Episode 139 Podcasters talking about Podcasters talking about Podcasters

TL;DR

PMPP host reports Stern QC issues, criticizes JJP pricing, hints at show format changes.

Summary

Key Claims

• Don's Pinball Podcast has released roughly half as many episodes as Poor Man's Pinball Podcast in only a couple of months of operation

  medium confidence · Host discussing Don's rapid output and warning about burnout

• Stern's Deadpool machine had targets on left and right sides (spelling 'DEAD' and 'POOL') mixed up — either soldered to wrong wires or placed in wrong physical locations

  high confidence · Host describing QC issue with personally delivered machine from Flippin Out Pinball

• Jersey Jack Pinball released a Godfather bundle (topper, art blades, leg protectors) with MSRP of $1500

  high confidence · Host directly quoting accessory pricing and expressing surprise at cost

• The host has had previous quality control issues with an Elvira machine and messaged with George Gomez about them

  high confidence · Host referencing past episode discussion and personal communication with George Gomez

• Stern's typical QC response is apologetic but lacks material compensation; host proposes rebate or coupon system instead

  medium confidence · Host critiquing current customer service approach and suggesting alternative compensation methods

• The host has multiple game deposits pending and will continue buying new Stern machines despite QC frustrations

  high confidence · Host explicitly stating decision to keep purchasing new Stern games

• There are ongoing interpersonal conflicts ('tiffs') between pinball podcasters, specifically mentioning Don's Pinball Podcast and Kaneda

  medium confidence · Host referencing disputes he's observing from the sidelines but not providing specific details

• Poor Man's Pinball Podcast may be ending or transitioning format; host and co-host Ian have discussed doing 'a couple of final episodes'

  medium confidence · Host explicitly stating uncertainty about show's future and lack of defined next steps

Notable Quotes

• “Don I applaud you but just a little word of advice Tip of advice, Don't burn out man, pinball hobby is fun, it gets exciting, I did the same thing, Ian did the same thing, we came in hot and heavy and man, we get burned out quickly so just be careful”

  Poor Man's Pinball Podcast host @ Early in episode — Direct peer-to-peer advice from established podcaster to newer competitor, reveals host's experience with burnout and concern for community sustainability

• “why do we keep having these quality control issues time and time again and then more frustratingly, is that a word, frustratingly? when we call out Stern on these issues, they just say, I'm sorry”

  Poor Man's Pinball Podcast host @ Stern QC section — Central complaint about pattern of QC failures and inadequate corporate response

• “I had two options after Deadpool when I was and I was I was pretty pretty frustrated... part of me thought I was going to on this podcast I was going to say you know what I not buying any more new inbox sterns... But you know really the reason I didn do that Yes I buying more games Ha ha I know everyone going to be laughing Drew shut up You going to keep buying more games That true”

  Poor Man's Pinball Podcast host (Drew) @ Mid-episode, after Stern criticism — Self-aware acknowledgment of consumer contradiction — criticizing QC but continuing to purchase, reveals tensions between criticism and market reality

• “Holy cow, I know everyone has jumped the shark in the way of prices Jersey Jack, Stern, American Pinball, everybody, but holy cow, they released this bundle for Godfather... The MSRP on this bundle is $1500. Holy shit. I didn't pay that much for Paragon.”

  Poor Man's Pinball Podcast host @ JJP Accessories section — Direct criticism of industry-wide accessory pricing trends, uses personal reference point (Paragon cost) to contextualize concern

• “I just want to get something out here. Talk to you guys. Let you know I'm still alive. Please, please, please reach out. 414-828-3739”

  Poor Man's Pinball Podcast host @ Mid-episode wrap-up — Shows host is stepping back, possibly stressed, and seeking direct community connection

• “just wanted to let you know I'm still in the hobby I still really heavy in the hobby I just going to be doing it a different way... I don want to speculate especially without Ian here him and I have talked about doing potentially a couple of final episodes”

Entities

Signals

• ?

  product_concern: Stern Deadpool machine delivered with incorrectly wired/placed targets for 'DEAD' and 'POOL' spelling — targets light up wrong signals when hit. Host reports this is part of a pattern of QC issues and mentions multiple threads about similar problems in recent Stern builds.

  high · Host directly describes issue: 'the targets on the left and the right side that spell out dead and pool were mixed up... either soldered the wrong wires to the wrong targets or they just simply put the wrong targets in the wrong spots... you hit one target and it would light up a different light'

• ?

  product_concern: Host identifies recurring Stern QC failures (also mentions previous Elvira issues) and criticizes inadequate corporate response (apology + tech support without material compensation).

  high · 'why do we keep having these quality control issues time and time again' and 'when we call out Stern on these issues, they just say, I'm sorry and then the people are great'

• $

  market_signal: Jersey Jack Pinball's Godfather accessory bundle (topper, art blades, leg protectors) priced at $1500 MSRP. Host characterizes this as part of industry-wide pricing escalation affecting Stern, JJP, and American Pinball, using Paragon cost as unfavorable comparison.

  high · 'The MSRP on this bundle is $1500. Holy shit. I didn't pay that much for Paragon... everyone has jumped the shark in the way of prices'

• ~

  sentiment_shift: Host expressing concern about industry trend toward high-priced accessories and inadequate QC response, signaling potential erosion of consumer confidence in premium pricing justified by quality/service.

  medium · Contrasts willingness to continue purchasing with frustration over QC and compensation approach; proposes alternative compensation model (rebates/coupons) as solution

Topics

Sentiment

mixed(0.35)— Host expresses frustration and disappointment with Stern QC and industry pricing trends, but maintains underlying affection for the hobby and appreciation for distributors/community. Uncertainty about podcast future adds melancholic undertone. Self-aware humor about own consumption contradictions softens negativity.