2005 BYOAC Tokens: General dicsussion.

[Santoro]

I am considering the 2005 BYOAC tokens.

[monkeybomb]

3 things:

There should be some continuity with last years.  Like having the web address and BYOAC around one side of the coin.

Brass

How about a frankenpannel?

[markrvp]

FWIW I like the look of nickel.  You can find brass tokens in any arcade, but nickel really stands out.

[coorslight]

I have to put my vote in for  Nickel to. It just looks way better then brass. As for the Logo I would love to see a skull and cross bones on it or maybe just a skull. Makelike the token of death. Sweet.

[grueinthebox]

You can find brass tokens in any arcade,

That's exactly the reason I'd prefer the brass...   

*kicking myself for missing out on the brass MAME tokens*

[Kremmit]

*kicking myself for missing out on the brass MAME tokens*

Echo that!  I figured there'd be a limited supply of nickel and brass forever, just like the BYOAC 2004 ones, and I missed out.

Santoro- since they've already got the dies, do you think they'll hit you too hard if you ask for a few more brass MAME tokens to be run while they're doing your new 2005 BYOAC tokens?

Obviously, I prefer brass. 

And let me be the first to commit to ordering- 200 brass BYOAC 2005 (and 400 MAME if you get 'em!)

[monkeybomb]

*kicking myself for missing out on the brass MAME tokens*

Echo that!  I figured there'd be a limited supply of nickel and brass forever, just like the BYOAC 2004 ones, and I missed out.

Santoro- since they've already got the dies, do you think they'll hit you too hard if you ask for a few more brass MAME tokens to be run while they're doing your new 2005 BYOAC tokens?

I'm in on that kicking self stuff too.  I didn't have the money ready, then poof they actually sold out.  I'd love to see a second run and I'd commit to both ahead of time as well.

[IntruderAlert]

[Flinkly]

BRASS...

and i'll put in an order for 200 brass tokens...unless the thing turns out horrible.  but after the last two token designs, i'm sure that won't happen.  will prices be similar?

also, i wish i would have gotten some of the last byoac tokens...but alas, i wasn't as deep into the hobby back then.  tokens were the worst of my worries in the cabinet department.

[Joystick Jerk]

Cool! I didn't even know there were custom BYOAC tokens. I'll have to grab me a bunch of a future batch.

And I know you mentioned this isn't the design thread, but the graphic-design part of me couldn't resist(hey, it's what I do for a living, I can't help it). I threw this together in about 15 minutes as soon as I saw the words "custom tokens"(sorry about the graphical artifacts, but that's what jpeg does to compressed gradients):

[Santoro]

I like the metal effect, it is very realistic looking.  In BYOAC parlance we call that "bling."    You will probably see it called that most of the time through the process.

[missioncontrol]

another vote for brass here........

I think there should be a cocktail cabinet on this one.............

my $.02 

[IntruderAlert]

..what?
nobody liked my trademarked David R. Foley token?

how do you do that gold effect anyway?

[Santoro]

I didn't know who it was till you said it.

[Santoro]

I am thinking about doing things in this order:

1) design 'contest' thread & associated polls
2) Nickel vs Brass Vote
3) preorders to ensure demand
4) if breakeven, order, if not breakeven goto end .

The only thing that would be a real bummer would be if went through a long design process then didn't have enough demand to order.  But doing a poll up front about who would buy without the design being settled didn't help much last year because most responded that their purchase would depend on the design. 

Unless I get a majority of protests here, this is how I intend on proceeding.   

[Santoro]

Also, I will be following the 'business model' that has been successful in the past.

[pointdablame]

I think its a great idea again.  I think there is a small chance of seeing an oversaturated market, but if the design is compelling (and I dont see how it won't be with the art geniuses on this board), I'm sure they'll sell.

I really prefer the look of the Nickel tokens, but it seems like Brass is the favorite so far.  As you said, a lot of people probably won't commit to anything until they see the design, but short of a major design catastrophe, you'll see another order from me.

[DrewKaree]

Might I recommend splitting these out even finer?

1) design 'contest' thread & associated polls
2) Nickel vs Brass Vote
3) preorders to ensure demand
4) if breakeven, order, if not breakeven goto end

1)  Design contest thread, locked by yourself.  All "submissions" would be e-mailed to you, and you would post any and all submissions.  Any "discussion" would be relegated to another thread linked back to it. (paging through that thread to see something "new" got to be SO tedious after a while, I stopped checking it daily.  this way, the images thread would alert me as to when something new came up)

Also, every submission should stand on its own.  That way, the "front/back" issue would be settled in the following poll, OR, list the submissions under separate polls, one for "front", one for "back".

