Horseplayer magazine

[anotherdave]

I got my Kentucky Derby edition of Horseplayer magazine today.(That is useful!) I just subscribed again after a few years off (getting the Breeders Cup edition in mid November was the reason I quit last time) I was just wondering if there are any subscribers out there and if so, do you get your magazine on time? It is probably because I am in Canada that it arrives so late, but it is still iriitating. Otherwise, what do you think of the magazine? Seems to me have somewhat dropped in quality since I last subscribed, but I've only got 3 issues so far. The odd good article, but mostly ads for betting services.

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[Tom]

I subscribe and it is usually late. And it usually has little in about horse PLAYING. I got the BC Cup issue in the mail half way through the BC card two years ago. All in all, a big disappointment. I'd give it a 5.
(I would go into detail, but I am back in my shell! ~G~).

[cj]

I've been a subscriber since the beginning, and have every single issue. To be honest, I really don't know why. I haven't found anything very interesting or of value in quite some time. I haven't had issues arrive late, but they usually cut it pretty close.

They've added quarterhorse coverage, which I couldn't care less about, and seem to promote products within there articles lately, especially BRIS. It just so happens a renewal form came with the last issue, and I doubt I'll renew.

JMO, for what its worth.

CJ

[Dick Schmidt]

CJ,

I used to write for them, under a pseudonym, but quit when the editor told me that they didn't want any articles on handicapping that were too "technical." They didn't think that their readers could understand how to make variants or do a track-to-track adjustment. They were looking for fluff, in other words. That and stories on how to get comps at casinos or where to stay in the Bahamas. I look in once in a while (without buying) and they remain light-weight. There is more good, useful information posted every month on this board than they run in five years.


Tom,

Oh, poor Tommie! I didn't mean to drive you away. Please come out and play with us. If you promise not to be shy, I promise to be good.


Dick



P.S. Tom, just got my good monitor back from the shop and can make out the picture you use with your posts. Very subtle, very funny. Gotta love it!

[PaceAdvantage]

I've gotten them since Day 1....I enjoy the magazine for what it is...one of the few (if not the only), periodical devoted to our little corner of the world....

As an aside, I received my Kentucky Derby issue a few days BEFORE the big race....



==PA

[Lefty]

Over the years ive been sent some free copies and this is just about all i'm willing to play. Hasn't been helpful to me.

[socalsportsbook]

Don't get me started on these guys. They set a new standard for poor customer service.

Someone said they get the magazine because it's one of the few that cover our little corner of the world and that's why I get it.

It has become a printed ad rather than an informative magazine. I rarely read anything in the magazine. The Derby issue and the Breeders Cup coming after the event was a joke but they've solved that problem. That alone should tell us something. Any publication that contains information on an upcoming event and can not get it to it's customers before that event is pretty damn stupid. And they only publish every other MONTH.

Ever try to cancel it? Here's my little story: They rebilled my credit card for my renewal and that's OK, I have a lot of self-renewing accounts. Then I get a note in the mail to renew my subscription and I thought that was odd but it might just be a mass mailing. I went to their web site (what a mess) and sent an e-mail. A week later, no response. I sent another e-mail and a week later, no response (this might be thier off month). I then called a phone number to cancel my subscription and I was not talking to horseplayer but a subscription service who told me that horseplayer would contact me and of course no one has tried to contact me.

HorsePlayer Magazine suffers from the same customer service disease that every other company and organization in the horse racing business suffers from; "New York Deli Waiter" disease. They must think it's cool to give bad srevice.

I would not call me a big fan!

[Ignatius]

Hi. Great board here. Sorry about your poor experiences with HP magazine, Morgan. My experience is the opposite. Like many things in life, their service must be inconsistent.

Dick Schmidt - I have enjoyed your posts. I have every issue of the magazine but now that I know you have contributed to it (using a pseudonym), I need to go back to those issues and read what you wrote so I can get at least a little something out of those issues!

So can you please tell me your pseudonym and the articles you wrote? Thanks.

[anotherdave]

Thanks for the feedback. Are there any other handicapping magazines out there? American Turf Monthly has nothing in it for me. Dave Schwartz, does Horse street still do a magazine for general handicapping? I'd sure love a good handicapping magazine every month-maybe not enough demand?
I guess maybe Barry Meadow's is a possible choice. I've got a couple issues and it is okay. Any others around?

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[Ignatius]

Hi. Great board here. Sorry about your poor experiences with HP magazine, Morgan. My experience is the opposite. Like many things in life, their service must be inconsistent.

Dick Schmidt - I have enjoyed your posts. I have every issue of the magazine but now that I know you have contributed to it (using a pseudonym), I need to go back to those issues and read what you wrote so I can get at least a little something out of those issues!

So can you please tell me your pseudonym and the articles you wrote? Thanks.

[Dick Schmidt]

Ignatius,

No, that's why I used a pen name.

Dick

[Ignatius]

RIchard,

I am sorry if you were upset if I tried to blow your cover. My bad. Not my intention.

I just please wanted to know what you wrote ABOUT (just the title or even the broad subject) so I could go back to my entire collection and at least get something (some small money's worth) out of ONE of those 48 issues in my closet! Is that possible? Kind of like going back to all the old "Follow-Ups" and picking out only the good stuff that you wrote. You know.

Thanks for your help.


Ignatius

[alyingthief]

i have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES, though it is not a "handicapping" journal. (i wonder if there's enough substantial material about handicapping to warrant a magazine on it? everything i see comes apart at its unverified seams, to be frank).

they report a great deal about the major races, the breeding end of things, and major developments in the industry. all of which are important, i think.

speaking of verification: does anyone out there have a data base of races and results they would like to sell?

my email is
justinames@attbi.com

[Lefty]

Since nobody answered about Player Mag.(Schwartz)I'll take the liberty.
It is no more. pity.

[Dave Schwartz]

Lefty,

That's not my publication. That is a different one. Ours was called the Horse Street Player.

Dave

PS: Thanks for the compliment, however.

[so.cal.fan]

ALT

We also like THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES, they have good articles, and they are often helpful to handicappers.
They give a different slant, I have always found it is important to keep up with the latest news in the industry (horse racing).

[Tom]

Originally posted by Dave Schwartz
Lefty,

That's not my publication. That is a different one. Ours was called the Horse Street Player.

Dave

PS: Thanks for the compliment, however.


Is HSP done? I'm still waiting for No 4 ~G~

[Dave Schwartz]

Tom,

Did you subscribe?

If so, did you get a refund or credit?

If not, call and we'll take care of that.

Dave

[Lefty]

Dave, I was answering anotherdave's post asking about your mag. I used Player for short. It was good. And you are welcome.

[takeout]

I've taken it since the beginning but didn't renew. Loved it when it first came out but the 3-page ads that are passed off as articles have gotten old. Can't believe some of that stuff is actually listed in the index.