Video Game Collector Magazine #9 (finally!) ready

[VG Collector]

Greetings Everyone! Video Game Collector #9 is at the printer and should be shipping in about 10 days. Because of the delay we are sending this issue to all current and past subscribers for free. We are also offering copies to DP forum members for free, just PM your address to me by Monday January 14 before Midnight CST if you'd like a free copy (US residents only).

Below is a list of contents for VGC #9 but first let me just say that I am sorry for the delays. We have moved production to a new printer and are hiring new staff to get and stay caught up in 2008. More details are below but now the contents for the new issue:

Video Game Collector #9

Sega Nights cover story by Michael Thomasson

Proto Patrol by Michael Thomasson

Saturn Final Five feature

Rare Systems feature (our biggest article yet--7 pages with checklists for obscure systems we don't usually include in the price guide)

Retro Retail Report (featuring two classic arcades--Ground Kontrol and 1984 Arcade)

Made in Japan by Greg Wilcox

Collecting Video Game Soundtracks by Kristina Potts

Collector's Spotlight featuring Matthew Henzel

Creator's Spotlight featuring Garry Kitchen

It Came from Saturn (Anime Feature) by Kristina Potts

Saturn Photo Checklist

Video Game Reviews (6 pages of 'em)

The Simpsons History in Video Games

VGC Book Report: Classic Home Video Games by Brett Weiss

The Last Quarter by Walter Day: An excerpt from Walter's well-supported response to the film The King of Kong

Plus

Updated checklist and price guide with over 500 new titles added

If any of that sounds like something you'd enjoy just PM by Midnight Central Time on Monday and we'll send you a free copy.

Now, regarding the delays--I could point to all kinds of reasons we got so far behind schedule (family issues, health issues, personal matters) but the truth is the blame is all mine. We were growing pretty fast and I tried to do too much myself. When personal things like births, deaths and my own poor health got in the way I still tried to handle things myself rather than hire someone else who could help.

To improve things going forward I am adding more staff including another designer, bringing on more writers, and opening up a second internship position. Also, I have moved production of VGC from the local printer we've been using to an excellent, state of the art printer that specializes in high quality magazines.

Let me say again that I am sorry for the delays and would like to thank our wonderful readers who have stuck with us and our great writers who always have their work in on time and are in no way to blame for the delays.

That being said, the next issues will be some of our best work yet. Remember to PM me to request your free copy of VGC #9. Issue 10 will be a giant-sized special with loads of new features and fun extras. I hope you will all check it out!

[digitpress Jim]

PM sent, totally can't wait to read the new issue. Thank you again, I'm psyched =)

Digitpress Jim

[kataboom]

which contact method is best? pm through DP, email through the site (vgcmagazine@aol.com) or a personal email address??

[sirhansirhan]

PM sent.

[VG Collector]

which contact method is best? pm through DP, email through the site (vgcmagazine@aol.com) or a personal email address??

For the free issue, I'm asking that people PM me through these forums just so I have all the requests in a central place. This will help get them added to the list. If you have other questions you can still contact me through vgcmagazine@aol.com.

Thanks!

[kataboom]

pm sent

[coreys429]

PM Sent

[swlovinist]

PM sent

[Dreamc@sting]

Oh yeah, PM sent

[bones11]

PM sent!

[udisi]

PM'd glad to see this come out and hope things go well in 2008

[Hwj_Chim]

PM sent. Thanks for the mag!

[8bitgamer]

Cool! Looking forward to it!

[Toandirte]

PM sent, Thank You for the good news

[Drag0nsfyre]

PM Sent. :) Awesome news :D
keep up the good work. :)

[Mason P.]

pm sent

Thanks

[ALAKA]

pm sent

I definitely want to check out your mag.

[koster]

PM sent.

[Kejoriv]

pm sent.
thanks for this offer

[PDorr3]

PM sent, thanks alot for great offer!

[zer0cool]

PM sent.Thanks.

[tonyvortex]

thanks for being one badass dude!

[8bitgamer]

Anyone got their copy yet?

