Memories of my early collecting days - 2600 Connection

[Atari_Bill]

I've been spending days going through my collection trying to get an accurate inventory so I can finally start doing some trading and selling. Last night I came across all my old 2600 Connection newsletters from issue 8 on. Thumbing through these really brought back the memories! I can still remember getting excited by the weekly finds at thrift stores and garage sales. The next issue of 2600 Connection was always eagerly awaited to see what games would be highlighted and maybe find someone else willing to trade or sell items I yet need. (ebay didn't exist). I can still remember the day at a flea market that I decided to start collecting. I loved the games and systems and it was a cheap collecting option (as compared to stamps, comics, etc.) In some ways it can still be a cheap collecting option, but if you're a completist like me that's no longer true. The sales brochures from the early 90's mixed in with my 2600 Connection newsletters have some of the big rarities across all platforms for under $100 back then. Now you can't touch them for under $2000. I guess for a hobby to flourish, you need interest. Unfortunately that interest also tends to drive up some prices to unreachable levels for most. Such is life with supply & demand I guess. Too bad.

 

In any case, I wanted to express thanks for any of the folks involved with publishing the 2600 Connection if they are around here. It's a great newsletter! Well written and still fun to read. It really takes me back to days when it was so much easier to add to my collection. Well done to Tim Duarte and the rest of the Connection crew. You are appreciated.

[timdu]

Thanks for the compliments, Bill. Many of us are still around and I am always logging in to AA to check on the forums to see what is going on. Albert was also kind enough to give the 2600 Connection its own subforum under the Publications section. I'd like to utilize that subforum some more. Maybe we can start up some discussions about the newsletter. It's funny whow that was over 20 years ago when we started the print newsletters... everything was focused on mail order. There was this place PLEASANT VALLEY VIDEO GAMES... just came across their catalog. I've got to scan this and share it with everyone. Looking at the prices it is hilarious to see how cheap rare games were then...

 

-Tim

[Cobra Kai]

I used to receive the 2600 connection, it was great when we didn't have the all these wonderful online resources that we enjoy today, like Atariage.com. I can't remember how I signed up for the newsletter, it must have been advertised in one of the gaming mags at the time that I was reading. Regardless, it was a great little thing to receive during a time when it was easy to think that a person was alone in enjoying the 2600.

[high voltage]

Learned about the 'connection' early 90s, got approx 70 issues, met many friends from abroad through the 'zine. Remember mailing lists on your computer?

Yes, I did contribute...Great times.

 

Here's to Tim, Al and Russ

Edited February 26, 2012 by high voltage

[newtype5]

i still have all of my 2600 connections from back then. i think i first heard about it from the zine review/catalog 'factsheet Five'.

crap, that was a long time ago.

[high voltage]

 

my issues 1 - 74

Edited February 26, 2012 by high voltage