.

When you track your numbers closely and experiment with different marketing techniques, you are no longer working with "anecdotal evidence", you are working with empirical evidence.

Seriously, I'm not doubting that you're accurately describing your own experience or that your conclusions are valid for your experience, but you're not providing anything concrete to make me consider "my piracy actually helps out the IP owners" claims are anything more than feel-good justifications. You do understand when people claim that their illegal activities actually benefit the folks that would appear to be possibly harmed by said activities, then a degree of skepticism is warranted, yes?

I recall more than once a company "leaking" copies of music or movies to garner exposure.

I have no reason to doubt this. And that was their choice. Others do not choose this. For the ones who decide not to market in such a manner, don't insult my intelligence by telling me that you're doing charity marketing work for them when you pirate their product. Are you also going to volunteer to do HR work for them? Accounting, maybe? If your interest is in marketing and you feel so strongly that their marketing department is dropping the ball and you need to fix it, then apply for a job in their marketing department.

If you believe for a second that half the music that is making money today would have made more than a few pennies if not for rampant piracy (and the exposure that comes with it) then you are delusional.

I have no opinion on the subject at all. But until you deign to link to real research, I'd hold off on calling people delusional.

I am pretty damn sure piracy isn't holding me back from being a best seller either, or even taking food off my table.  Can I prove it?  No, but common sense

Yeah, common sense. Everyone's a genius marketing expert/professional sports coach/armchair general/political strategist. I'll take empirical evidence over common sense any day.

But none of this matters, if you believe piracy is evil and every download is taking food off some copyright holder's table,

This doesn't describe me at all

then you aren't going to listen to any kind of evidence, empirical or anecdotal.

Don't get so defensive. Pre-emptively accusing me of a closed mind is a low tactic. Here's an idea: provide your empirical evidence, and then when I dismiss it as you predict, you'll have the pleasure of pointing to my closed mind and laughing. When someone throws anecdotal evidence at me and only claims they have empirical evidence, and then gives themselves an excuse for not providing empirical evidence, I have to wonder about the existence of this alleged empirical evidence. Would you not entertain the same skepticism in my position?

Your intersection was a product of bad analysis and planning, poor quality control and bad management.

[CheffoJeffo]

Damn at this rate the beer fund could have the potential to reach titties out level by Zapcon

We all can profit by that.

[CheffoJeffo]

Sorry to here about the scam, bro! Donation sent.

Bring on the next ark quote!

Then maybe we will have an end to this lunacy?

[CheffoJeffo]

There are plenty of gems on here to get that 4K together.

I know I get that all the time.

[CheffoJeffo]

There are plenty of gems on here to get that 4K together.

Does that count as an Ark quote?

Shame on you.

[CheffoJeffo]

And I am ignorant 

[DrakeTungsten]

*Drake pats CJ on the head*

Who's the cleverest troll at BYOAC? CheffoJeffo is! Yes he is! Good boy.

[yotsuya]

*Drake pats CJ on the head*

Who's the cleverest troll at BYOAC? CheffoJeffo is! Yes he is! Good boy.

Cheffo is anything but a troll around here.

[harveybirdman]

Pffft....

He likes 60 n 1s...


#totaltroll

[CheffoJeffo]

*Drake pats CJ on the head*

Who's the cleverest troll at BYOAC? CheffoJeffo is! Yes he is! Good boy.

I was being direct with you and now you are acting like a ---tallywhacker---.

[DrakeTungsten]

*Drake pats CJ on the head*

Who's the cleverest troll at BYOAC? CheffoJeffo is! Yes he is! Good boy.

Cheffo is anything but a troll around here.

Take a lesson from HarveyBirdman. He understands it's just jokes. Brothers mess with each other, bro. Jeffo posts a brilliant retort to one of my posts, and I playfully respond. It's just what we do. No honor is in need of deadly serious defending.

[CheffoJeffo]

Take a lesson from HarveyBirdman. He understands it's just jokes. Brothers mess with each other, bro. Jeffo posts a brilliant retort to one of my posts, and I playfully respond. It's just what we do. No honor is in need of deadly serious defending.

I believe it is better to give than to receive.

[Nephasth]

Wonder what kind of gems Jeffo has on me.

It's really tought to dig up gems from a deleted account...

[HaRuMaN]

Malenko never deleted, that was PBJ

[ark_ader]

Malenko never deleted, that was PBJ

What was the deal behind that whole delete thing.

Did someone ruffle peanutbutterandjelly's sandwich?