[VG Collector]

Hi all, thank you to everyone who ordered the free copy of Video Game Collector #9. I am sorry I haven't had the chance to reply to all of you personally, we were flooded with requests and many kind words. Thanks again for the great response!

Here is an update on issue 9. It is shipping from the printer this week. I hoped it would ship way sooner than now, but we were using a new printer and they had to work us into their schedule. Some of the orders have already gone out and some will be going out today and tomorrow. The copies are going out via Standard Mail which can take forever but please keep in mind that not only is the issue free but the shipping is free too, so please cut us a little slack if it doesn't show up right away. The most frustrating thing about standard mail is that it is wildly unpredictable. Sometimes customers in distant cities will get their copies weeks before my brother who lives a couple of towns away. Feel free to discuss your likes and dislikes with the magazine itself but the shipping is really out of our hands.

Now, speaking of the new issue and the new printer--what was it like going with an out of town outfit? Well, I admit I had some concerns moving the production out of town, but it was simply time to do so. The new printer is very good, and specializes in magazine production. Eventually we will be able to take advantage of all kinds of options they offer. The nice thing about the local printer was I could go stand over their shoulder while they were setting things up and literally stand there and examine the books as they were coming off the press. (Yeah, they loved me there!) Can't do that with the new place but issue 9 still turned out pretty well. The biggest problem was the text for the barcode didn't update for some reason (this happened on issue 5 as well) and a couple of the pictures came out way more pixelated than they were in the proofs (sorry Brett, this happened with the cover to your book but curiously your photo came out just fine!). Overall, the printing and paper stock are as nice as we had before so you shouldn't see too many differences this time. Video Game Collector #10 will be a giant-sized special issue so you may notice some changes then. It will ship in April and we may have some other announcements about it soon.

Thanks again for the great response and I hope you all enjoy the new issue!

[8bitgamer]

a couple of the pictures came out way more pixelated than they were in the proofs (sorry Brett, this happened with the cover to your book but curiously your photo came out just fine!).

Too bad it's not the other way around--my face would probably look much better pixelated. :)

[VG Collector]

Greetings, this is just a quick update. I received an e-mail from Michael Thomasson of GoodDealGames.com saying he received his copies. Joe also has a box coming for the Digital Press store but when I talked to him the other day his hadn't arrived yet. These orders went out FedEx though so it will still probably be several days before the free copies start showing up. Feel free to PM me when you get yours to let me know what you think.

Also, I wanted to point out that the free offer was for requests PM'd to me by midnight January 14. We've had a few more people request free copies and I will fill those requests but these will be the last ones since stores are starting to get their wholesale orders and I don't want to take any sales away from them.

However, if anyone is just seeing this post and didn't get a chance to order a free copy of issue 9, I will make this consolation offer:

PM a request to me by Midnight CST on Monday, February 4 and I will send you a free copy of Video Game Collector #8. Issue 8 has a great Mega Man cover story, double photo checklists (Atari 5200 and 7800) and an interview with Rob Fulop plus a bunch of other good stuff I can't remember because I'm too tired from shoveling snow. This offer is just for people who missed the free offer for issue 9 (not for those who got already got the free 9--sorry but I can only give out so many free issues), and limit one free copy per person, household, or user name.

Thanks and I hope you guys enjoy the free issues when they arrive!

Shawn

[xfrumx]

Got mine today and LOVE the little NiGHTS story and the "Final Five" Saturn page. You def just got a new subscriber!

[EricDeLee]

I hope mine comes in soon....

Still have a subscription as far as I know.

Eric DeLee Holland

[ecresto]

thx 4 the free issue , i actually bought the whole set and one year subscription before but never recieved them . i called many times to the phone number i found on the website , left about 5 messages , but never heard anything . that was 40 dollars lost . i am very interested in buying a subscription and the back issues , but i need to be reassured i will recieve them . PM me so we can set something up . thx

[carlcarlson]

I got mine yesterday, thanks for the free issue!

