Although I am not a competition player myself, the effort and planning you do for this is exceptional!
Personally, I think moving it downstairs is a great idea and it looks like you have a great plan to do so.
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2024 Feedback and comments
- Thread starter Big Phil
- Start date
Personally, I think moving it downstairs is a great idea and it looks like you have a great plan to do so.
I think that would work alot better and solve alot of overcrowding problems. In terms of event timings and for visions of the future can I suggest having a look at the Texas TPF set up, which like us is a major show, featuring a large comp, (but obv much larger numbers) unlike INDISC which is a pure competition, much more like the UK open. Also I think the classics could stay where it is, that seemed to work well.
I honestly dont think the games were set too hard. They were easier and fairer than the YEGPIN ones I played shortly before. Maybe the too hard comments came from people who are not used to playing comp's which are striving to become an international attraction. Mix of games was fantastic, and I think all in all, it was very well done by both of you, and all the rest of the pinfest team.
I honestly dont think the games were set too hard. They were easier and fairer than the YEGPIN ones I played shortly before. Maybe the too hard comments came from people who are not used to playing comp's which are striving to become an international attraction. Mix of games was fantastic, and I think all in all, it was very well done by both of you, and all the rest of the pinfest team.
OP
OP
Maybe pop some massage tables in another room with a masseuse? Got to keep those competitors relaxed and limber.
We could erect a slide so the competitors wouldn’t have to use the stairs. Adds a fun element to the seriousness of it.
A magician maybe?
Anyone else have some ideas to increase the workload?
I wish you wouldn't put the words 'erect' and 'massage' in the same post mate.
As you're asking for feedback -
At what point was it decided that you and David are running the comp, which Paul and I built up from nothing?
I had a year off during to ill health, and I have told you numerous times both in person and via WhatsApp, that I am back running it next year.
Phil even said to leave any thoughts or discussions until October, yet you continue to try and court public approval for you to be taking over next year.
Wow. I thought that you and Paul did!
I'm sure @Wizcat will be able to clarify, but that seems pretty clear. 'The aim of Claire and David fully taking over should they wish to do so'. Maybe that is where the confusion has come from because I certainly was under the impression that they would be running the competition again as I'm sure others thought too. Why cant you all be involved? I thought that was the team that Claire was talking about? As Claire said, you all just want to make next year's event as good as it can be?
Only now getting chance to give some feedback, but I thought this was the best Pinfest yet! The changes to the open worked really well and the larger ifpas, cash and qualifying time for that and all the tournaments was greatly appreciated. The number of games, especially new titles getting seen for the first time, was the best ever and attendance great too. Very few games ever not working and quickly fixed when there were issues. Huge gratitude to all involved!
I would say the cramped main room on Saturday was noticeable so moving the open elsewhere is probably worth a shot, though as a player I would strongly advise keeping everything else the same as it was superb
schedule tweaking to stop clashes would also go a long way.
In fairness Wayne, when Paul announced David and Claire would be helping out, it was posted on the forum 'with the aim of Claire and David fully taking over should they wish to do so' so I'd also assumed that they were indeed continuing to run the comp especially after it was a huge success this year. Not involved in the behind the scenes stuff obviously but I think it's fair to say David and Claire are just going on what they've been told and aren't trying to take anything over maliciously they're far too down to earth for that. Plenty of time to work together and iron everything out before next year im sure.
I would say the cramped main room on Saturday was noticeable so moving the open elsewhere is probably worth a shot, though as a player I would strongly advise keeping everything else the same as it was superb
schedule tweaking to stop clashes would also go a long way.In fairness Wayne, when Paul announced David and Claire would be helping out, it was posted on the forum 'with the aim of Claire and David fully taking over should they wish to do so' so I'd also assumed that they were indeed continuing to run the comp especially after it was a huge success this year. Not involved in the behind the scenes stuff obviously but I think it's fair to say David and Claire are just going on what they've been told and aren't trying to take anything over maliciously
they're far too down to earth for that. Plenty of time to work together and iron everything out before next year im sure.