[harveybirdman]

Psycho ex girlfriend was stalking him

[Nephasth]

Malenko never deleted, that was PBJ

Nah, PBJ didn't just delete his account. He nuked his posts. I was just saying that it is very hard to search for posts from a deleted user account. (i.e. the original nephasth account, I'll come across an old post of mine every now an then, but I cannot search my old posts)

[CheffoJeffo]

Pffft....

He likes 60 n 1s...


#totaltroll

You are a ---tallywhacker--- so I should not try to communicate on an adult level.

[yotsuya]

I love this Ark bot. It's like a digital Magic 8 Ball. We should call it the "Ark-a-noid"

[CheffoJeffo]

It is funny you should say that.

[yotsuya]

Ark-a-noid, is "Arrival" going to win Best Picture tonight?

[CheffoJeffo]

Ark-a-noid, is "Arrival" going to win Best Picture tonight?

Sometimes you have to take a movie for what it is

[Mike A]

I was thinking the Arkh***

[CheffoJeffo]

I was thinking the Arkh***

Sticks and stones.

[ark_ader]

I was thinking the Arkh***

Sticks and stones.

I prefer Ark-Angel.  How much are we up to now?

Lots of repeat quotes.  I would get a refund.

[CheffoJeffo]

I was thinking the Arkh***

Sticks and stones.

I prefer Ark-Angel.  How much are we up to now?

Lots of repeat quotes.  I would get a refund.

Participants are not helping this site, but hurting it.  If you see it, report it.

[pbj]

I've probably seen every major scifi movie made in the last 40 years.  My tolerance is high.

I did not like Arrival.

[CheffoJeffo]

When I rented that movie, I thought it was a black comedy.

[CheffoJeffo]

Wonder what kind of gems Jeffo has on me.

dont, that action is fort only.

[CheffoJeffo]

I was just saying that it is very hard to search for posts from a deleted user account. (i.e. the original nephasth account, I'll come across an old post of mine every now an then, but I cannot search my old posts)

So, can I call you Pops?

Yes, hard enough that I prolly wouldn't bother even if you turned out to be worthy of the treatment. So have at it. 

[Nephasth]

Well guys... Looks like we've fizzled out at $84.82! Roughly 17 beers figured at $5/beer. If we use this in conjunction with the PBJ funds, it should cover most or maybe even all of the check!

Fixin' to be leavin' on a jet plane. Won't be back again until March 9th. Not sure if I'll be forum active during my vacation. 

[05SRT4]

 

[ark_ader]

Well guys... Looks like we've fizzled out at $84.82!

The fools and their money soon parted.  Thanks to the fools who donated.   

Seriously, loosing $4700+ is terrible.  I hope you get something back, and definitely a lesson learnt for all of here too.

[CheffoJeffo]

If you got burned by this guy, then you probably deserved it.

I cannot for the life of me find anything funny.

[pbj]

As one of the morons that pre-ordered the Predator pinball machine, I've been keeping an eye on what's been going on with this ---uvula---. If you're not familiar with the Predator scandal, it's a pinball equivalent of RAM Controls. Anyway, to preface this document a bit... The scammer (Kevin Kulek) is about neck deep into the legal system with the whole thing. The lawyer going after him, on behalf of the pinheads, is doing a pretty damn good job of following the trail of bread crums. Kevin sold some machines/part to this guy, but couldn't prove the sale (an attempt to hide assets) so the lawyer tracked this guy down to get the assets back. Dude never showed. According to this, the guy has some MAME rigs out on route. And the court is ordering him to hand over his MAME machines to the lawyer.

Anyway, here's the doc: https://images.pinside.com/9/e2/38/9e238e1836f09dd804c136203e76700e8d5a87e4.pdf

This is about the equivalent of a drug dealer suing the theif that took his drugs, and the judge ordering the theif to return them.

See. Nobody cares.

http://www.wnem.com/story/35782528/family-loses-everything-in-historic-flood

Checkmate, atheists.

[yotsuya]

Hory shet!!!

[yotsuya]

Just spent three hours getting caught up on the thread on Pinside. Always an interesting read.

[Nephasth]

Yeah, kind of good... Except those were the assets the lawyer was going after...

[Le Chuck]

Yo dawg, I sent you five bones!

[yotsuya]

Yo dawg, I sent you five bones!

Yo dawg, ship your bones out to AZ next April!!

[Ond]

I sent money for this 'fundraiser',  I hope tasty beverages were enjoyed at some stage by all applicable dudes.

[jennifer]

   Ya.... dude...., whatever....

[Nephasth]

Well, we got about $4.50 towards next year's beer fund... Chuckles didn't trust me enough to send the money to "friends and family"...

