Arcadia

[s_busby_uk]

Nice article about a collector here:

http://www.wired.com/2014/05/arcadia/#slide-id-969091

[wp34]

Kaneda?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,137686.msg1421742.html#msg1421742

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135635.0.html

[Malenko]

He is an unabashed GNR fanatic, and he credits himself with getting Axl Rose to finally release the album Chinese Democracy.

Good news X2, you're not the most delusional person on these forums by a long shot.


I emailed the author a collection of Kaneda's greatest hits from KLOV, Pinside, and here.


EDIT: Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, she wrote me back!

Hey Thomas, thanks for taking the time to write me, and for reading the article. When I learned about arcade culture and the online communities while researching this profile of Chris, I realized there are a ton of really interesting people out there to feature. I totally agree with you that he does not seem to be indicative of the culture as a whole and Im really hoping to write about more collectors after this. If you have suggestions for neat people to profile, send em my way! This is just the beginning.

[DaveMMR]

In fact, a lot of people just seemed to be ticked off that this stranger was essentially buying his way into their close-knit circle of longtime hobbyists.

You know, I'm not a class-warrior by any means, but when you have the money for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan and can comfortably overpay for cabinets and a MAME pedestal (with "just-for-symmetry, not-at-all-useful" controls) without breaking a sweat, it's hard to feel bad for him being ostracized by the KLOV (and the BYOAC) community. 

I mean, if anyone else on these boards were given that same $32,000, they wouldn't have 7 extravagant machines, they'd have at least 15-20, with perhaps enough left over to actually store those in a location separate to where one would sleep.

Another thing is that he owns machines that many in the hard-core collectors circles believe he doesn't deserve to own. Why does he need a one-of-a-kind Donkey Kong instead of the standard issue version? Or a limited edition Fix-It Felix?  There are guys who have busted their ass collecting for decades who have the know-how, dedication and space for these gems. But instead they're going to some dude with a fat wallet who read one book and decided to say "Hey, I'm a collector! Here's my 4-Player SFII pedestal to prove it! And it's on a widescreen monitor! Because that's how SFII was played back in the 90's, right?"

Honestly, this article is a poor representation of the hobby. Most collectors aren't marketing VPs with a raw food diet living in a Manhattan apartment. Most aren't taking their hobby to an unhealthy level of obsession wherein their relationships deteriorate. And most don't just drop $32K on a handful of games that are easily recognizable by everyone.

I'd bet a twenty that his collection is going to be sold-off within three years.

(Above was just my thoughts as I was reading it - rational or otherwise.)

[wp34]

I emailed the author a collection of Kaneda's greatest hits from KLOV, Pinside, and here.

EDIT: Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, she wrote me back!

Hey Thomas, thanks for taking the time to write me, and for reading the article. When I learned about arcade culture and the online communities while researching this profile of Chris, I realized there are a ton of really interesting people out there to feature. I totally agree with you that he does not seem to be indicative of the culture as a whole and Im really hoping to write about more collectors after this. If you have suggestions for neat people to profile, send em my way! This is just the beginning.

That's really cool.  A story on some of our vendors such as GGG, Unltimarc and ThisOldGame to name a few would be real interesting reading.  This article just made me sad for the guy.

[yotsuya]

In fact, a lot of people just seemed to be ticked off that this stranger was essentially buying his way into their close-knit circle of longtime hobbyists.

I'd bet a twenty that his collection is going to be sold-off within three years.

(Above was just my thoughts as I was reading it - rational or otherwise.)

I agree with your statement. The collection has already been on Craigslist a couple of times over the past few months. 

And people weren't ticked off that he "bought his way in". They were rubbed wrong by the way he came across in his dealings on the forums. We here know that especially well.

[Slippyblade]

Wow.  The whole article reeks of desperation and loneliness.  Then again, the KLOV quote was pretty much dead on about basing his entire life on trophies and posessions.  The notion of flushing $32,000 in six months just floors me.

[Xiaou2]

The responses are quite pathetic.

 Hes a guy who wanted to relive his childhood memories.   He did so, at a price of losing a female.. who probably wast really all that great to begin with... especially considering her colorful comment.   Though in fairness, it wasnt nice at all, for him to devulge to the public... especially in hopes of her return.  heh    But, these are all Human nature.

 Yup, hes certainly privildged.  From the early days of being bought a machine... to being able to afford a very expensive pad or two.. plus heavy spending on a collection.   People will say they are not Jealous... are most likely lying.  Maybe not Jealous of his choices in games.. or the idea that a signed DK cab is worth all that...  But Jealous in that they wish they had his resources.   Therefore, no doubt, its easy to get a bunch of bitter forum posters to gang post him to gang post him into bits.