I'm about half of the way through, and am enjoying it, but I think it could really benefit from some polish. I've probably found 20 or so easy fixes so far that could have bettered my enjoyment of this magazine. I'm sorry if that makes me sound like a pompous ass, but I'm just trying to provide some constructive criticism. I think you guys have a great magazine that a lot of people will really enjoy, but I think these errors are holding it back from being a professional magazine that people will love. I don't know if you are all done printing, or if you can still make revisions, but if you'd like me to give you more detailed feedback I can.

[KREATIVEassassin]

I hope mine comes in soon....

Still have a subscription as far as I know.

Eric DeLee Holland

I still haven't got one, either. I don't know if I still have any issues left in my subscription, but the initial post said all current and past subscribers would get one for free. This issue will either make me re-subscribe or drop it. After the last issue left me really disappointed (the price guide wasn't updated at all, among other things) I'm on the fence about continuing to subscribe.

[VG Collector]

I got mine yesterday, thanks for the free issue!

I'm about half of the way through, and am enjoying it, but I think it could really benefit from some polish. I've probably found 20 or so easy fixes so far that could have bettered my enjoyment of this magazine. I'm sorry if that makes me sound like a pompous ass, but I'm just trying to provide some constructive criticism. I think you guys have a great magazine that a lot of people will really enjoy, but I think these errors are holding it back from being a professional magazine that people will love. I don't know if you are all done printing, or if you can still make revisions, but if you'd like me to give you more detailed feedback I can.

Hi everyone, thanks for the kind words from those who received the free issues. Carlcarlson, of course pointing out those errors wouldn't make you sound pompous! Your feedback is the best way we can improve VGC! Just PM a list of the errors you've found (so far) and we will try to keep an eye out for things like that in the future! We had a lot of changes between issues 8 and 9, and some things had to get re-worked, plus we changed to a new printer who is out of town, and it was a little more difficult to proof this issue but hopefully things will be back on track for issue 10.

For anyone who's had trouble with your subscription, have had missing issues, or just want to check the status of your subscription please feel free to send me a private message or e-mail me at vgcmagazine@aol.com. If you sent a PM and didn't receive a response please send another one, it may have gotten mixed in with the free issue requests.

For anyone interested in checking out the latest issue of Video Game Collector, it is now available in the following locations:

Blockbuster (approx. 1000 locations, depending on the store's magazine selection)
The Exchange (OH and PA)
Vintage Stock (Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma)
Slackers CD's & Games (Missouri and Illinois)
Movie Trading Company (Dallas metro area)

Also available at finer independent video game stores including Joe's Digital Press store (in Clifton, NJ), Game Over Video Games (in Austin), and on-line at GoodDealGames.com and J2Games.com.

If any store owners on here would like to try VGC we have a great wholesale program and a special offer for new accounts. PM me or e-mail me at vgcmagazine@aol.com

Finally, Video Game Collector #10 (a giant-sized special issue) will ship in April. We will have a big announcement and more details about it later this month.

Thanks!

[Mobius]

Got mine today, and I'm enjoying it. I agree about there being lots of little fixes that could make it more professional, but even so, it's fun to have a whole magazine that indulges my hobby like this. I may have to buy some back issues. :)

Oh, and how about a price guide for Neo-Geo CD games?

[willowmoon93]

Got mine yesterday as well, so glad it's finally here! Pretty good content overall -- I think for me the most glaring thing was the lack of activity in certain sections in the price guide -- it's just hard for me to believe that the large gap of time between this issue and the last one that there were absolutely no changes in prices (up or down) for all Atari items, Sega, or PS1. Or 3DO, Colecovision, Intellivision, etc.

Loved Greg Wilcox's article "Made In Japan" (as usual) along with the article on some of the more obscure systems out there. I still have more to read but those two articles so far are the standouts.

Mobius, I totally agree on having a section in the price guide for the Neo-Geo CD, hopefully it'll happen!

[TurboGenesis]

I got mine today and have begun to look over the magizine.

Thank You!!!


…back to reading \\^_^/

[Goblin]

My sample issue arrived in NJ sometime late last week. I was out sick so it was perfect timing. I probably had not read an issue since number 3 or 4. I do think it looks great and I enjoyed reading it.