2)  Poll with EVERY submission on it, open for 2-4 weeks.  If no clear winner after that time, condense poll to only the top 5 vote getters.  Open poll for 1-3 weeks on that.  Winner is announced.  On these polls, allow more than one vote.

3)  Picture of winning design in "brass" and "nickel".  Poll to see where demand will be highest, and allow pre-order info in that thread.  If not enough demand is there for one or the other, you can easily and quickly announce non-purchase of that option.

4)  Announce order or announce end of concept.


Hey, 4 steps too.  Mebbe I condensed some steps or something

[Chris]

It seems to me that the first thing we need is to determine what people want:

- A new 2005 BYOAC token?
- A re-run of the 2004 BYOAC token? (See http://www.arcadetokens.com/html/byoac_tokens.html)
- A re-run of the 2004 BYOAC token with the date changed to 2005?
- A re-run of the MAME token? (See http://www.arcadetokens.com/html/mame_tokens.html)

If I recall correctly, the minimum run for brass is 5000 tokens and the minimum run for nickel is 10,000 tokens.

[AlanS17]

How much would an order of 200 brass tokens cost?

[Santoro]

The pricing would be the same as the MAME tokens in my sig, assuming we have enough demand to order 10,000 and have me break even.  If we instead need to order 5000 to make this happen, the price would go up because the cost goes up.

[AmericanDemon]

I'd be in for an honest 600 Nickel Tokens just to HAVE.  I have been kicking myself ever since I missed the first BYOAC run.  Trust me I dont flex very well to kick myself, but I've been doing it. 

[Santoro]

It seems to me that the first thing we need is to determine what people want:

- A new 2005 BYOAC token?
- A re-run of the 2004 BYOAC token? (See http://www.arcadetokens.com/html/byoac_tokens.html)
- A re-run of the 2004 BYOAC token with the date changed to 2005?
- A re-run of the MAME token? (See http://www.arcadetokens.com/html/mame_tokens.html)

If I recall correctly, the minimum run for brass is 5000 tokens and the minimum run for nickel is 10,000 tokens.  So if 25 people want 200 new tokens and 25 want 200 MAME tokens, Santoro could order both.

Is anyone willing to pre-commit to any of the above?

--Chris

I vote for a new 2005 one.  I doubt many people would buy the same token with a different date.  As far as MAME tokens, the Nickel are still available, and there is a little pent-up demand for more brass, but I don't think it is very big judging from my emails and the threads here.

But, I could be wrong, folks should speak up if they think I am.

[Santoro]

Might I recommend splitting these out even finer?

These are good ideas.  If I recall, you can only have a limited number of poll options, not sure how to work around that.  But I do want to make sure all designs can be voted on.  hmm 

I love the idea of a special thread where only new designs show up.  I would probably just maintain it myself, manually linking to the attachements in the design thread.  I don't especially want to deal with e-mail. This way people could chose which thread to monitor - the really busy design discussion one, or the 'executive summary' pictures-only thread.  Nice idea Drew.

[Santoro]

I have also created an account for my wife Leslie, 'Mrs. Santoro.'

[AlanS17]

I figure most people with the 2004 tokens won't be buying 2005 tokens. That means the only people buying 2005 tokens won't have others. That means they probably wouldn't care if they look just like last year's with a different date. I, for one, don't have any tokens, and wouldn't mind buying last year's with a new number. Heck, I wouldn't even mind buying last year's!

To get the discount, do you have to have all tokens from the same die? Maybe half MAME and half 2005 BYOAC would work out. It seems like alot of people here would like MAME tokens.

[DrewKaree]

Also be warned, as a former trader on the American Stock Exchange (where she was one of six women traders in a sea of 600 men) she is not afraid to say what she thinks.  Don't pick a fight with her. 

Mrs Santoro you married a goof...that's right, I said it...whatcha gonna do about it?


I didn't buy last year's due to reasons I don't want to list to avoid making anyone feel bad, but I was considering buying them, and had I done so, I'd still be looking to purchase this year's version.  That's what I thought would be done, as discussed in last year's thread.  I don't want a MAME token at all, wouldn't buy one, but BYOAC is on my list of "stuff to buy". 

I'd like to see this done as often as possible.  Buying a hundred or so each year would build my token supply up slowly, but I'd simply be using 'em for my personal games/collection.  I give the ones I have away to people who think they're cool as it is, advertising a new design, or telling someone I know I gave one to "they've got a new one...here's a couple for you to check out" is one of those things I like doing.

[Santoro]

Mrs Santoro you married a goof...that's right, I said it...whatcha gonna do about it?

You've got to do better than that, she'd probably agree with that sentiment!

