Boycott discussion transcript Monday 8/20

[BillW]

Aug 20 6:26 PM [Rook] WEG should be punished for their press release.. that was beyone outrageous
Aug 20 6:27 PM [betchatoo] AP is my home track but I have no argument with laying off for the rest of the meet
Aug 20 6:27 PM [stuball] we can only punish them 1 way
Aug 20 6:28 PM [betovernetcapper] thankyou betcha
Aug 20 6:28 PM [stuball] I will feel like a traitor on Sept 8th I am signed on for their contest
Aug 20 6:28 PM [betovernetcapper] stuball take the money but don't smile
Aug 20 6:28 PM [stuball] but will be contest plays only
Aug 20 6:29 PM [speedking] I'll be happy to help you take their money...And Run!
Aug 20 6:29 PM [stuball] That's the plan
Aug 20 6:29 PM [Southieboy] Details?
Aug 20 6:30 PM [speedking] Still a work in progress. I'm guessing that this will be the first of a few discussions
Aug 20 6:30 PM [stuball] would like to win AP and win Vegas and get a Million bonus from Ap
Aug 20 6:30 PM [betovernetcapper] just don't smile
Aug 20 6:31 PM [speedking] I'd love to see you win it Stu! And then make your statement!
Aug 20 6:31 PM [stuball] no smile
6:31 PM [betovernetcapper] got a domain name today
6:31 PM [speedking] What days does ALB run? YAV also...
6:32 PM [Southieboy] I know Saturdays
6:32 PM [BillW] http://calendar.ntraracing.com/
6:32 PM [stuball] Alb runs some QH during the week I know
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6:33 PM [speedking] Want a donation or is it premature?
6:33 PM [stuball] I could check I have it in my records
6:33 PM [Alberich] ALB wed,fri-sun YAV fri-tue
6:33 PM [melman] Assiniboia also ANY Canadian track that will work with PTC
6:33 PM [Rook] yeah ASD gets only about $130k in handle... we could really boost that
6:33 PM [betovernetcapper] AP & ALB seem to run same days
6:34 PM [Rook] especially since they are probably risking the wrath of WEB by dealing with PTC
6:34 PM [stuball] depends if PTC has adecent deal with ASD
6:34 PM [stuball] we want to help them also
6:34 PM [betovernetcapper] If PTC isn't worried
6:34 PM [Rook] yeah, ASD should do better than 7.5%
6:35 PM [Rook] the rebate at NP is generous
6:35 PM [betovernetcapper] NOONE has asked about my new domain name
6:36 PM [Rook] what is it?
6:36 PM [stuball] well we are waiting
6:36 PM [speedking] CJ got me going on ASD recently. Deserves consideration...Just wonder if the rest of the board will support us with these smaller venues?
6:36 PM [betovernetcapper] bocotttracknet.com
6:36 PM [betchatoo] Suggestion: why don't we start a thread and put a suggested weekend to support ALB and boycott WOX. We can ask who will go along with it and that will give us a feeling for the strength of people really willing to do something
6:37 PM [Rook] the sooner the better
6:37 PM [stuball] right don't let the fire get cold
6:37 PM [betovernetcapper] I really think we need to highlight AP
6:37 PM [speedking] For the current contest, I'm sure Ian could select these tracks as the races of record to generate more interest and it would help increase attention
6:38 PM [Southieboy] are you nuts?
6:38 PM [betovernetcapper] ??
6:39 PM [speedking] What the hell do you mean Southieboy? I don't get it?
6:39 PM [betovernetcapper] yes???
6:39 PM [speedking] OK< back to business
6:40 PM [betchatoo] I had suggested WOX as the one to boycott simply because it has gained so much ill will over the last week
6:41 PM [betovernetcapper] Boycott WO &AP puch ALB & LAD
6:41 PM [Rook] So far it seems their are 2 targets: WEG and AP and a few worth supporting ALB, YAV, NP and LAD
6:41 PM [stuball] can weaffect their handle that seems to be the question
6:41 PM [betovernetcapper] AP is tracknet and the real target
6:42 PM [stuball] I vote to target AP neg and Alb positive
6:42 PM [Rook] thei is no question we can affect the small tracks handle in a positive way. I'd be happy to add a few percent to a place like ALB each day
6:42 PM [speedking] Boycotting WO and AP is almost a no brainer at this point whether it's official or not. Might be best to select ONLY 1 small track per day and concentrate on building their handle
6:43 PM [betchatoo] Agreed
6:43 PM [betovernetcapper] ditto
6:43 PM [stuball] me too
6:43 PM [speedking] Can this discussion be saved and posted anywhere?
6:43 PM [Rook] it has to be official
6:44 PM [melman] maybe someone can contact the race sec at ALB he is a PA board member
6:44 PM [BillW] Mike can grab a transcript, I believe, but he is still in Saratoga
6:44 PM [Southieboy] why don't we start a posted thread
6:44 PM [melman] give him a heads up
6:44 PM [stuball] should we set this for this weekend?
6:44 PM [speedking] Easily done, Melman
