Quoted from NPO:1. That's why you dig here and whenever possible contribute sound, helpful, and logical advice with pictures, diagrams or videos if possible. Some people here are REALLY good about that. Standout example to me is pinsider, Zaza. Look at this stuff he makes for us:
You have to remember though, that some people just have no inclination to do repairs. They just don't care to learn either, it's just not their bag. Not everyone is mechanically inclined.
Pinside and the RGP archives are invaluable resources for me when I have a weird problem I can't figure out. Google it as plainly as you can and 9/10 you'll find an answer.
As far as people leaving the hobby, this is what I've seen ...
1: A "well off" guy decides he wants a pinball machine ... he gets on the internet and sees Medieval Madness is the number one machine on IPDB. So he tracks one down and pays overs for it (because nobody will sell one unless they get crazy money) After a month, that gets boring so he tracks down #2 on the list, AFM. That gets boring after a month, now he wants an Addams. And so on. Now he's got 6 "A grade" machines. The problem is, if you start at the top, and you've had all the so-called "best" games, most people won't/can't go backwards and get a cheap game because it isn't good enough for them. Eventually they get bored, and the wife starts nagging about the space they take up, and the games appear back on the market.
Whereas if you start at the bottom (my first game cost $150..) there's always something better to get, and I think you appreciate the different eras more.
Car-analogy: if your first car is a Ferrari, you're unlikely to be buying a Fiat 500 any time soon.
2: some guys also get into the hobby, all guns blazing ... then 12 mths later they're bored and they move on to the next hobby. Then 12 months later, they'll be doing something else. Some people are just that way inclined ... I know some guys that have had more hobbies than I've had hot dinners. Their garage is filled with kayaks, camping gear, car parts, mountain bikes ... all gathering spiderwebs.
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