Anyway, I know some folks weren't happy with the voting process last year, if that's what you were referring to.

[namedos]

I have some of last years and I plan on ordering some of this years as I didn't get enough of them.  Too many neighbor kids wanting to play.

I would vote for brass and a different design for 2005.

[Santoro]

To get the discount, do you have to have all tokens from the same die? Maybe half MAME and half 2005 BYOAC would work out. It seems like alot of people here would like MAME tokens.

That's an interesting question.  I don't see any reason why not.  I would need to spend quite a while setting all the permutations up on ArcadeTokens.com, but it's a good idea.

[Kremmit]

I figure most people with the 2004 tokens won't be buying 2005 tokens. That means the only people buying 2005 tokens won't have others. That means they probably wouldn't care if they look just like last year's with a different date. I, for one, don't have any tokens, and wouldn't mind buying last year's with a new number. Heck, I wouldn't even mind buying last year's!

I bought last year, and inted to buy this year as well.  I only got 200 last time, and have since discovered that that's just not enough.  Plus I'm a compulsive collector.  Willing to bet I'm not the only one of those around here, either. 

That said, I wouldn't turn up my nose at more of the same, with or without a new date.  A new design is fun, and I certainly won't argue if it goes that way, but I don't need it, and another run from the old dies would be cheaper, yes?  There's always the possibillity of re-using just one side- at the least, the sides from last year's tokens should be included in the voting.  (As for the dated side, maybe the engravers can mill the date down on the die they used last year, making it date-free.) 

[jer2665]

I got into this cabinet thing recently (still haven't built, so it'll still be a while before I get tokens, but just out of curiousity what did last years byoac tokens look like?

[Santoro]

Check put the first hyperlink in the first post in this thread - it shows a good photo.

[DrewKaree]

Stat-watcher!

Hey, Kremmit's got something there - if there's a new token done this year, how about not putting a date on it?

Also, I'm gonna PM you about something.

[missioncontrol]

I think it needs a date that's one thing I was disapointed about the MAME tokens is that they didn't have a date on them, but still got some anyway.......

I think a different design than last years.

[Joystick Jerk]

how do you do that gold effect anyway?

The basic design itself was just line-art, with no special tricks. To add the shiny metal effect, I created a new layer of pure white, Texturized it with the Sandstone filter, and then scaled a small section of that up until the "texture" was the proper size for the coin. I then blurred it, changed it's blending mode to Multiply, and overlayed it on the coins. For the coin color, I created two layers, one grey, the other brassy gold. The blending mode of those layers was changed to Color Burn. I merged all layers, and then adjusted the Levels on the coins to enhance the effect of the light/shadow and saturation.

[AmericanDemon]

The basic design itself was just line-art, with no special tricks. To add the shiny metal effect, I created a new layer of pure white, Texturized it with the Sandstone filter, and then scaled a small section of that up until the "texture" was the proper size for the coin. I then blurred it, changed it's blending mode to Multiply, and overlayed it on the coins. For the coin color, I created two layers, one grey, the other brassy gold. The blending mode of those layers was changed to Color Burn. I merged all layers, and then adjusted the Levels on the coins to enhance the effect of the light/shadow and saturation.

Yeah what he said.

[darktemp]

The new version of photoshop is going to have a tool that does all that in one click.  I think their calling it the "paint bucket"

how do you do that gold effect anyway?

The basic design itself was just line-art, with no special tricks. To add the shiny metal effect, I created a new layer of pure white, Texturized it with the Sandstone filter, and then scaled a small section of that up until the "texture" was the proper size for the coin. I then blurred it, changed it's blending mode to Multiply, and overlayed it on the coins. For the coin color, I created two layers, one grey, the other brassy gold. The blending mode of those layers was changed to Color Burn. I merged all layers, and then adjusted the Levels on the coins to enhance the effect of the light/shadow and saturation.

[DarkKobold]

Just as a curiousity, wouldn't it be possible to reuse the front, non-dated part of last year's BYOAC token? I know that would save the cost of remaking that one, bringing down the price of additional tokens. Also, every release I've gotten a nickel and brass mix. I personally like the contrast.

Dave: How much money are you out on the MAME tokens? Did you still come out ahead, even with what is left?
 

[MinerAl]

I'd kind of like to see the non-date side of last year's token stay, and the other side change, kind of like the state quarters.  I like the idea of a certain continuity over the years so that they are related in some way other than all being round and shiny.  I also imagine this would lower the costs overall since one side could be a reused 2004 die.

I bought a 100 brass / 100 nickel mix last year, and can't decide which color I prefer. I would get a mix again this year if the option exists.

As always, "depending on the design," I'll be buying some again this year.