6:44 PM [BillW] I'm not sure how much time he needs to grab it
6:44 PM [betchatoo] I'm fine with this weekend
6:45 PM [Southieboy] Why don't we do it BC day?
6:45 PM [betovernetcapper] boycot tommorow
6:45 PM [betchatoo] Too far away
6:45 PM [Rook] this should not be a one day thing... it should be everyday until things change
6:45 PM [BillW] yes, incl BC day
6:45 PM [stuball] weekend would give casual players a chance to participate
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6:46 PM [betovernetcapper] play when they can
6:46 PM [speedking] I'm in favor of a weekend or Fri start. Today is Monday. It gives us time to notify the proper people and really get the board involved and motivated
6:46 PM [betovernetcapper] play when they can
6:46 PM [speedking] I'm in favor of a weekend or Fri start. Today is Monday. It gives us time to notify the proper people and really get the board involved and motivated
6:46 PM [statik27] wow, standing room only
6:47 PM [Southieboy] Nothing important runs tommorow (tuesday)*alarm2*
6:47 PM [betchatoo] ANd it's fast enough that the movement doesn't die from lack of action
6:47 PM [speedking] Many of us have industry and media contacts who will be interested
6:47 PM [stuball] how about another meeting tomorrow
6:47 PM [Southieboy]
6:47 PM [melman] sounds good speedking the race sec at ALB sounds like a good guy
6:47 PM [Rook] it would be great if someone artistic came up with a logo
6:48 PM [Southieboy] yes another meeting tommorow sounds good, lets see how far we can go today!
6:48 PM [BillW]
6:48 PM [BillW] how 'bout that?
6:48 PM [speedking] Super!
6:48 PM [betovernetcapper] Can someone contact the IRB and notify them of the boycott
6:49 PM [speedking] Yes
6:49 PM [statik27] who are we boycotting?
6:49 PM [statik27] sorry I got hung up today, what I miss?
6:49 PM [betovernetcapper] AP
6:49 PM [speedking] AP...WO
6:49 PM [BillW] BTW, I'm getting a transcript from 6:26 PM when I logged in
6:49 PM [Alberich] you mean Illinois HBPA
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6:49 PM [Southieboy] What's that suppost to mean? Any chance of of doing Suffolk?
6:49 PM [Rook] AP and WO... this much their is a consensus
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6:50 PM [statik27] good, WO gets on my nerves
6:50 PM [stuball] stu is in the house
6:50 PM [Southieboy] I got frozed out
6:50 PM [stuball] are you the sec at Alb?
6:50 PM [melman] Alberich---You mean the Ill Racing Board that "advised" Ian he should have lied on his contract so as to get Balmoral on the PTC track list
6:50 PM [betovernetcapper] Who will notify the IRB and HBPA
6:51 PM [stu] yes I am the racing secretary at ALB- just observing tonight
6:51 PM [Southieboy] How are we going to do this with out pp's for the track?
6:51 PM [betovernetcapper] we'll manage
6:51 PM [stuball] We are willing to support you.....can you publicize any increases in handle
6:52 PM [speedking] I can contact them...Half the industry dislikes me already
6:52 PM [betovernetcapper] you da man
6:52 PM [Alberich] no - Jim Hannon, the simulcast director at BAL/MAY told Ian he should of lied
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6:53 PM [stu] sure - we have been averaging 160K but handled 200K yesterday
6:53 PM [melman] crazy racing industry Alberich would like to see Balmoral Maywood with PTC
6:53 PM [statik27] Are we going to switch up the tracks week to week, becuase I'm sorry to say that ALB isn't a track I personally have available to me.
6:53 PM [speedking] WOW, we do work fast!
6:53 PM [Alberich] so would we
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6:54 PM [melman] it's just plain nuts you guys at PTC had HAW harness
6:54 PM [betchatoo] Name the track and by God I'll bet it!
6:54 PM [melman] that's in ILL
6:55 PM [Alberich] HAW has always - back many years- been easy to deal with
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6:55 PM [betovernetcapper] I bet Haw over AP anyday
6:55 PM [betovernetcapper] I'd bet FP over AP
6:56 PM [melman] my point being see how just plain stupid the racing industry is Balmoral AP Maywood and HAW all in the same state
6:56 PM [speedking] Well, we laid the basics out and set a direction. Want to give it a day...make a few moves and meet tomorrow night...Same time...Same place?
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6:56 PM [Rook] stu.. I'm going make sure I have substantial money in all your ALB thorougbred races
6:56 PM [melman] one is "friendly" namely HAW and the others hard to deal with
6:56 PM [Alberich] different ownership
6:57 PM [betovernetcapper] tommorow 6pm central?
6:57 PM [BillW] sounds good
6:57 PM [stuball] sounds good