[jdbailey1206]

Anyway, here's the doc: https://images.pinside.com/9/e2/38/9e238e1836f09dd804c136203e76700e8d5a87e4.pdf

This is really close to home.  Like really close.  I can 'track down' and return your $4750 if you would like....

[Ond]

   Ya.... dude...., whatever....

I've been saying 'dude' like, forever.  I may also address you as  'man' in a generic kinda way.  But then if you had of attended Zapcon when I was there you'd know this.   

[harveybirdman]

#getTHATjennifertoZapcon2018

the campaign starts now man!

[Ond]

#getTHATjennifertoZapcon2018

the campaign starts now man!

Actually that would be pretty cool, ---fudgesicle--- I'd donate to that and I'm broke right now!  Also I'd pay money to her Jen refer to herself in third person.....in person.  Hell yeah.  Of course that would mean attending myself.

[Le Chuck]

Well, we got about $4.50 towards next year's beer fund... Chuckles didn't trust me enough to send the money to "friends and family"...

Heh, that was my favorite part of that transaction

[yotsuya]

#getTHATjennifertoZapcon2018

the campaign starts now man!

I want a photo of ThatJennifer and NotThatJennifer playing Stunt Cycle

[jennifer]

   Ya.... dude...., whatever....

I've been saying 'dude' like, forever.  I may also address you as  'man' in a generic kinda way.  But then if you had of attended Zapcon when I was there you'd know this.   

   **Fun story** Jennifer was headed there a couple years ago, to surprise you guys  (the year you went,), But only made it as far as Lincoln Ne., Where I wound up buying a xenon pin, and a restored band saw .... Never did make it to  Z/con, as you now know, and after like a week on the road probably it wont happen any time soon.

[Ond]

   Ya.... dude...., whatever....

I've been saying 'dude' like, forever.  I may also address you as  'man' in a generic kinda way.  But then if you had of attended Zapcon when I was there you'd know this.   

   **Fun story** Jennifer was headed there a couple years ago, to surprise you guys  (the year you went,), But only made it as far as Lincoln Ne., Where I wound up buying a xenon pin, and a restored band saw .... Never did make it to  Z/con, as you now know, and after like a week on the road probably it wont happen any time soon.

Well......that's a bit of a shame really.  I think I would have enjoyed meeting you.  The meet up was as much about the people as it was the games, maybe more so for me.  I have no clear view towards next year's Zapcon.  Some things I'd like to do though, in no particular order:  Restore what I've broken on the forum.  Take a road trip in the USA to see it from the ground. Hang out with the Arizona boys and girls again.  See my BYOAC bros again.  Bring a surprise with me. Drink PBJ's home brew.  Just some thoughts.

[harveybirdman]

Well, we got about $4.50 towards next year's beer fund... Chuckles didn't trust me enough to send the money to "friends and family"...

He's saving up for this

[Nephasth]

I'm not creating a new thread for this, so...

As you'll recall, I lost a good chunk of change on a Predator pre-order. Anyway, before I lost that, I pre-ordered an Alien pin from Heighway Pinball in 2014. Over the years I paid in full over $8k for an LE machine. About this time last year, the face of the company, Andrew Heighway, left the company and a hand full of investors took over. I didn't like that ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, so I requested a refund. It took over 3 months to get it, but I think I was the last fully paid refund they made... back in September. Well, now the company is being liquidated... Feel like I dodged a bullet. Moral of the story, kids... Don't pre-order ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

Article about Heighway Pinball: https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2018/04/26/heighway-pinball-faces-liquidation/

And now he's trying to scam Australians out of money on a Hydrofoil venture that I'm sure pinball money was used to start up. The timeline of him buying that boat lines up perfectly when I was asked to pay the remainder of my balance as the pin would soon be shipped (which was a lie)... https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/andrew-heighways-new-australian-hydrofoil-venture

[pbj]

That game looked fun as hell and complete, I didn't realize those weren't in production when I heard the news. 

I was almost afraid to ask, but I'm damned glad to hear you got out of that one. 

And I'm hearing there's problems with Dutch Pinball, too? 

[Mike A]

I am glad you got your money back.

[Titchgamer]

Damn all these horror stories ime never going to buy anew pin!!

[Nephasth]

And I'm hearing there's problems with Dutch Pinball, too?

I haven't followed that one as closely, but those guys had major issues even years back. Well... more unhidden ones anyway...

Damn all these horror stories ime never going to buy anew pin!!

Eh, just make sure it's in front of you before paying for it and you'll be fine.