I'll be watching with interest, and I'll help out any way I can.

Al

[spllbnd2]

I would have to agree with Miner Al and keep the non-dated side and change the back (?) side.

[DrewKaree]

You'd be surprised how quickly that many tokens takes to disappear....on the one hand, it bugs me, but on the other hand, I'm kinda proud I've got something someone would want to steal

[Santoro]

Just as a curiousity, wouldn't it be possible to reuse the front, non-dated part of last year's BYOAC token? I know that would save the cost of remaking that one, bringing down the price of additional tokens. Also, every release I've gotten a nickel and brass mix. I personally like the contrast.

It would definitely be possible,though I doubt the voting would show that as a favorite option.  I will include last year's designs in the voting as well to see how they fare.

Dave: How much money are you out on the MAME tokens? Did you still come out ahead, even with what is left?

On the contrary, I have done pretty well on the MAME tokens.  By no stretch of the imagination am I getting rich on this stuff, but I have covered my costs and then a little.

[Chris]

Santoro,

Have you checked to see if a run of 10000 brass tokens could include 8000 of the new tokens plus 1000 each of the MAME and 2004 BYOAC tokens?

[RayB]

Santoro, I think your proposed steps is the way to go...

A design thread needs to start up ASAP though (as you can see, since most of us can't resist thinking up ideas RIGHT NOW).

Here's mine: Zenny coins! I want a picture of the store clerk from Black Tiger. And the phrase "1 Zenny".

[Santoro]

Here is a modified version of Drew's proposal:

1)

[Chris]

#3 should be expanded to "No references to ANY trademarked properties", including all existing games and movies.  The reasons we scrapped Pac-Man from the token last year still exist this year.

[Santoro]

Santoro,

Have you checked to see if a run of 10000 brass tokens could include 8000 of the new tokens plus 1000 each of the MAME and 2004 BYOAC tokens?

[Santoro]

#3 should be expanded to "No references to ANY trademarked properties", including all existing games and movies. The reasons we scrapped Pac-Man from the token last year still exist this year.

Good point, changed #1 to cover this.

[Chris]

Santoro,

Have you checked to see if a run of 10000 brass tokens could include 8000 of the new tokens plus 1000 each of the MAME and 2004 BYOAC tokens?

[Santoro]

OK, I see your point.  I'd consider it if we were having issues getting enough buyers for the new tokens.  I will ask this week so that we know if it is even an option.

[tetsujin]

It's great to see the possibility of a new run of tokens!

For continuity it might be nice (as some have mentioned) to have one side be the same as last year's BYOAC tokens.  I'd like the "continuity".  I could see the Atari guy staying and the atom being replaced with the monkey guy (assuming it's not too similar to old Donkey Kong art...) but otherwise I think the atom logo is the side to keep.

Low-res pixel art might be fun for one of the token sides, too - we could come up with something original but reminiscient of Space Invaders or some other old shooter.

Anyway, I know this kind of statement doesn't mean much until money is put down, but I'd take at least 500 of the new tokens if I like the final design.  (As for the 2004 design, I already know I like that design, so I'd take more of those if you made more.)

Finally, I'd like to suggest that for the new design, we not use "Game not over" or related variations...  I never really liked that slogan anyway.

[Timstuff]

I think that a good token image would be a picture of Pac-Man with his mouth open. It'd be just the right shape for a coin, too.

[Chris]

I think that a good token image would be a picture of Pac-Man with his mouth open. It'd be just the right shape for a coin, too.

That was one of the designs last year, but Saint nixed it, as Namco is particularly litigous. 

[GGKoul]

I can't believed I missed out on the past runs.  I'm in for whatever type of coins you produce.  As I have 5 machines now and forcing people to use BYOAC coins would be a nice touch.

I think we should do a play on Chuck e'Cheese coins.
http://users.pullman.com/fjstevens/tokens/cec/CECdesigns.html

[Chris]

I can't believed I missed out on the past runs.

[Santoro]

I think that a good token image would be a picture of Pac-Man with his mouth open. It'd be just the right shape for a coin, too.

That was one of the designs last year, but Saint nixed it, as Namco is particularly litigous.

In fairness I was reluctantly in favor of nixing it too.

[GGKoul]

[Are you thinking of mimicing the "old-tyme" penny-arcade feel as opposed to the very modern feel we had in the previous ones?

Yeppers!!  We all remember running around an arcade with these old style tokens in hand.

[Santoro]

For those that want to be involved this year and were not around last year, I suggest reading the thread from last year:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,19172.0.html

I know it is really long, but it is very interesting and will help us learn from our past experiences without having all the same conversations we had last year.   