6:57 PM [melman] Alberich---sounds like HAW has GOOD ownership
6:57 PM [stuball] publicize on the board
6:57 PM [melman] they should run the rest of the state's tracks
6:58 PM [Alberich]
6:58 PM [speedking] Anyone know what side some of these racing writers come down on? I know quite a few and have email addresses
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6:58 PM [melman] betovernet-----there is a good idea I think
6:58 PM [melman] talk up HAW
6:58 PM [Alberich] DRF is in tracknets pocket
6:58 PM [melman] talk down AP Balmoral Maywood
6:58 PM [statik27] had to say what the Players magazines will do
6:59 PM [melman] point out HAW is Player friendly
6:59 PM [statik27] we're kinda messing with their money
6:59 PM [speedking] As we close out can anyone copy all this and post it to a thread? Right from the beginning?
6:59 PM [stuball] BillW is all over that Right Bill?
6:59 PM [BillW] I got it from 6:26
7:00 PM [BillW] when I logged in
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7:00 PM [betovernetcapper] that when it got good Oh BTW, I called the Jockey Club today to leave a mesage for Alan Marzelli
7:00 PM [betovernetcapper] the president to say thanks for yesterdays speech
7:01 PM [stuball] ok see yaall tomorrow
7:01 PM [betovernetcapper] just left a mesage and got a call back about an hour later
7:01 PM [speedking] Thanks for all the hard work and ideas!
7:01 PM [BillW] who returned call?
7:02 PM [speedking] What kind of response?
7:02 PM [betchatoo] I'll try to be here tomorrow
7:02 PM [betovernetcapper] Alan Maraelli
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7:02 PM [Southieboy] What time Eastern?
7:02 PM [BillW] good!
7:02 PM [BillW] 7:00
7:02 PM [BillW] EDST
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7:03 PM [BillW] 5:00 MDST 4:00 PDST
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7:03 PM [betovernetcapper] Nice guy talked for about 5-10 min and I really think he gets it
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7:03 PM [BillW] great! - good to hear someone does
7:03 PM [speedking] That is good news and I have to admit being surprised
7:03 PM [Southieboy] Will there be a thread of what we posted here today?
7:03 PM [BillW] yes
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7:05 PM [betovernetcapper] OK goodnight guys
7:06 PM [BillW] later
7:06 PM [speedking] I never have posted in the selections thread, but I'll try and do a weekend workup for whatever smaller venue we select
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7:06 PM [BillW] that would be a good idea - get others involved
7:06 PM [Southieboy] Try to make it one of the early afternoon tracks that I can watch
7:07 PM [speedking] Hope so, Bill...Anything to generate interest
7:08 PM [speedking] Have a good night all...Will definitely give this some thought.
7:08 PM [BillW] good night guys
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7:15 PM [bobbyb] Hi Bill - How are You? Sorry I got in late - takin' care of my mom - can you tell me what time and when we are getting together next.
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7:17 PM [BillW] Hey Bobbyb, tomorrow 7:00 EDST
7:17 PM [bobbyb] Thanks Bill
7:17 PM [BillW] I'll have a transcript up
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7:18 PM [bobbyb] Great - I tried to get in earlier but no such luck today - Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Thanks Bill
7:19 PM [BillW] Transcript ends here - goodnight guys

[BillW]

Note on start of transcript: I logged in at 6:26 and missed anything before that.