 He probably also has some social issues, and odd perspectives, from the kind of life hes lived, and how he has been raised.  Everyone should expect that someone of wealth, isnt going to always get along fabulousy with people of lower income class.   Especially when that person tends to flaunt his passions.   Then again, unlike some who collect and never have anyone over to play... besides a few choice people...   He openly invited people to drop in and play his games.

 Hes selling many of his machines..  not just because the Nostolgia has sort of worn off...  But also because he got hooked on Pinball.   Which honestly, Ive seen many Arcade collectors do...  Because unlike many Video games, which can be mastered over time... and is pretty much always the same 'patterned' game...  Pinballs every game, is a uniquely different experience.  One that is much more difficult to master the very physical fundamentals of its play.

   One local collector I know, had probably 30 arcade machines...  but once he got the Pinball bug.. he sold them all to fund his growing Pinball obsession.   Another collector I know, sold a few games off..  but kept most of them...  but all his future purchases after that point.. were Pinball machines.   Both of them now sport entire basements filled with machines.

  Quite truthfully, if you pick out ANY collector and get to know them intimately.. and all their life details...  People will easily tell you that "That isnt what the majority of collectors are like".   And all the character flaws, and personal opinions they make...  will be fuel for the fire.   Nobody is safe in the public eye of Judgement.

 Its easy to pick up an object, and find its scratches, paint issues, and other 'Flaws'...   But what about looking for the positives, and admiring the beauty of the rest?  Why not go straight to Finding the good in things and people... and not trying to find, judge, and flame... what you dont like?

 The one thing the guy has in common with many here...is a Love for Classic gaming.

 I know a lot of Eccentric and Flawed people / collectors.  I can accept them, taking the good with the not so good.  Deep down, theres a connection we all share.  We are all Human...  and we are  All  flawed in some way shape or form.


 Then again, this could also be an Advertisement for Stern.     

 Either way... the points are all the same.

[shponglefan]

Another thing is that he owns machines that many in the hard-core collectors circles believe he doesn't deserve to own.

That sounds more like a problem with those in the "hard-core collectors circles" than anything.

In any hobby, there are those who elevate it from just a hobby to some sort of ideology.  And those people scare me.

I mean, FFS, we are talking about video games.  If people want to get bent out of shape over something, there are plenty of topics far more important to worry about.

[DaveMMR]

Another thing is that he owns machines that many in the hard-core collectors circles believe he doesn't deserve to own.

That sounds more like a problem with those in the "hard-core collectors circles" than anything.

In any hobby, there are those who elevate it from just a hobby to some sort of ideology.  And those people scare me.

I mean, FFS, we are talking about video games.  If people want to get bent out of shape over something, there are plenty of topics far more important to worry about.

I was theorizing as to why he's ostracized by the KLOV community as the author mentions, not saying it's right at all. Though, as yotsuya reminded me, it's also largely his attitude.

People will say they are not Jealous... are most likely lying.  Maybe not Jealous of his choices in games.. or the idea that a signed DK cab is worth all that...  But Jealous in that they wish they had his resources.   Therefore, no doubt, its easy to get a bunch of bitter forum posters to gang post him to gang post him into bits.

I could say with honesty that, personally, I'm not-at-all jealous. Sure I'd like to have his funds, why not? But there's a BIG difference between collecting for the love of it and just throwing money at something for instant gratification. I just got back from haggling down the price of Double Dragon and Bubble Bobble for the NES. And that is just so much more satisfying than writing a big check for some huge lot of all the games without blinking. Because now these games are more than just pieces of plastic. They actually have stories behind their acquisition.  (Not great stories, mind you, but still....)  I could point to this copy of Ninja Kid and say, "Oh yeah, I got this at some garage sale in PA when we went camping..."  You get the gist.

Also, I would like a Donkey Kong machine but I probably wouldn't buy a super-expensive signed version even if I could. That's extra money that could be spend on other stuff. And it's not like Wiebe was a Beatle or anything....

But for the most part I finally realized I'm just playing devil's advocate here anyway. I'm not a cab collector or hardcore enthusiast so I have no horse in this race. Though it's a great cautionary tale as to why you should keep your hobbies in check. A newly-single 38 year old vice president sleeping on a fold-away bed decorated with TMNT in his only bedroom is quirky but may be the sign of some major mid-life crisis that requires professional help.