Dave

[DrewKaree]

No offense intended to anyone, as I feel the exact same about it, but constantly reading the "I'd be in for X amount depending on the design" is WAY tiresome to read.  I mean, NATURALLY we aren't gonna be inclined to buy something we think looks like ass, and heck, some of us won't buy it for some pedantic reason, but to generalize like that isn't particularly helpful nor, in the end, will it really matter.  The design will be that which Dave will feel assured he can sell the most of.

This, coming from someone who DOES share that sentiment

[Pixelhugger]

Hehe... I forgot how fun it was to follow a thread that updated faster than I could type in a response.

I really like the idea of the "design submissions only" thread, separate from the discussion thread. Great idea.

One thing I felt badly about last year was the "inequity of bling." In retrospect I don't think it was fair to all the designs to have some blinged and some not. I would suggest black and white submissions only. This forces the voting to be based solely on the quality of the design and not on the quality (or lack thereof) of bling. Any design that looks good in B+W will look good blinged, and I don't think anyone should have their design sidelined because it doesn't have the same level of metal like realism as someone elses... Now that we know what the tokens look like and how well details resolve I think we should focus on black and white submissions only. If it comes down to deciding on the old "to stipple or not to stipple" issue for the final contenders, we could easily add identical bling the last few to be voted on. Just my 2 cents.

Regarding the rerunning of last years on one side, I vote for something entirely new. If anyone is interested in the old BYOAC/Mame designs, we could easily put together a special "limited edition" at cost, since there are no die fees. I've been thinking for some time about a BYOAC/MAME Hybrid like what Chris suggested, so even if the polling indicates no rerun of last years, those who missed out could still get some.

[tetsujin]

No offense intended to anyone, as I feel the exact same about it, but constantly reading the "I'd be in for X amount depending on the design" is WAY tiresome to read.

True, and I can understand there's little need for any post that can be summarized as "me too"...  But public interest is a factor in whether these get made.  I think there's a little value in indicating that the interest is there - at least if the speaker is serious about wanting to buy some tokens.  Those interested will get some say in the design, too (though I think it's good that the final decisions are being more tightly controlled this time.)

On the other hand, maybe it's not necessary at this point.  I don't know.  But I'm excited!  So I post anyway. 

[Timoe]

hehe, I wanna buy some

[DrewKaree]

I don't wanna see no friggen stipple, just like the new quarters.  Just design, all bright and shiny....something I can flash in front of Zakk's eyes and mesmerize him and lure him into shaving that dumb bushy mustache buying me a Ferrarri too!


Oh for Pete's sake, START THE DESIGN AND IDEA THREADS ALREADY WOULDJA?

[phildo77]

Oh for Pete's sake, START THE DESIGN AND IDEA THREADS ALREADY WOULDJA?

Yeah!  I'm down!  I'll be buying a bunch.

So lets get it rollin'!

[RayB]

True, and I can understand there's little need for any post that can be summarized as "me too"...

[Santoro]

Me too.  I hate 'me too' posts.

I will post the design threads tonight.

[DreamWeb]

This is a bit off-topic so flame away if you must... but...

I know there are a lot of Canadian BYOAC'ers that would love to get some coinage... but, hate the fact that they're considered International purchasers.  It only costs minimally more to ship to Canada than it does within the U.S...   So, hopefully we can figure something out for the Canucks other than just grouping us along with Europe?

d.

[DarkKobold]

Please make sure during voting for Brass or Nickel, you leave open an option, "I really only want Brass and Nickel" I really can't see myself waiting my collection of tokens with one over the other.

I'm still curious how many MAME tokens are left.

[saint]

I vote for nickel with an all new design, and I'll be buying no matter what they look like

Uh.... Nothing from the X-Box Grid Girls thread I think.

--- saint

[Santoro]

[quote author=DreamWeb

[monkeybomb]

I think the date is very important.  There needs to be some change in the token from last year.  I really love these things and I'm in (as I have been), but I would be sad to see only the date change.

As for voting there is an alternative to 3 votes.  Why not unlimited?  This would be classified as "approval voting", where people either would or wouldn't buy a particular design if it were the winner.  Rather than a - "do you prefer" vote.  It could be a "would you buy" vote.  I would guess that this method would acctually prodce the most follow through on purchases.

[Flinkly]

monkeybomb, i think there might be too much room for eror in that kind of vote.  while most of us aren't idiots, i'm sure there are a few.

i have to jump in and say that i'm interested in 200 of the old byoac tokens in brass, if we can get a limited run done for minimal costs.  and as for this years design, i'm up for changing half of it or all of it, but keeping it the same doesn't make sense.  the prices would be lower, but it wouldn't be as cool.  most of the reason i'm getting them is to have a bunch of assorted tokens made for and by the community.

