the reaction I usually get when I tell people I am into pinball or have pinball machines is very mild curiosity. they ask a couple questions but aren't particularly interested. but once I take them downstairs and actually show them off, they are blown away. I talk a little about some of the mods I've done, or what makes each one special ("this is one of two games to feature an inverted lower playfield, and was the first game to successfully charge 50 cents per play as opposed to 25" etc.). I often open a backbox and lift a playfield real quick just to show off how insanely complicated these things are. they are always amazed. a couple rounds of pinball always ensues and nobody leaves my basement thinking that me having pinball machines is weird or a waste.

yeah great but what do you do when instead of boating or golf your friend's hobby is paying off their student loan debt or whatever?