Perhaps taken the wrong way! Just spitballing ideas for space / consolidating things in places, not trying to add to workload. Though any massage on offer would be gratefully received to relax my aching muscles after an intense 45 second 50k game on Paragon.
When Paul posted that, I was in hospital.
At no point have I ever said I would be stepping down.
It even says in that post that I wouldn't be involved THIS year.
If I was considering stepping down, I would have spoken to Phil directly as the show organiser. If I had been in Claire or David's position I would have reached out to me and spoken direct to me - not take a post by somebody else as confirmation that I was stepping down, and then bury their heads in the sand.
That has been made clear to both Claire and David numerous times.
There is a lot to discuss with Phil, the other TDs, and Tim before somebody decides they're taking over, and how tournaments are going to run.
It all seems too much like 'spin' and publicity, from what other people I have spoken to.
There's definitely a lot going on which isn't in the public eye or on this forum.
The responses change depending on who the audience is.
(FWIW I have a schedule already planned out which will address most of the issues which have been raised.)
At no point have I ever said I would be stepping down.
It even says in that post that I wouldn't be involved THIS year.
If I was considering stepping down, I would have spoken to Phil directly as the show organiser. If I had been in Claire or David's position I would have reached out to me and spoken direct to me - not take a post by somebody else as confirmation that I was stepping down, and then bury their heads in the sand.
That has been made clear to both Claire and David numerous times.
There is a lot to discuss with Phil, the other TDs, and Tim before somebody decides they're taking over, and how tournaments are going to run.
It all seems too much like 'spin' and publicity, from what other people I have spoken to.
There's definitely a lot going on which isn't in the public eye or on this forum.
The responses change depending on who the audience is.
(FWIW I have a schedule already planned out which will address most of the issues which have been raised.)
I'm certainly culpable for adding to some of the tension here, though it was never my intention. Apologies to everyone involved
David and Claire were a massive benefit this year. The amount of time and effort committed was extraordinary and it was a pleasure to work alongside them. They only got involved at late notice but managed to bring some polish to the solid foundations that I feel Wayne and I have laid over the years
Let's take these discussions back to private groups guys.
David and Claire were a massive benefit this year. The amount of time and effort committed was extraordinary and it was a pleasure to work alongside them. They only got involved at late notice but managed to bring some polish to the solid foundations that I feel Wayne and I have laid over the years
Let's take these discussions back to private groups guys.
As @roadshow16 has pointed out, from the previous thread, I was certainly under the impression that the running of the comp was being handed over to Claire and David, with this year being effectively a trial run/handover to see how they did, and given both my experience of the competition, and the feedback both on here and talking to people, there seems to be a pretty much unanimous view that they did an absolutely stellar job of it. Given the positive feedback, I had certainly assumed that they would be running it next year, as there has been no indication otherwise.
I therefore find it both surprising and a little shocking that @Wayne J has felt the need to write such a critical post as he has. I'd also say that in no way have I ever got the impression that anyone is trying to take credit for the previous hard work which has gone into developing the competition, just that things were moving on, and further improving.
I also find it qute strage that @Wayne J seems to have unilaterally decided that he's running the comp next year - hardly a "team" approach, and it certainly seems to pre-judge any discussions on the future of the comp that are/were supposed to take place in October??
Running comps is very demanding, and I think his post comes across as completely undermining all the hard work and effort that went into this year's competition, and the work already underway to make further improvements/changes for next year.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion as a big fan of Pinfest, and a regular entrant into pinball competitions generally.
I therefore find it both surprising and a little shocking that @Wayne J has felt the need to write such a critical post as he has. I'd also say that in no way have I ever got the impression that anyone is trying to take credit for the previous hard work which has gone into developing the competition, just that things were moving on, and further improving.