[Timstuff]

If Pac-Man on the coin would present legal challenges, then perhaps an alien from Space Invaders could be a good "heads" image for the coin? IANAL, but I don't think anyone could sue someone for having a pixelated monster on a token.

[Chris]

If Pac-Man on the coin would present legal challenges, then perhaps an alien from Space Invaders could be a good "heads" image for the coin? IANAL, but I don't think anyone could sue someone for having a pixelated monster on a token.

Not true.  Pixelhugger tried to get a T-shirt with an invader made up and their legal guys jumped all over him.  Remember, a Space Invaders/Qix dual cabinet was just re-released.

--Chris

[Pixelhugger]

Aw Chris, you beat me to it!! 

"...Thank you for your e-mail. 
We are really sorry, we cannot permit our Space Invader logo
even personal use because of the copy right. 
Thank you for your inquiring and understanding.

Sincerely yours,

Taito Corporation"

This was after inquiring with Midway and getting a personal letter from their VP of Licensing directing me to Namco.

Hehe... go figure. 

[Timstuff]

Wow, I guess there's nothing you can't copyright these days. Heck, I'll bet even the little arrow shaped spaceship from Asteroids is copywritten. :\

I guess that this means Electronic Gaming Monthly had to pay a royalty to use that little "alien" logo that they have at the end of each article. It's really strange though, considering how many knockoffs of Space Invaders there have been over the years.

[quarterback]

Here's mine: Zenny coins! I want a picture of the store clerk from Black Tiger. And the phrase "1 Zenny".

[Kev-in DFW]

I am down for 500, nickel or brass, ugly or cool, date or no date.... just send me a bill!

[Santoro]

Nickel MAME tokens are still available.  Use the link in my sig.

[Santoro]

Front design thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,36613.0.html
Back design thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,36614.0.html

[Flinkly]

shouldn't the back design thread show the back of last years coin?  i guess it doesn't really matter...but for when we start voting on possibly keeping a side of last years tokens, it might be nice to have something to reference for the noobs.

[Santoro]

Last years' will be in the 'summary' threads.

[DreamWeb]

Santoro,

Oh, ok!  Thanks!  I didn't realize that the shipping was almost the same.  I must have made an error when I looked at it a couple of months ago!  Thanks.  I just ordered one hunderd silver..and I plan on ordering a couple hundred of the new brass ones...  no matter the design.

d.

[Stingray]

I skipped to the end of this thread so my apologies if this has already been mentioned. If there's any way you could make smaller tokens this time I'd really appreciate it. I have a bag of last year's tokens that I can't use because they won't fit in Midway coin doors.

-S

[tetsujin]

Perhaps for the design threads, you should standardize the token size and resolution, so that all design ideas will be seen in the same context?

You could provide a "circle template" of the proper size and resolution, matching the sample...  Just a thought.

[missioncontrol]

Front design thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,36613.0.html
Back design thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,36614.0.html

might want to see if a mod will sticky those two threads........

[Pixelhugger]

Perhaps for the design threads, you should standardize the token size and resolution, so that all design ideas will be seen in the same context?

You could provide a "circle template" of the proper size and resolution, matching the sample...

[RayB]

Can you have 1 token made out of pure gold, and then we'll see who ends up with it? They will be the winner, kinda like Charlie and golden ticket. Wouldn't that be great? Yeah. It would.   

[Kremmit]

Why separate threads for the "Front" and "Back"?  What if the two best designs both get entered in the "Front" thread? 

Why not just have all the designs in one thread, and when voting time comes, everybody picks their favorite two?

2)  Poll front and back separately with EVERY submission on it, open for 2-3 weeks.  If no clear winner after that time, condense poll to only the top 5 vote getters.  Open poll for 1-2 weeks on that.  Winner is announced.  On these polls, allow 3 votes.

Also, I'm in favor of having a run-off election with the top 5 vote-getters no matter what.  That way, folks who's favorites get eliminated early have a chance to vote on the candidates that actually have a chance.  That's why we have Primaries before the Presidential election.

[Pixelhugger]

In thinking about it, most coins seem to have the most identifying info on front and related but less specific information on back. If we are going to have a front an back thread, it probably makes sense to have design guidelines so we have front like and back like submissions. Otherwise, I think Kremmit is right there wouldn't be any sense separating them.

Maybe the "front" should have BYOAC or a BYOAC logo while the back could have a control or arcade related theme? That way it would feel a bit more legitimate.. if BYOAC appears on the front and differently on the back it'd be a bit weird no?

[DrewKaree]

I'm going to require several hundred absentee ballots

[Dougmeister]

Are brass and nickel the only options to consider for the new tokens?

