user42

Actually you said... All I asked for is the original prototype (that you said you would release shortly). You can keep the enhanced version.....

I know you do good work. I would still bet that a side by side comparison with a real manual would quickly reveal which was original. (Maybe I'm wrong, you might be that good) Besides, AFAIK all of your repro's are clearly marked as such...no? So tell me, as someone who may have the skills, would it be worth it to you to use your time to create a realistic manual replica just to scam one guy on ebay? (maybe you can get away with it again on Craigs List...)

So I can sell you a $50,000 gold coin on ebay, mail you a rock and you can't get your money back...? Ebay wouldn't have many buyers if they allowed that.

Not necessarily. How do you prove a video game manual is a fake when you don't have an original to compare it to? How does ebay/Paypal know it's a fake? It's not like currency that can be easily proved a fake. You think they'll just refund your money on your word with no proof? From what I have seen Paypal always sides with the buyer. But I still don't believe this will ever happen. Making a truly convincing fake would take too much effort for not enough pay-out. It is a one time scam at best. That said, if it did happen, I think almost anyone can tell the difference between something printed on a modern printer verses an original doc. Unless someone went all out and got vintage paper and ink stock and used a printing press, but that takes me back to my original point ....too much effort for a one-off scam.

Would be cool to see them digitally preserved before they completely degrade.

And I have still not seen any examples of anyone trying to pass a fake off as a real manual.... (marked reproductions don't count)

Had a Tac-2 when I was young but that went with everything else...I did like that stick. Nowadays I mostly use a Gemstick with my usb adapter.

...and that is prob the real reason why we don't have scans yet. Out of curiosity, do you own a single Atari cart? Why don't you guys quit begging and start saving your pennies, drop the $2k+ yourself and scan the fucking thing? Now we have Rom beggars AND manual beggars. What's next? I play games in emulation but I have bought and scanned many manuals (and then sold them, usually at a loss). The last 3 carts I had I sent to Zwackery free of charge as a thanks for all his help. And calling me a beggar may be a bit out of line...I did not start this thread nor did I ask for any scan in this thread, only added my opinion.

...and that is prob the real reason why we don't have scans yet.

We are talking about items that sell for $1000's. The real collectors that are going to spend that are not going to be fooled. Who cares if some moron reseller thinks he just found the holy grail and bids a clearly marked Hozer cart up to $100. He should have done his homework. If you can't do a 2 second google search before you bid you deserve what you get.

You can't stick the Mona Lisa in a photocopier and make an exact replica. There are copiers big enough to do the job. But the point is you can tell it is a copy just like the copy of a manual. You would have to have the same ink and paper stock and know the exact dimensions to make an exact (fool everyone) replica and even then some experts could still tell the difference.There are only a hand full of people skilled enough (and willing) to pull it off and they are probably out forging paintings or money or something of real value....

I should thank you for trying to rally support but I learned a long time ago that complaining doesn't get anyone to help you... I have had two people say that they could scan Eli's "when they get it out of storage" but both stopped responding to PM's after a while. As for fear of fakes, I personally find that stupid. You might get fooled by a photo of a copy but when you hold it in your hand you can tell. If you bought it with Paypal you can file a claim and get your money back. And besides I have posted scans of lots of 'rare" manuals. Can anyone show me even one example of fakes being sold.....

True. Did you know that show "Family Matters" was a spin-off of "Perfect Strangers"? Quick, what was Benson a spin-off from? (no fair google'ing)

Family Guy spin-off....

oh, you like to watch huh? Who doesn't? Don't encourage him...

My 2 cents......Design (or pay someone to) a personalized "box" for/about you and your wife. You know, like the Venture Bros DVDs did. And get them professionally printed. It won't be super cheap but it's your wedding..

Of course if you don't respond you get nothing.... and I'm still looking for.... WANTED USA SCANS Exus- Video Jogger/Video Reflex Simage- Eli's Ladder Ultravision- Karate

I'm not sure if that is an attempt at a joke or the ramblings of a mad man.....

Personally, no. I have seen him around the forums, but have had no real interaction with him. The other user you asked about pages ago, Wonder007, is a well respected collector (with deep pockets). If he was offering you help, I would take it.

I like this guy. He wasn't just a hardcore collector but he was a hardcore gamer. This is the collection of someone that loved to play. Look at 'em, those games have been well played....boxes, who needs 'em.. just give me games and lots of them.

Who ever bought all of their games at the same store??? or even the same town?? We would drive hours to go to the mall. I have been in many, many stores that sold games in the 80's. And I remember seeing some "rare" titles in discount stores. None of this should be unbelievable.... The op had stated that her father was "crazy about collecting Atari", clearly if he is the kind of guy to order Video Life, he is also the kind of guy to check every game outlet he can for titles that he doesn't have.... Also he did not die untill '88. If he was collecting till the end he could have been buying up other peoples collections at yard sales. By '88 many people were dumping Atari 2600.

Don't take any of the doubters personally. You have been very straight forward and have proven to all but the most cynical of us that you are what you say you are....

I thought maybe I'd sell the top 3 on eBay and maybe let you guys fight over the rest. I'd have to talk to my husband first, before I make that decision. I'm, confused...per your earlier post, I thought your husband passed away in 1988? No disrespect intended, but at this point, this whole thread leaves me asking a ton of questions... Read again....

I was just noticing that the manual for China Syndrome states that if you complete the game and take a photo and send it in you will "receive your due recognition" . Just wondering if anyone ever did send in a score and what the prize was?? None of the other Spectravision games make this offer... China Syndrome (U).pdf

Double post