I do unfortunately also agree with the comment above about a large number of easily corrected errors. The one error which to me really stood out and was almost in excusable was in the 'Nights Controller' section where it is stated "In the earliest days of video gaming, most systems (such as the Atari 2600) used analog style controllers." I think it is well known/accepted that the 2600 was a digital joystick. (5200 being analog) I can only guess that the author was trying to differentiate how with the 2600 joystick implementation allowed for 8 detectable directions and thereby is analog-like. Sorry for this little nitpick, but for some reason it really bugged me and I thought it should have been caught and possibly clarified by someone on the team before release.

I am looking forward to number 10 and will use that as the real litmus test for whether or not I'll get a subscription.

[guitargary75]

I haven't got anything yet and I bought a year subscription. Boy they really screwed me over good. If your thinking of getting it, do youself a favor and buy it in a store. Because if you order it though their website you might get or you might not.

[digitalpress]

SO glad to see you guys are back.

I keep Video Game Collector in the front of my register island. It's actually the first thing you see when you enter the store, and watching the stock of the most excellent issues 7 and 8 disappear with nothing new on the horizon was depressing. For a short while there I was considering stocking EGM and GamePro!

So to see a fat box of VGC's appear last week made me smile, and my customers appreciate it too. I've already re-stocked my shelf once and there are just a few left. I hope the whole box doesn't evaporate before issue 10 comes out!

Great job, folks. I'd comment more on the content and not just the selling power but I'm sure anyone here who's READ your past issues already knows it's right up our alley. In fact, most of the columnists are regular members here!

Keep up the great work!

[cyberfluxor]

Hmmm, no clue how I missed this first time around. :(

Thanks for the bump though. Once I get the monies I'll order the "Give me Everything" followed by the Issue #8. Quick question though: Does every issue print updated prices? I'm mainly interested in the articles and what not but a guide isn't bad. :)

[gonzo90017]

Just got my free issue today. Can't thank you guys enough for all your hard work.

[Hwj_Chim]

Got mine in to today. Great mag. I loved The import section. The only thing wrong That I noticed was in the rare systems article. You put the odyssey info were the R-Zone info should have been. Just a miner thing that I noticed. Keep up the good work. Now you have got me looking forward to issue 10

[MachineGex]

I have received my issue. Happy issue 9 is here but disappointed I have not heard back on the status of my subscription. Anyone have an idea if this magazine is gonna try and be quarterly still? Just wondering in how many months I should start worrying about issue 10.

[rolenta]

Still haven't received mine

[Drag0nsfyre]

Just wanted to chime in. My copy arrived today. :D :cool: Thanks again for the free issue. :cool: Can't wait to see what is in store for #10

[swlovinist]

Got mine today. I love issue #9. The articles are great. I too am looking forward to issue #10.

[sidnotcrazy]

Got my issue in the mail on Monday! Thanks, and can't wait for #10.

[Kevin H]

Still haven't got mine. And I was a subscriber since the first issue. :-(

[Vinnysdad]

I actually recieved my free issue last week. Its a great magazine and my favorite part was the rare consoles section. I used to buy the issues at Blockbuster but they told me they havent recieved issues in a while and that I wasnt the only one asking for it. Thank you for the free offer.

[8bitgamer]

I got my copy a couple of days ago and have read (and enjoyed) most of it. I liked Michael Thomasson's review of Pepper II, which is one of my favorite games of all time, and it's always good to the reviews of Scott Alan Marriott, who does a bang-up job for The All Game Guide (allgame.com). The piece on rare systems was a welcome feature, as was the spotlight on Garry Kitchen.

Thanks to Chris Cavanaugh for taking the time to review my book (and for the kind words) and to Shawn Paul Jones for sending out free issues of the mag.

[Mason P.]

Got mine yesterday. Thanks for the great mag. I will pick up more if I see thme at news stands.

[sirhansirhan]

I got mine today. As someone who has every single issue, I have to say that the magazine leaves a lot to be desired and seems to be getting worse. Don't get me wrong, I do still like it (hence buying every issue--well, except this one; thanks for the free copy), but really. Off the top of my head:

1) Actually update the price guide to reflect the market. It is close to wildly inaccurate and the updates are lazy and infrequent at best.

