Write Stuff

To the editor:

I just couldn’t help responding to your September editorial, “Here’s lookin’ at us.”

There is something unmistakable about an American abroad, but as a Brit who has lived on this side of the Pond for eight years, I have to think hard to put a finger on it.

So over dinner recently, I put the question to a group of international toy people, and they strongly agreed.

Here’s what they said: Americans tend to look more affluent, more confident. Their clothes sense is different; choice of colors bolder; fabrics more expensive; better accessorizing; more noticeable jewelry; sleeker hair styles.

And yes, you are more affable.

One of my daughters who has now lived half of her life in America was back in London for the summer.

“Dad” she told me, “you’d never believe how unfriendly and distant the English are!”

Spoken like true Anglo-American!

Norman Walker, President/CEO, K’NEX Industries, Hatfield, Pa.

Dear Ms. Weiskott:

I write to express my concern with the article entitled “Home Sweet Toy Fair,” written by Brent Felgner and dated 01 September 2005.

The article was based in part on an interview with me and, to the extent that I was quoted directly, it is accurate. However, portions of my interview were scattered through the article in such a way as to indicate to readers that I agreed with, and was even the principal source of almost the entire article. That simply is not the case. The journalist had other sources and formed his own opinions, which is of course fine. But, by placing my quotes in that context, it appeared as if his opinions were paraphrased from something I said.

As an example, Mr. Felgner expressed his opinion that the motive for looking at moving Toy Fair out of New York was as follows: “And it was, after all, an intended hook to draw the big showrooms in. It’s too much money to justify a second showroom, so come onto the floor of the exhibition. The logic seemed infallible. If only…” This was placed between two quotes of mine. The inference was that this was my opinion. It was not.

In fact, the whole theme of enticing ITC showroom tenants to the exhibition floor is Mr. Felgner’s, not mine. But someone reading the article would think differently. That a move outside of New York was rejected in part,because companies wanted to keep their showrooms in New York is fair and was supported by a quote from me. But deciding that the reason for developing the project to move Toy Fair outside of New York was to get them to give up their showrooms and move to the exhibition floor is a very different matter. It is not what I said, and it is not true. There was a whole host of cost and logistical reasons involved—most of which were worked out in negotiations with the [New York] City and Javits [Convention Center] once the board decided to stay in New York.

An appeal to Playthings’ editors: Make it possible for a reader to be able to clearly distinguish inference from attribution to avoid this kind of attribution-through-proximity error. It is not only unpleasant for me, personally, it is a disservice to your readers.

Thomas P. Conley, President, Toy Industry Association, Inc.

To the editor:

RE: “Home Sweet Toy Fair” Sept. 2005

There has been lots of talk about Toy Fair, as to where to have it, how to have it and when. I even remember surveys going out about change and discussion that change is inevitable.

The big boys (big manufacturers) want a closed format and the little guys want an open format.

It’s my opinion that the big manufacturers do not want to talk to us little guys; they want nothing to do with us. All they want is their Wal-Mart and a quick buck.

Most small independent toy stores focus on quality toys. It seems to me that we only find quality toys from small manufacturers.

I think it is time for further change. If the big manufacturers want nothing to do with us little guys, why do we want them at Toy Fair? We specialty stores can have our own toy fair somewhere else—without them.

I’m also tired of seeing manufacturers let the junk marts dictate terms, pack size, assortments and quality. When the manufacturers listen and give in to the junk marts, they hurt the little guys and themselves. One of the questions I ask manufacturers is, “is it going to be in mass market?” If they say yes, I generally say thanks and walk away.

Brian Vick, owner, Superdairyboy Toys and Extreme Sports, Mahanoy City, Pa.