&quot;Only&quot; Vs &quot;Leading&quot; maker of real pinball games

Ok, much has been said about how Stern hung onto the "only" part of this statement, and only recently has seemingly grudgingly changed it to "Leading".

My question would be, why the resistance to change it? Isn't it MUCH better to be the top company amongst many, as opposed to the LAST remaining company of a once large industry?

I guess they don't want to be seen as recognizing any competition, but I think for the outside world, that is always surprised that pinball still exists at all, it would be much better to portray a healthy business with many players.

#2 11 years ago

DJQ

DanQverymuch

Pinside+ Addict

Neenah, WI

12y 98,550 4,530

And "leading" is debatable, they certainly aren't in the areas of quality and innovation. Sheer numbers is about it. "Biggest" I would have no argument with (for now)!

#3 11 years ago

NGP

Gnatty

Pinside member

East Aurora, NY

11y 80,100 2,307 2 12

Quoted from DanQverymuch:
And "leading" is debatable, they certainly aren't in the areas of quality and innovation. Sheer numbers is about it. "Biggest" I would have no argument with (for now)!

They are the "leading" because they are the only pinball company currently producing and distributing pinball machines. Key word distributing!

#4 11 years ago

C F

frolic

Pinside+ Frequent

Leading I would equate to biggest. Biggest sales, volume, any way you slice it. I suspect ac/dc will outsell woz by a large margin as well over their respective lifetimes.

#5 11 years ago

TLC

rockinganker

Inactive member

Chatham-kent, ON

12y 31,150 415

OP
Quoted from frolic:
Stern hung onto the "only" part of this statement

Is there another company shipping pins in the USA?

#6 11 years ago

C F

frolic

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from rockinganker:
Is there another company shipping pins in the USA?

of course not, but my question is isn't it more valuable to claim to be the biggest at something, rather than the only one (even if it is technically true, even today)?

#7 11 years ago

DEL

SealClubber

Pinside Moderator

14y 127K 11,060 246

Remember, Stern was the underdog until the top dog bowed out. I guess they want some recognition for sticking with it.
"And the meek shall inherit the (Pinball Industry)."

#8 11 years ago

TGO

sd_tom

Pinside member

12y 107K 3,902

Only = monopoly ; leading = competition. Only is better for them

#9 11 years ago

C F

frolic

Pinside+ Frequent

Me personally, if I was Gary Stern giving those interviews, like the kind where he says he doesn't want to use the word "Last", I'd be proud to say something like:

"For 13 years we were the last and only manufacture of real pinball, the business is growing again, our sales are up, we have new competition and we remain the biggest".

#10 11 years ago

SFX

Sunfox

Pinside member

13y 37,650 1,240 6

"Leading" can be taken any number of different ways... which makes it ideal for a slogan that can't really be argued with.

#11 11 years ago

MJM

mmuglia

Pinside+ Frequent

11y 91,550 1,319 7

Until another company has a game that is actually shipping to paying customers, Stern should advertise as the "only" pinball manufacturer. Although the shipping of WOZ is inevitable (and there are plenty of them pre-ordered and paid for in full), all that exists are "test" machines at various locations. Think back to the Tucker automobile. They made 50 cars, but they still weren't considered an auto manufacturer. Paying customers actually receiving what they paid for will then qualify JJP as a manufacturer. Until that happens, Stern is the "only".

"Leading" is an ambiguous word, it could mean anything. What are they leading in? Quality, quantity, number of different titles produced in a year? It's all just advertising. For those of us that are close to the hobby, I don't think we really care what words these companies use for their advertising. These slogans are for those that don't know about the hobby.

#12 11 years ago

C F

frolic

Pinside+ Frequent

I don't like "leading" for that stated ambiguity. I think they should own "world's biggest" or something.

I'm sure Stern dropped the "only" because they would be criticized for saying it when JJP ships machines, and no one thought we'd still be waiting for them to do so.

#13 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

OP
Quoted from frolic:
I don't like "leading" for that stated ambiguity.

It's a company, that's what they do, it's a slogan.

#14 11 years ago

LTG

Pinside member

Hopkins, MN

12y 191K 56,974 24 7

Old habits die hard.

They worked hard, during very tough times, when everyone else bailed. They deserve to call themselves what ever they like.

LTG : )

#15 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Yeah!

#16 11 years ago

EVE

Rabscuttle

Pinside member

Nashua, NH

11y 79,400 784 5

As an online marketer who has been hoping they would find a graceful solution to this, I think "leading" is fine, and an apt description. I also prefer that they have made this change now instead of waiting until the last minute, when they were literally forced to. It's better to do it now.

Also, on my Sirius XM Boneyard station this morning, the dj started talking about Metallica. I was all, "Please say pinball... please say pinball..."

And she did.

#17 11 years ago

BOY

vid1900

Pinside member

Sana'a

12y 169K 40,240 18

Who cares really?

It's just marketing.

#18 11 years ago

PVW

pascal-pinball

Pinside member

19y 92,075 1,590 255

Today I can buy only a new Stern Pinball machine, so today they are the only

#19 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Who Cares, Really?

Bingo!

#20 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

I heard this cartoon tiger saying his Cereal was "Greeeeat" too....I don't believe him...discuss.

