My nemesis

[ROSSKEEN]

Just before Chrimbo I posted a topic which was about going into a pub next to my work and trying to play the quizzer.

Machine had 3 guys on it who would put a quid in and then have drinks, cigs etc, then play machine. They even sat down and had a meal and left credit in the machine and scowled at anyone who dared go near it.

Been in same pub every lunchtime this week. They arrive at 12.05, same as me, and stick the coins in. Therefore I havent got near it all week.

Well I got paid today, and I've got the day off. In my posession are £40 worth of coins, so I'm going down at 11 for the whole day. Dont mind doing the whole lot in, and will gladly take a break if anyone wants to play.

Except the three dickheads between 12.05 and 1 who I wont be budging for. Might even leave credit and have some lunch.

Question: Am I being petty, and should just accept the situation between 12 and 1 or is it right to show them what its like to see a machine sitting with credit in it but nobody playing it?

[grecian]

Don't waste the £40 - leave and go elsewhere once you've taken what you can.

From next week onwards, take your lunch at 1pm.

[Stevie S]

cant you take your lunch 10 mins early and just come back earlier.

11:50 - 12:50 surely your work can be flexible with 10mins. simple.

[ROSSKEEN]

cant you take your lunch 10 mins early and just come back earlier.

11:50 - 12:50 surely your work can be flexible with 10mins. simple.

You'd think so. But no.

[grecian]

I thought you were an accountant RK? Do they really give you no latitude over lunchtimes?! If not, it may be an idea at some other stage to report these guys to the bar manager and say they are blocking the machine every lunch without playing it, thus losing the bar a cut of the takings. Give it a while before playing though, because otherwise the guys will probably realise it's you who grassed them...

[Nil Satis]

Question: Am I being petty, and should just accept the situation between 12 and 1 or is it right to show them what its like to see a machine sitting with credit in it but nobody playing it?

My response would be: What actually stops you playing on the machine at the moment (when they aren't doing so)? If it is that you are nervous of starting a physical confrontation, which is perfectly understandable given that there are three of them and they all sound like the sort of tossers who are heedless of other people's rights to coexist, would you not then have a fair chance of exactly that situation arising if/when you leave the machine with 'your' credit still in?

The best way to deal with people like these guys, as with dodgy landlords and rogue bouncers, is to go back at another time when they aren't there and take every penny you can out of their precious machine.

Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold.

[ROSSKEEN]

Just back from playing and I dont think its an issue anymore.

Was actually intimidated by them as they were acting in a "what you doing on the machine at this time" manner.

Just going to go elsewhere from now on, for the sake of a few games of monopoly and the occasional Ceasar's Palace its not worth it. The pub isnt even an inbred Arms, its a Wetherspoon esque type of pub.

[grecian]

Just going to go elsewhere from now on, for the sake of a few games of monopoly and the occasional Ceasar's Palace its not worth it. The pub isnt even an inbred Arms, its a Wetherspoon esque type of pub.

I should give it a miss in future then RK. As I've said before, there's plenty of machines out there and it's not worth taking undue risks for any particular machine, be that from bar staff or other regulars. Meatheads are meatheads and it's not worth winding them up unless you're in a position to back it up with action if need be. Might still be worth alerting the bar manager as you go as he might well put a stop to their behaviour for the benefit of others.

[Northern Monkey]

I thought you were an accountant RK? Do they really give you no latitude over lunchtimes?! If not, it may be an idea at some other stage to report these guys to the bar manager and say they are blocking the machine every lunch without playing it, thus losing the bar a cut of the takings. Give it a while before playing though, because otherwise the guys will probably realise it's you who grassed them...

If indeed you are an accountant and they genuinely do give you no lattitude you should be looking to switch firms mate.

[Cardinal Sin]

Just out of interest, which Wetherspoon's was it Ross?

[BigEd]

Question: Am I being petty, and should just accept the situation between 12 and 1 or is it right to show them what its like to see a machine sitting with credit in it but nobody playing it?

I had a similar problem many many many years ago with a game that I doubt you remember called "Space invaders". Groups would load the game up with credit, and leave the machine unattended whilst they went to the bar, toilet, or had a meal.

Best policy was to get there before them, add credits, and play sooooooo sloooooowly that they would give in, and go elsewhere.

That or I took the matter up with them and the door man, who happened to be my mate "Gaz Bull", who resolved the situation by demonstrating how hard their head was in relation to his fist. Happy Days

[rogerthymes]

We should all join in over the course of a couple of weeks - set up a rota. they'd soon give up and never work out what was happening.

[Properpro]

Assuming all this is about an ItBox why not just stroll a hundred metres down the road and play the next one?

If it's not about ItBox let the forum know what's so unmissable.

[cool]

years ago when I was working opposite Winchester Cathedral I used to go in a pub at lunchtime at the other end called the Old Vine where an idiot (nickname Mr Salisbury) would set up camp at 11.55 every day knowing that I couldnt get there until after 12. I had to hold myself back from depositing the contents of my coke on his head( wasnt drinkind tea then!)

[foxy]

i'm with the cardinal on this one, if you let us know the venue we could go now and again just to piss them off.