2) Don't even attempt any sort of "news" as you have been doing. You're a quarterly, and that's being generous (when did the last issue come out again?). A quarterly that targets a niche of hardcore gamers. You think you're going to tell us anything we don't already know about Wii Fit?

3) Get someone on your team that has a better understanding of graphic design and layout. I'd be willing to bet that you could get a college student intern who could do a better job for free than what you've been having done.

4) For the love of god, hire a copy editor. Some of the spelling, grammar and punctuation errors are glaring and awful.

5) Come out on a regular schedule. Set and follow deadlines. Treat people that subscribe or order back issues with integrity and respect. This isn't rocket science.

But yeah, I like the interviews, the reviews of classic games (I don't much care for the reviews of modern games, though, and I liked it better when the reviews of classic games focused on ones that are rare/expensive, so I knew if they were worth the time/money to track down), I liked the market watch when you still did that, "Made in Japan" is sometimes cluttered and unfocused but still good, etc. I'll keep buying it for now, but if it gets much worse, I'll stop.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I finally received mine today but there is a typo on the cover where the price is, it says it's #8 and Spring 2007 but on the top it says #9 and the last time I checked the calender it's 2008 :?

[YoshiM]

I got my copy a few days ago. I liked the content but I have to voice my bit about the lack of editing. The biggies were already touched on (the analog/digital controller bit, the R-Zone error) so I won't get into a rant about that.

The one thing that drove me up the wall that wasn't really specifically addressed is the background "Video Game Collector" image. It was hard to read when the text was over your "logo". Contrary to what some say, a white background is just fine as long as their is good content to go over it and you can read it easily.

Other than that, keep it up! It's great to see classic game mags on the market.

[MachineGex]

I got mine today. As someone who has every single issue, I have to say that the magazine leaves a lot to be desired and seems to be getting worse. Don't get me wrong, I do still like it (hence buying every issue--well, except this one; thanks for the free copy), but really. Off the top of my head:

1) Actually update the price guide to reflect the market. It is close to wildly inaccurate and the updates are lazy and infrequent at best.

2) Don't even attempt any sort of "news" as you have been doing. You're a quarterly, and that's being generous (when did the last issue come out again?). A quarterly that targets a niche of hardcore gamers. You think you're going to tell us anything we don't already know about Wii Fit?

3) Get someone on your team that has a better understanding of graphic design and layout. I'd be willing to bet that you could get a college student intern who could do a better job for free than what you've been having done.

4) For the love of god, hire a copy editor. Some of the spelling, grammar and punctuation errors are glaring and awful.

5) Come out on a regular schedule. Set and follow deadlines. Treat people that subscribe or order back issues with integrity and respect. This isn't rocket science.

But yeah, I like the interviews, the reviews of classic games (I don't much care for the reviews of modern games, though, and I liked it better when the reviews of classic games focused on ones that are rare/expensive, so I knew if they were worth the time/money to track down), I liked the market watch when you still did that, "Made in Japan" is sometimes cluttered and unfocused but still good, etc. I'll keep buying it for now, but if it gets much worse, I'll stop.

Very good points, and basically sums up my feelings.
I hope these errors are finally addressed.
Also, I am STILL waiting to hear back on my subscription. I have sent endless PM's and emails.

[AZ Legend]

I still havnt got me copy. Kinda makes me wonder if i should subscribe or not. :(

[carlcarlson]

Kinda makes me wonder if i should subscribe or not. :(

I would do a search on here about VGC Magazine and read about other's experiences with them. I have a feeling you'll know the answer to your question after that.

[Sothy]

Still have not received mine.

[udisi]

I got mine. I have to ditto the price guide being terribly out of date. It was better a few issues ago, but seems way off again.

I'll also ditto the editing comment.

This mag has a lot of potential, but hasn't seemed to be able to get it all together yet. I'm hoping that it does, the idea, is great and the market is basically untapped.