#21 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Quoted from TheLaw:
I heard this cartoon tiger saying his Cereal was "Greeeeat" too....I don't believe him...discuss.

Believe him! It IS!

#22 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

Quoted from spfxted:
Believe him! It IS!

Pffffff....crap ok bad example cause that stuff is damn good.

#23 11 years ago

NEO

CaptainNeo

Yes, you can't really deny Tony. He knows his cereal.

#24 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Now if you said the Generic version of Rice Chex.....

#25 11 years ago

NEO

CaptainNeo

Rice Chex kicks ass if you put enough sugar on it.

#26 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Yeah....but try the GENERIC version. Tastes like cardboard chips

#27 11 years ago

NEO

CaptainNeo

would that be the one that comes in a bag form?

#28 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

It could....but Shop Rite and some of the other stores have their own versions of these cereals. Mostly all terrible!....if yer lucky!

#29 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

Never had those but "Apple Dapples" are one of my all time faves

#30 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Only REAL makers of Apple Dapples on the Planet!
(just to stay on topic)

#31 11 years ago

ABC

Chambahz

Pinside member

Toronto, ON

11y 87,050 3,756 1 11 1

Stern can't really say they're the only manufacturer of pinball machines currently.
They CAN say that they're the one company shipping finished pins though!
: )

#32 11 years ago

NEO

CaptainNeo

no need to stay on topic. The topic is stupid. This cereal conversation is more interesting.

What the hell are Apple Dapples? Spin off of Apple Jacks?

#33 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

Yes I think they are the Krogers spin on Apple Jacks....they are damn good. If I still ate ceareal like I used to I'd be all over those suckers.

#34 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Quoted from CaptainNeo:
no need to stay on topic. The topic is stupid.

Yeah! What was I thinking! ........what the hell ARE Apple Dapples???

#35 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

I still eat Cocoa Puffs.
I smother the Rice Chex with Blueberries!

#36 11 years ago

NEO

CaptainNeo

you know that cereals and oatmeals with blueberries, don't really have blueberries. They are chemical synthetics to duplicate blueberry flavor. Just an interesting fact for today. As Blueberries and cream is one of the favorites for oatmeal.

#37 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

No no no! I mean REAL Blueberries! Only way to go!

#38 11 years ago

LTG

Pinside member

Hopkins, MN

12y 191K 56,974 24 7

Quoted from TheLaw:
I heard this cartoon tiger saying his Cereal was "Greeeeat" too....I don't believe him...discuss.

With cream on it, Tony is right. I have a box here.

LTG : )

#39 11 years ago

SBS

o-din

Pinside+ Addict

11y 158K 58,796

Quoted from Gnatty:
They are the "leading"

Leading me into brokeness.

#40 11 years ago

SKY

Skypilot

Pirates Life Pinball Co

11y 155K 6,676 32 1

I love cereal

images111.jpg

Comes with Stickers!

#41 11 years ago

LTG

Pinside member

Hopkins, MN

12y 191K 56,974 24 7

Quoted from Skypilot:
Comes with Stickers!

Do they taste better than the cereal ?

LTG : )

#42 11 years ago

WES

copperpot

Pinside member

Gilbert, AZ

12y 67,900 1,589 9 54

Came here to watch people complain about something stupid, staying because I love me some cereal.

Raisin Bran Clusters for me, taking boring to BLAM!

-Wes

#43 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict

Girlfriend likes Cinnamon Toast Crunch and it still holds up if the sugar bombardment isn't too much for you. They make awesome cereal bars instead of Rice Crispys.

For me would still take some Fruity Pebbles over a lot of others...good stuff. These do not make good cereal bars sadly.

#44 11 years ago

SBS

o-din

Pinside+ Addict

11y 158K 58,796

I like Quisp.

#45 11 years ago

PGL

lowepg

Pinside member

Cary, NC

11y 79,400 4,738 3

Quoted from pascal-pinball:
Today I can buy only a new Stern Pinball machine, so today they are the only

Well, you can PAY for privilege of getting in line for other machines.....

#46 11 years ago

RUS

Hobbypinball

Inactive member

Calgary, AB

12y 37,050 595 2

Leading/Best in Class/Biggest - no different than the awards car manufacturers come up with. Its all pretty much subjective as a stand alone statement until you qualify the statements.

#47 11 years ago

KJM

kmoore88

Pinside+ Frequent

Grand Rapids, MN

13y 63,050 1,326 3 11

Quoted from Sunfox:
"Leading" can be taken any number of different ways... which makes it ideal for a slogan that can't really be argued with.

Spot on.

#48 11 years ago

CBM

spfxted

Pinside member

Sorry! I had a meeting and missed out on some of the cereal talk!

#49 11 years ago

WES

copperpot

Pinside member

Gilbert, AZ

12y 67,900 1,589 9 54

Quoted from Hobbypinball:
Leading/Best in Class/Biggest - no different than the awards car manufacturers come up with. Its all pretty much subjective as a stand alone statement until you qualify the statements.

Can you please stay on topic, this is about cereal, nothing else.

#50 11 years ago

SMK

TheLaw

Pinside+ Addict