[Chris]

Are brass and nickel the only options to consider for the new tokens?

The only other options the manufacturer has are aluminum, which are probably too light to work properly in the mechs, and red brass, which nearly doubles the cost.

[Santoro]

In thinking about it, most coins seem to have the most identifying info on front and related but less specific information on back. If we are going to have a front an back thread, it probably makes sense to have design guidelines so we have front like and back like submissions. Otherwise, I think Kremmit is right there wouldn't be any sense separating them.

Maybe the "front" should have BYOAC or a BYOAC logo while the back could have a control or arcade related theme? That way it would feel a bit more legitimate.. if BYOAC appears on the front and differently on the back it'd be a bit weird no?

Agree with the group on this sentiment. I will put some more guidelines in the instructions.

[RayB]

RED BRASS!!!  Oooooo!!

[Santoro]

Also, I'm in favor of having a run-off election with the top 5 vote-getters no matter what. That way, folks who's favorites get eliminated early have a chance to vote on the candidates that actually have a chance. That's why we have Primaries before the Presidential election.

This isn't a bad idea.

[Stingray]

I skipped to the end of this thread so my apologies if this has already been mentioned. If there's any way you could make smaller tokens this time I'd really appreciate it. I have a bag of last year's tokens that I can't use because they won't fit in Midway coin doors.

-S

Surely I'm not the only one who uses Midway coin doors.

**sigh** Anyone want to buy a bag of last years tokens?

-S

[Santoro]

Sadly, yours is only the first or second request I have had in a year for smaller tokens.

[DarkKobold]

Midway coin doors are very easy to modify to make big enough.  For my two midway games, I simply used a metal saw blade for a jigsaw, and by hand opened the width of the coin slot. Used a flat metal file to clean up the damage. The only reason a Midway door is too small is the first opening.

[monkeybomb]

Midway coin doors are very easy to modify to make big enough.  For my two midway games, I simply used a metal saw blade for a jigsaw, and by hand opened the width of the coin slot. Used a flat metal file to clean up the damage. The only reason a Midway door is too small is the first opening.

Do you have pictures of that?  It would be a great addition to the mod thread.  It would be helpful just to see the finished product and the tool you used.

[RayB]

Ehhh... hack our minty Midway originals??
 

[Stingray]

Ehhh... hack our minty Midway originals??
 

Exactly. I started to do that last year when I discovered the tokens didn't fit. Got as far as taking apart the coin door, but never could bring myself to cut the opening.

Sadly, I guess I'm out for any future tokens. Too bad, because the ones I got last year are beautiful.

-S

[ChadTower]

If the possibility came up to order a mixed batch of this year's and last year's nickel tokens, I'd definitely do that.  In fact, I don't want to be another person just saying I'd do it.  I'd be willing to pay now for a mixed batch, and then deal with a possible refund later, to help the process along with a concrete order.

[Kremmit]

Also, I'm in favor of having a run-off election with the top 5 vote-getters no matter what. That way, folks who's favorites get eliminated early have a chance to vote on the candidates that actually have a chance. That's why we have Primaries before the Presidential election.

This isn't a bad idea.   But in the interest of time I'd probably make it a week.  I want these tokens made this year. 

A week's more than enough. 

I don't suppose there's anybody besides RayB and myself that would spring for Red Brass?

[missioncontrol]

I figured the artwork people would be all over this by now..........

so far we have 1 front submission 

and 0 back submissions 

[Pixelhugger]

People are probably busy working designs out before showing them publicly, I'd guess. It'll probably pick up as people get decent first drafts done, and then start feeling pressure as more and more versions get posted.

I'm working on some stuff, but it's slow going since work is busy as usual.

[monkeybomb]

and 0 back submissions 

I was going to offer a backside submission, but I thought it might not go over well.

[Santoro]

I figured the artwork people would be all over this by now..........

so far we have 1 front submission

and 0 back submissions

I am bummed too, but I predict that there will be a flurry of them in a few days after people get some weekend free time.  I might even submit one, I have been tossing about a few different ideas.
 

[ddockery]

I'd be willing to throw down for the red, I'm guessing those would look REALLY slick.

[quarterback]

I'd be willing to throw down for the red, I'm guessing those would look REALLY slick.

I don't think I'd buy hundreds of them (due to the cost) but red brass sounds HOT!

[DrewKaree]

I was going to offer a backside submission, but I thought it might not go over well.

Something akin to my av?

[Santoro]

Best I can tell from Googling a bit, red brass looks a lot like copper.

[DrewKaree]

Best I can tell from Googling a bit, red brass looks a lot like copper. 

