Requesting CGE 2K10 museum criticism

[Vectorman0]

I'm looking for any kind of constructive criticism and observations of the museum this past year, and suggestions for what would make it better next year.

I have already heard someone say they wish there had been more museum cards. And I know there were some major gaps in what we had displayed, most of which came out after the NES. If anyone has any other comments, they would be greatly appreciated and make for a better display at future CGE's.

[buzz_n64]

This is not really a criticism, but more of a suggestion/request. I would like to see more store kiosk units and displays. This brings me a very warm nostalgic feeling for the systems I used to see in the store.

[Tempest]

Another suggestion and not a criticism. If at all possible, it would be neat to see some of these items being demoed even if only once. I know this isn't practical for everything, but seeing an Intellivision Keyboard Unit or Color Vectrex in action would be very cool.

Tempest

[NoahsMyBro]

I hadn't thought of that, but yes, that would be VERY cool.

[bunnyboy]

* Put cards near items. For things like the NES case there were ~15 items in the case and the cards weren't near the items mentioned. That goes along with the card for each item complaint too.

* Systems should be on if possible, even if not playable. A game title screen or intro can have a big impact. My group was pretty much NES only, so seeing a Vectrex in action would be great. Yes that means a lot more electricity/tvs in that room.

* Some items should be playable. If there is a super rare game, it can be secured in the system but still have access to the controller. Might be harder with the no touch policy.

* More plain items. I don't know the history of many consoles so even just showing the production one next to something that is rare would be important. That way it is more video game history than just stuff you can't afford :)

* Hopefully what is happening here, more planning in advance. I have far more cool NES stuff than I could bring but need more notice.

[slapdash]

I think my only criticism is that more of these things are not in MY collection. ;-)

[Anotherfluke]

Seconding the live demos for items that can sustain it. You could fill a whole extra schedule track with donators/experts just running through the hookup/startup/game demo sequences.

[swlovinist]

First of all loved the museum and it is one of my favorite parts of the show. I think just more descriptions of everything is needed. There was some AMAZING stuff in the museum, I just feel that if more was explained about the unique pieces, it would help showcase how amazing the collection of items was. I have said this before and I will say it again. There needs to be more communication sent out months ahead of time for collectors to bring rare items to the event. I brought rare items in a packed RV for the museum only to see that there were duplicates at the show. It would be nice to just have more organization next year for such an amazing showcase of unique game items.

[98PaceCar]

As always, I enjoyed the museum for the few brief visits I made. The biggest complaint I have is that even after volunteering to bring items, it wasn't until a few days before that I had any sort of contact to let me know if my items were wanted or not. If I had more notice, I could have probably come up with a way to get more there. That seemed to be a common theme among the other folks I talked to that were bringing items.

My only other issue that it's the same items every year. Granted, those items are very nice and something that most CGE go'ers will rarely see, but I'd like to see some more variety. I tried to bring things I hadn't brought before, just to mix it up a bit. With the collector community moving into the 16-bit era it would be cool to see more of the 90's consoles and rarities.

I do like the idea of having some sort of interactivity in the museum. As an exhibitor, I don't think I'd want my consoles being left on the whole time for everybody to pick up and play. But I would be willing to do a couple of live demos or something similar. Perhaps have a small section of the museum or even a small room adjacent where items can be hooked up and demonstrated. I'd love to listen to people that are subject matter experts talk about their various rarities or even consoles that are just uncommon.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Copy/paste from Vectrexer's thread...

The pile of un-watched, un-managed bags at the door of the museum was a bit scary.

Sure, the valuable museum items were protected ... but there was nothing preventing another CGE'er from either accidentally or purposely snagging anybody elses bag on their way out.

One person with one bag-check table and a set of 50 or so numbered clothes-pins (or something similar - the bag gets one tag and the person the bag belongs to gets a matching tag) could've put a lot of people's minds at ease.

Not to diminish the monetary value of any single item in the museum, but I'm sure some of us had hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise in our bags (ironically, there were even a few booths that had the same items for sale that were on display in the museum) ... and if you weren't a vendor that had a table to put your bag behind, walking around the museum while your bag of valuables sat precariously, un-watched by the door (from what I could tell, the guard wasn't watching who took what only that people didn't bring bags in) prevented (for some) a high level of enjoyment or time spent in the museum.

Next year a bag-check person is the way to go.

[Tempest]

I'd love to listen to people that are subject matter experts talk about their various rarities or even consoles that are just uncommon.
I'm not sure this belongs in the museum discussion anymore, but...

That's an interesting idea. Maybe having people demo and talk about their console of choice. It would be nice to hear an uber expert explain all the ins and outs of of system while showing off the best it has to offer. While I'm sure we all know about the common consoles, there are tons of obscure ones out there that many people don't even know about. I know I'd gladly demo systems like the Arcadia 2001/MPT-03 or Videobrain for people if they were interested.