I also find it qute strage that @Wayne J seems to have unilaterally decided that he's running the comp next year - hardly a "team" approach, and it certainly seems to pre-judge any discussions on the future of the comp that are/were supposed to take place in October??
Running comps is very demanding, and I think his post comes across as completely undermining all the hard work and effort that went into this year's competition, and the work already underway to make further improvements/changes for next year.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion as a big fan of Pinfest, and a regular entrant into pinball competitions generally.
I’ve been away since the day after pinfest so only just getting round to feedback.
Firstly thanks to everyone. From Phil, the whole team of helpers and maintenance it was a very successful event. It’s a credit to the Uk pinball community as a whole. I throughly enjoyed myself and look forward to next year already.
It’s great to have a yearly event that offers a bit of everything - if you are looking for social play on 100+ pins then
, serious comps , less serious fun comp like the nba , and most important of all seeing people for a chat you haven’t seen since the last pinfest!
That brings me to my first bit of feedback of something I would change if it were possible.
As quite a few people know I got involved in competitive pinball around 18 months back. This year I somehow managed to qualify in the main tournament for the later rounds. They were scheduled for the sat evening which was a shame as normally sat evening a few of us go out for a curry and a few beers and then back to the hall for some 4 player games and a few more drinks. Don’t get me wrong I love there is a big comp but selfishly I would prefer if sat evenings were left a free evening to socialise with some other friends who aren’t bothered by tournaments as @PUP has said.
My only other feedback of possible changes is the turning off the freeplay pins on the Sunday for the awards but that has been mentioned on here already.
Moving the main comp downstairs next year in theory needs to happen to leave the main room with more space for the free play pins - either more pins or just more spread out. It’s definitely worth a shot for a year to see if it solves how busy the main room felt but it will also be interesting to see if it makes the whole event feel more fragmented. Time will tell but it’s impossible to please everyone.
Thanks to David and Claire for stepping up at short notice to run the main comp. It was a tremendous success and it was great to see so many eras represented in the main bank of games. I hope this type of game selection continues going forward into next year
Finally just to comment on some of the posts above-
@Wayne J Its fair enough for you to point out that you were in hospital when Paul’s forum post dropped. But surely you can see why David and Claire would think they had been invited to give it a go this year with the intention of fully running it next year from that post. I assume that Big Phil would have been in conversation with Paul to agree to it in the first place. Why would you expect them to approach you privately when they have been made an offer to do it this year and beyond as if they need your permission to do it? Without taking any credit away for previous years as they were also good the general consensus seems to be that this years comp was run well putting scheduling aside that can be fixed. Maybe a better way to have approached the current situation (and maybe this happened behind the scenes) would have been for you to approach all involved saying you hadn’t stepped down, thanks for your great work this year, I’d like to be involved again next year so how can I be of help. You’ve said above ‘I am back running it next year’ Out of interest is that coming directly from Phil the event organiser or are you assuming that because of previous involvement
Firstly thanks to everyone. From Phil, the whole team of helpers and maintenance it was a very successful event. It’s a credit to the Uk pinball community as a whole. I throughly enjoyed myself and look forward to next year already.
It’s great to have a yearly event that offers a bit of everything - if you are looking for social play on 100+ pins then
, serious comps , less serious fun comp like the nba , and most important of all seeing people for a chat you haven’t seen since the last pinfest!That brings me to my first bit of feedback of something I would change if it were possible.
As quite a few people know I got involved in competitive pinball around 18 months back. This year I somehow managed to qualify in the main tournament for the later rounds. They were scheduled for the sat evening which was a shame as normally sat evening a few of us go out for a curry and a few beers and then back to the hall for some 4 player games and a few more drinks. Don’t get me wrong I love there is a big comp but selfishly I would prefer if sat evenings were left a free evening to socialise with some other friends who aren’t bothered by tournaments as @PUP has said.
My only other feedback of possible changes is the turning off the freeplay pins on the Sunday for the awards but that has been mentioned on here already.