[vgc]

Im a 2nd time subscription holder that has never received issues properly. I just sent them a second e-mail. Why cant they take care of their paying customers properly? Kind of like spitting in my face giving copies of #9 Free to people when I dont get mine and I paid in advance? I would even advertise with that Mag but from the lack of response how do I know I will be properly taken care of. Sure they gave me alot of extra past issues to make up for forgetting to send my subscription properly but I didnt ask for that. I just want what I paid for, and I want it when it 1st comes out. Not a Month or 2 or 3 or 4 Later. Mike

[rolenta]

Well another week has passed and my copy still has not arrived.

[MachineGex]

....and of course I have not heard back...no big surprise. I give up. What a waste of my money and my time. I have never worked so hard trying to give someone a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, chance.

[Atarian75]

To those still waiting to get your copy. Mine didn't arrive till yesterday, so there is still hope.

-Atarian75

[vgc]

To those still waiting to get your copy. Mine didn't arrive till yesterday, so there is still hope.

-Atarian75

Hello, Are you a Subscription holder or did you ask for one of the FREE ones? Mike : )

[vgc]

Hello, well they responded to my second e-mail and say it should be on its way. Mike : )

[otaku]

Haven't received my freebie yet either. And with all these negative reports am not sure I will bother to subscribe anyway

[Atarian75]

Hello, Are you a Subscription holder or did you ask for one of the FREE ones? Mike : )

Just asked for one of the free ones.

-Atarian75

[Kevin H]

I was a subscriber ended with issue 8, and waiting to see how it turned out. But as of now no free issue

[VG Collector]

Hi everyone. I replied privately to VGC and MachineGex but I wanted to clear a few things up.

First, we tried to be very clear in earlier posts that shipping would not be fast. This is a free issue with free shipping and the only way we could make the offer was to ship standard mail. The problem with standard mail is that it is wildly unpredictable. Its not like any other class of service where it should arrive to a specific zip code in a set number of days. It is essentially bulk mail and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the shipping time. For example, some of the first people to receive their free copies were in states halfway across the country. My brother lives in the area and his copy just showed up a couple of days ago. Please be patient and remember that both the magazine and the shipping were free.

Second, some of the posts are not about the free issue, but are for customer service on previous orders. Those matters are being worked as fast as they can. We gave away over 1,000 free issues here on DP and other sites. Along with the requests for free issues came inquiries, orders, renewals, and a ton of other correspondence. I am trying to hire someone to help out with the customer service issues right away. In the meantime, I appreciate everyone's patience.

Finally, a lot of the posts seems negative because they are from people who have had trouble receiving their orders. I can certainly understand, and that was part of the reason we sent out the free copies of issue 9. But I'd like to point out that most of our subscribers receive their issues without problem. We get lots of nice letters and private messages from readers who enjoy the magazine. Its a shame they don't seem to post on here.

We're hard at work on the giant-sized issue 10 which will ship in early April.

Thanks!

[Vectorman0]

Have all paying subscribers had theirs shipped at this point? And it would have been first class, correct? I'm curious because I am still waiting for mine.

Thanks

[VG Collector]

Hi, thanks for writing. All subscriber copies have been sent. They all went together (free copies and subscriber copies) via standard mail and it sounds like some are still showing up. I hope yours arrives soon!

We did ship First Class mail on our earlier issues, but going to a larger format and adding pages (not to mention the Post Office raising their prices) required us to go to standard mail.

[RPG_Fanatic]

How do you know when your subscription runs out? I've been a longtime subscriber and I have no idea when my subscription runs out. I even pm'ed you about it and you never got back to me. So what's up, are you ever going to tell me?

[vgc]

Hello, still No Issue #9. sent another e-mail and have not heard back. Truly Ridiculous!

Mike : (

[rolenta]

I've completely given up receiving it and asked Michael Thomasson of Good Deal Games to bring me one when we attend Too Many Games in May.

[Pete Rittwage]

I subscribed to this last November, and never received the new issue. Now I see that they are giving it away free.

Real nice work, guys. Don't send to paying subscribers, give it away free, and don't respond to e-mail or PM's from this site.

Keep it and send me back my $14.99.

[guitargary75]

I agree, they screwed me over too. Not a good way to do business.