Tempest

[98PaceCar]

I'm not sure this belongs in the museum discussion anymore, but...

That's an interesting idea. Maybe having people demo and talk about their console of choice. It would be nice to hear an uber expert explain all the ins and outs of of system while showing off the best it has to offer. While I'm sure we all know about the common consoles, there are tons of obscure ones out there that many people don't even know about. I know I'd gladly demo systems like the Arcadia 2001/MPT-03 or Videobrain for people if they were interested.

Tempest

I think it can be tied to the museum. I'm not advocating an hour long discussion/demo or anything like that (don't want to compete with the celebrities). But a 15 or 20 minute session that shows an item from the museum being used would be of interest to me. I would make it a requirement that the items being demonstrated would have to be in the museum prior to and after the demonstration so that people can get a good look at them.

Like yourself, I have a number of rare systems that I could bring and would run a demonstation on. I think it would be a good way to meet others that are interested in the same things as I am while helping show people that may not know as much as we do that there is more to collecting than 2600 and NES.

[RCM]

I was thinking the same thing Tempest suggested. I don't know that there should be specific requirements for this (let Team DP figure that out), but I would've loved to hear more about the Vectrex stuff, for instance. That display was fucking awesome.

I'll also echo the suggestion for a more organized bag check area. The first thing I hit when the show opened was the museum and came with thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. The shitty fake cop security guard asked that I put my equipment off to the side which I complied with. Concerned about my equipment I asked if my stuff was safe or if he could watch it while monitoring the museum. He gave me an attitude and proceeded to follow me around. Since the museum wasn't big I could keep an eye on it, but anyone could've grabbed it and lost me in the maze that is the Trop. What a dick. Needless to say I had some well placed verbal jabs for that asshole.

Besides that, the museum was my favorite part of the show. It seriously outclassed any museum I've seen at competing events. Bravo!

[GarrettCRW]

Having running displays would be pretty nice, and I'd certainly contribute some NES and Famicom/FDS games with which to show off the regional differences.

I must admit in retrospect that I should have chimed in and contributed my Game Boy Light and Super NES Play Action Replay 2 to the museum, and probably even my SFC.

[Dan Iacovelli]

one thing I do enjoy see in the museum is the fanzines and magazine which is the backbone of video gaming.

[Sothy]

There was no beer in the museum.

[PapaStu]

I'm looking for any kind of constructive criticism and observations of the museum this past year, and suggestions for what would make it better next year.

I have already heard someone say they wish there had been more museum cards. And I know there were some major gaps in what we had displayed, most of which came out after the NES.


Both of the above are my are my primary criticisms. Followed by 98PaceCars comment about contributors and their late notification on things.

I'm not against people doing talks about the stuff, to really put things into perspective but live demos are a bit much. Putting that many people into the museum at once, would make it hard for things to be watched very well.

[98PaceCar]

I'm not against people doing talks about the stuff, to really put things into perspective but live demos are a bit much. Putting that many people into the museum at once, would make it hard for things to be watched very well.

I think a room the size of the trade room would work perfect for this. Really it's just a way to take the museum to the next level. It's a big part of cge, but for me (and I assume other frequent cge attendees), it's grown a bit stale. If people are willing to take the time to demo something, why not try to accommodate that?

[bunnyboy]

If someone is enough of an expert to do a talk and demo, why not make it in the speaker panel room? 15 minute demo plus 15 minute QA could be scheduled in for major systems. It would already be set up for speaking, just need to move selected items that will be presented.

[chrisbid]

with the size of the museum room and its arrangement, a demo area could easily be setup in the far end of the room.

id love to see the intellivision keyboard component working, along with the sega neptune (assuming it was a working prototype) and other oddities

[Vectorman0]

Thank you everyone! These comments are great and will certainly make for a better museum next year.

[bohproper]

. . . . .

[bohproper]

srry...lol

i whole heartedly agree!!!!! i had some treasures in my bag myself not to mention my wallet :?


Copy/paste from Vectrexer's thread...

The pile of un-watched, un-managed bags at the door of the museum was a bit scary.

Sure, the valuable museum items were protected ... but there was nothing preventing another CGE'er from either accidentally or purposely snagging anybody elses bag on their way out.

One person with one bag-check table and a set of 50 or so numbered clothes-pins (or something similar - the bag gets one tag and the person the bag belongs to gets a matching tag) could've put a lot of people's minds at ease.

Not to diminish the monetary value of any single item in the museum, but I'm sure some of us had hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise in our bags (ironically, there were even a few booths that had the same items for sale that were on display in the museum) ... and if you weren't a vendor that had a table to put your bag behind, walking around the museum while your bag of valuables sat precariously, un-watched by the door (from what I could tell, the guard wasn't watching who took what only that people didn't bring bags in) prevented (for some) a high level of enjoyment or time spent in the museum.