Moving the main comp downstairs next year in theory needs to happen to leave the main room with more space for the free play pins - either more pins or just more spread out. It’s definitely worth a shot for a year to see if it solves how busy the main room felt but it will also be interesting to see if it makes the whole event feel more fragmented. Time will tell but it’s impossible to please everyone.
Thanks to David and Claire for stepping up at short notice to run the main comp. It was a tremendous success and it was great to see so many eras represented in the main bank of games. I hope this type of game selection continues going forward into next year
Finally just to comment on some of the posts above-
@Wayne J Its fair enough for you to point out that you were in hospital when Paul’s forum post dropped. But surely you can see why David and Claire would think they had been invited to give it a go this year with the intention of fully running it next year from that post. I assume that Big Phil would have been in conversation with Paul to agree to it in the first place. Why would you expect them to approach you privately when they have been made an offer to do it this year and beyond as if they need your permission to do it? Without taking any credit away for previous years as they were also good the general consensus seems to be that this years comp was run well putting scheduling aside that can be fixed. Maybe a better way to have approached the current situation (and maybe this happened behind the scenes) would have been for you to approach all involved saying you hadn’t stepped down, thanks for your great work this year, I’d like to be involved again next year so how can I be of help. You’ve said above ‘I am back running it next year’ Out of interest is that coming directly from Phil the event organiser or are you assuming that because of previous involvement
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NO happy endings though I'm afraid.
Claire and David did an amazing job and lets not forget at very short notice for a comp of its scale. Sorry but if they are not involved next year then its very disappointing, even more so with Paul stepping down
Asiapinball
Site Supporter
Siting the stall ball machine right next to the row of high demand pins and routing the queue straight past them thus making them unplayable during stall ball is a bit daft. Better to put the machine in the corner between where 1stop and the main competition was located this year? Or maybe even in the lobby?
But overall a great pinfest.
But overall a great pinfest.
'before somebody decides they're taking over, and how tournaments are going to run.'
Just for clarity, are you implying that David & Claire 'decided' they were taking over or that the TD's / Phil would be deciding who ran the comp? (both this year and going forward)
Just for clarity, are you implying that David & Claire 'decided' they were taking over or that the TD's / Phil would be deciding who ran the comp? (both this year and going forward)
Spot on.
Not only were the newer machines in high demand, the pins opposite were all being played as well and then there was was the general flow through of people in both directions and the Stall Ball Q.
It was chaos.
Sorry @Lecari that should read, NOT a competition player
I honestly don’t know why there is always so much hostility to changes. The feedback I was hearing is that Claire and David did a great job (again, I wasn’t in the completions, so I don’t know first hand!).
I'm definitely not a completion player, I never hit the wizard modes.Sorry @Lecari that should read, NOT a competition player
I honestly don’t know why there is always so much hostility to changes. The feedback I was hearing is that Claire and David did a great job (again, I wasn’t in the completions, so I don’t know first hand!).
Re the feedback about the Saturday being busy... We never had to queue for very long to play a game so didn't think it was over the limit of tollerable. the only "issue" was that the sapce between the rows where the "new" machines (And the American Pinball ones) were was REALLY crowded and hard to get past.... if you shifted the tournament you could fit more machines in (cool, but like i say. we didnt feel like we waited over long times) but also space out the in demmand cabs a little to allow for easier queuing and viewing? EJ, The Spooky stuff and American games were often 3 player queues deep, add that to the 2 for the row behind and it was "compact" 
didnt have that issue with Labarynth as it was by the shop so could cope with the queues. Had a great time. and kept forgetting the other rooms of games existed so def a good call to try and get majority of machines in main rom (and the hallway)
didnt have that issue with Labarynth as it was by the shop so could cope with the queues. Had a great time. and kept forgetting the other rooms of games existed so def a good call to try and get majority of machines in main rom (and the hallway)
OP
OP
Think stall ball will be in the corridor next year.