See here for a nice example: Red Brass Nipples 

If that's indeed what the red brass looks like, I can't see 'em being worth almost double the price.  Very underwhelming....will they mebbe send you a sample of the red brass made into one of the other designs?  I think that'd be easier to tell that way, but if they won't, I guess looking at nipples will have to do. 

What were we talking about again?

[quarterback]

Hey JJ, how about tossing your talents into the mix over in the "design" threads.

[RayB]

I would NOT order the reds if they look like those "nipples".

[quarterback]

I would NOT order the reds if they look like those "nipples".

Yeah, that wasn't really what I was picturing either, although the smooth (non-threaded) portion in the middle is closer to what was in my mind.

I did some Googling as well and couldn't find many red-brass example pics at all, but "red" would be the operative word for me to be interested.

[Chris]

I did some Googling as well and couldn't find many red-brass example pics at all, but "red" would be the operative word for me to be interested.

I would not be interested in red tokens.  I never went to a single arcade with red tokens.

[Troz]

I wasn't able to purchase any of last year's BYOAC tokens, but I do have the MAME tokens.  One gripe I have with them is the orientation of the design.  With most coins you flip them vertically to view the opposite side of the coin in the proper orientation.  The MAME tokens need to be flipped horizontally.  Is it possible to get this years tokens made like standard coins?

[Santoro]

Yes, I think that is possible.  I was already considering it because that bugged me too.

[quarterback]

I did some Googling as well and couldn't find many red-brass example pics at all, but "red" would be the operative word for me to be interested.

I would not be interested in red tokens.

[DrewKaree]

If that's an indication of what you have in mind re: red, I think there's gonna be a resounding "NO!!"

[missioncontrol]

I've seen some red brass tokens from some places.......

they do look good........

But I'd rather stick with brass and silver

[pointdablame]

I think the faces of the coins should be flipped also so that they are more like regular coins.  That kinda bugged me with the last ones, but not enough to really care much lol.

If it's an option tho, I'd like to see it done.

[Kremmit]

Oh, that's red brass.  I've seen a few tokens made from that- I always considered them "imitation copper". 

I don't want any.

[Santoro]

I am bummed too, but I predict that there will be a flurry of them in a few days after people get some weekend free time.

It's Monday morning.  So much for that theory. 

Let's go people!

[GadgetGeek]

Even though the artwork has been limited, I'm impressed with the proposals for both sides and plan.  Based on those designs, I plan on purchasing a mixed lot of nickel and brass.  If you decide to do pre-orders to determine if demand is high-enough for a run, I'd be in.  And I've got last years tokens too.  Just too cool to pass up.
Maybe others are saving their artwork for the 2006 tokens?

[Santoro]

Agreed, nothing against the designs presented already... they rock.   But more choice=more gooder!!

[aterlecki]

I haven't yet built my cab (so I don't have a coin door yet) but I'll definitely be buying a load of whichever tokens are made. Are these being produced to a specific size with a certain coin mech in mind?

[Chris]

I haven't yet built my cab (so I don't have a coin door yet) but I'll definitely be buying a load of whichever tokens are made. Are these being produced to a specific size with a certain coin mech in mind?

They're .984 (25mm) tokens, so they'll fit a .984 mech.  This is your standard Chuck E Cheese token size, slightly larger than a quarter.

--Chris

[monkeybomb]

I haven't yet built my cab (so I don't have a coin door yet) but I'll definitely be buying a load of whichever tokens are made. Are these being produced to a specific size with a certain coin mech in mind?

The nasty has a great tutorial on fixing any coin mech to make it work.  What you need to ake sure of is that the physical opening is large enough to take a token.  Midway doors aren't big enough.  They are the kind where you drop the coin in sideways from the top of the opening.  happs type front loading coin doors will work.

[Timoe]

Santoro,

I justgot my MAMEtokens.  They look GREAT!!  Thank you very much.  I look forward to ordering the new BYOAC tokens in both nickel and brass.

Thankyou

Tim

[missioncontrol]

We need to set a deadline for the Front and Back designs to be done by.

[Timoe]

Or put a 2006 date on there!

[DreamWeb]

I too received my tokens.  Nickel.  Really terrific work guys.

But a word of caution..   I had 100 shipped to Canada and was dinger with 9 dollars duty on top of what I paid for shipping and the actual product.  Ugh.

d.

[GadgetGeek]

I haven't seen much movement in the artwork thread and this thread seems to have withered as well.  Does that mean it is about time to vote?

[coinguy]

I am brand new. But I like the nickel over brass so I don't let my
son use them by mistake at his favorite three arcade spots.

I do like the idea of 2005. Collector's value goes up.