Next year a bag-check person is the way to go.

[rik1138]

I have already heard someone say they wish there had been more museum cards.

I try to keep up with this on my items (mostly the handheld games display, but I had a few other things scattered around the room). Since I knew I'd be 'finding' things up to the last minute, I started printing my own cards out just so I'd have some info with them...

But I did notice that a lot of the cards (even some of my own) would just have a title. 'Rare 2600 variation' or something. I try to include a little paragraph describing the item, I think the cards for the CGE owned museum should be updated at least to include some more info... If someone brings something, and no info is provided, it's hard to know what to put on the card I'd imagine... Unless there's a website about it or something.


Another suggestion and not a criticism. If at all possible, it would be neat to see some of these items being demoed even if only once. I know this isn't practical for everything, but seeing an Intellivision Keyboard Unit or Color Vectrex in action would be very cool.

Sadly, the color Vec is in a temporary state of not-working... :) It needs a new high-voltage transformer for the CRT, but it's a different one than a normal Vec, and I've had a hard time finding one. I'm pretty sure I can get one that will simply power the tube, but it may not react properly to the circuitry to actually change colors. But I do think it's time to get it working again... If I get lucky, maybe in time for next year...


This is not really a criticism, but more of a suggestion/request. I would like to see more store kiosk units and displays. This brings me a very warm nostalgic feeling for the systems I used to see in the store.

These are cool, but they are difficult to transport (esp for people driving in cars or flying). I have a Dreamcast kiosk I was going to bring, but I couldn't fit it in the car... I'll get a bigger vehicle next year!


* Put cards near items. For things like the NES case there were ~15 items in the case and the cards weren't near the items mentioned. That goes along with the card for each item complaint too.

Yeah, the large cards don't work with stuff crammed in the glass cases... Maybe we should have a smaller format card for the cases or something. At the very least, put a little number on/next to each item, and then a description list next to the case.


* Systems should be on if possible, even if not playable. A game title screen or intro can have a big impact. My group was pretty much NES only, so seeing a Vectrex in action would be great. Yes that means a lot more electricity/tvs in that room.

Was the Vectrex on in the museum? I honestly can't remember now, but we usually have one turned on. (Of course, there was a playable one in the main room... :) )


* Some items should be playable. If there is a super rare game, it can be secured in the system but still have access to the controller. Might be harder with the no touch policy.

I think if we were to try this, there should be one table (or one corner, etc) with stuff that 'can be touched'. Maybe some of the old magazines and books could be put there as well, if the owners don't mind them being pawed through... But touchable items throughout the museum is probably not a good idea. That way it's easy to see if someone even reaches for the table, you know they are doing something wrong.


* More plain items. I don't know the history of many consoles so even just showing the production one next to something that is rare would be important. That way it is more video game history than just stuff you can't afford :)

Space permitting, it would be neat to start each section with the final retail version. For Atari 2600 (for example), have a normal 2600 and it's box (maybe powered up on a TV) showing what everyone remembers having in their living room (this could even be a good place the kiosk if one is available). Follow that with tables of rarities and prototypes, etc... I think it's a good idea to show/remind everyone what we actually owned, and what it took to get there (or where it might have gone).

And we definitely need to find a way to hang things on the walls! We also had some mobiles or other hanging displays, it would be neat if those could be assembled and hung from the ceiling somehow (assuming the hotel wouldn't freak out...) Non-destructive of course, but there has to be a way...

Rik

[Rudy J. Ferretti]

I really liked the museum this year

[RetroGaming Roundup]

I'm looking for any kind of constructive criticism and observations of the museum this past year, and suggestions for what would make it better next year.

I have already heard someone say they wish there had been more museum cards. And I know there were some major gaps in what we had displayed, most of which came out after the NES. If anyone has any other comments, they would be greatly appreciated and make for a better display at future CGE's.

Our radio show recently attended MAGFEST in the D.C. area, which has over 3,000 attendees, 110 games in the arcade and a 10,000sqft console room. The event is massive to say the least. Since I live only an hour away MAGFEST sent a big rig to my house and I provided 25 games and 5 pins sponsored by our show. For the museum I provided my Pong and Computer Space. The museum is pretty new to them and I wrote up some feedback and I used CGE as a model for museums. Their main failing was security and I made it clear that I would bring something big, but nothing that could be carried out unless they get to CGE standards. So all things considered the CGE museum is the model.

It is my understanding that CGE owns or posses in storage a Computer Space. I have done restorations on this game (you can see mine in the pics I attached the link for) and can offer to do what I can to get the CGE Computer Space in museum condition. There are allot of unknowns but if I can get as much info and pics as possible I can come up with a plan. I usually arrive quite a few days before CGE and could dedicate some time to this.


http://www.retrogamingroundup.com/images/magfest/ (http://www.retrogamingroundup.com/images/magfest/)

-Scott