Is COCA going to finally address reproductions?

[Dave]

I just received an email with the agenda for the next COCA meeting.

I will not be going to the show but would love to hear a report of what was said at the meeting.

[cpdretired]

Dave I won't be at the meeting. Ken is flying in from DC on Thursday. If he goes to the meeting I will try to get some input from him.

[nvmos2]

Here is a copy of an email I sent John for the COCA meeting.
I am posting it here for the info of you COCA members.

John;

I see you will be speaking at the COCA meeting on reproductions.
The following is offered for your consideration.

I was at the first organizational meeting of COCA and was a long time member.
I dropped out some time ago pretty much in disappointment.
We did a lot of whining about how the hobby is dying, but did nothing to help new people get into the hobby without getting burned with a fake or reproduction machine. I have been a collector in many different areas and member of other such organizations, but coinop is clearly in the leader for most likely to get screwed by fellow collectors.

Recommend COCA do the following:

Reread the stated purpose and four specifics as stated on the website, particularly the last three. Take suggestions on implementing them. Take the suggestions seriously.
There is a wealth of information available on reproductions and fake machines; it should be compiled and available at the COCA website in the public access area.
It should include a list of machines known to be reproduced.
The public area of the website should include links to forums and other sites that provide information to newcomers; not to member’s sites who are merely selling machines (or those sites should be duly noted and listed separately).
Demand truth in advertising from member dealers. You may find a few members who should be prosecuted for fraud. If they do not comply, they should be expelled from COCA.
When advertising auctions and shows, include a warning for fake and reproduction machines, particularly at VCA and Chicagoland.

There are a lot of good folks in COCA and membership can be an enjoyable experience (particularly if you are part of the clique that can attend the meetings/social functions regularly), but it has a long way to go to implement its stated purposes.

[ReneRondeau]

Big thumbs up for that very well-written plea.

I'm not a big-time collector but I've been involved with coin-ops on and off since the early 1980s. I'm also into a lot of other collectables. Coming back into the field after a long absence I confess that I'm stunned at how rampant fraud is in this hobby. "Coinop is clearly in the leader for most likely to get screwed by fellow collectors" is certainly true from what I am seeing. There are reproductions in some of my other collecting areas but they are far less common and also less deceiving (usually).

Despite having been interested in these for over 30 years, I consider myself a newbie today. And I confess that I'm very skittish as a result. I'm spending a lot more time than money, trying to educate myself. It would be a lot easier if a major organization like COCA took an aggressive stance on fakes, and a more welcoming approach to newcomers.

I've seen it said in this forum many times: new collectors are getting burned and dropping out in . I believe that is a very real problem, and one which will have a seriously negative impact in years to come when some existing collections go back on the market. Where will the buyers come from?

EDIT to add: I have the deepest admiration and respect for Bill Whelan for all of his efforts in trying to educate collectors and expose fraud. I am very glad there are people like him who are so willing and eager to help collectors, new or old.

[Dave]

Did anyone go to the COCA meeting last Thursday?

If so, care to report on the presentation?

It is too bad COCA does not record the presentations and then put them on YouTube. They could do it in a way where only COCA members could view the video.

Dave

[buzzojoe]

I started another thread about it, but I heard that there was some banter between members about dealings. Possibly regarding the ebay lawsuit thing....
Hopefully someone who attended can clue us in. I should go, but have only gone a few times....