PA, if you can recover a better copy, please do so.

Bill

[speedking]

Thanks Bill. I hope that all members will be openminded enough to take a look at the smaller tracks we select and realize the impact our support can have.

speedking

[DJofSD]

Sorry to have missed the confab. 4 o'clock PT for tomorrows meeting won't happen either. Oh well.

[Good4Now]

I missed it to. Thank you for making the transcript available.

Some members of the forum, and I am one, live in Nevada. Gaming Commission, who controls wagering in this state has basically barred us from having access to ADW's. We are only able to wager on races from venues the Casino's choose, then write contracts with, and have G.C.'s approval also.

We may or may not be able to wager actively into some tracks as a result. Certainly could with hold wagers at others.

Any input from other NV based players?

Where can I get some bet-o-rette? You know, like nico-rette for horse players?

[BillW]

Sorry to have missed the confab. 4 o'clock PT for tomorrows meeting won't happen either. Oh well.

Maybe petition the chairman (betovernetcapper) to move it back to include the day shift from the left coast (9:00 PM EDST) :)

[betovernetcapper]

Hardly the chairman-but if 9pm EDST works for everybody then it works for me :)

[speedking]

I'm in for tomorrow guys. Working on media emails now:)

speedking

[boomman]

Hardly the chairman-but if 9pm EDST works for everybody then it works for me :)

I too couldn't make it at 4PM PDT as I was still calling races, but could make it at 6PM PDT tomorrow night and would welcome the chance to speak with the group and throw my 2 cents worth in to make Yavapai Downs one of the tracks that the members support in a big way for our last 2 weeks of the meet (a track that by the way, was one of the first to come to an agreement with Ian). The pools are big enough to play in, yet more action would still make a noticeable difference! Everyone (that has availability) would want to play it through PTC so we could easily track the results :)

Boomer

[Tom]

I'm in with you guys - my money goes wherever you say. In fact, we should assemble in the WR and do alive sessin.

I couldn't get in the WR tonight - Ian posted he couldn't either. Will try again Tuesday.

[prospector]

I too couldn't make it at 4PM PDT as I was still calling races, but could make it at 6PM PDT tomorrow night and would welcome the chance to speak with the group and throw my 2 cents worth in to make Yavapai Downs one of the tracks that the members support in a big way for our last 2 weeks of the meet (a track that by the way, was one of the first to come to an agreement with Ian). The pools are big enough to play in, yet more action would still make a noticeable difference! Everyone (that has availability) would want to play it through PTC so we could easily track the results :)

Boomer

Yavapi is a beautiful track...really nice people in Prescott Az...wish i was back in Paulden Az...

i'm glad we're supporting tracks that support Ian..i wouldn't support any that didn't..
if in fact, we funnel our bets into a "track of the week" or whatever we call it..wouldn't we automatically reduce bets going elsewhere? kind of a boycott without calling it a boycott..except for woodbine..i'll never wager there again..nor delmar..sent that man a nicely worded email and zero response..giving delmar the same...zero

[Rook]

if in fact, we funnel our bets into a "track of the week" or whatever we call it..wouldn't we automatically reduce bets going elsewhere? kind of a boycott without calling it a boycott..

I don't know why anybody on this board would be afraid of joining a boycott. If a tracks screws horseplayers around, they deserve to be hammered. Let's not act like a bunch of wimps.:cool:

Putting your money into a place like ALB won't necessarily punish WO and TrackNet. This isn't the old days were bettors handle one track at a time. Many of us deal with dozens.

[prospector]

I don't know why anybody on this board would be afraid of joining a boycott. If a tracks screws horseplayers around, they deserve to be hammered. Let's not act like a bunch of wimps.:cool:

Putting your money into a place like ALB won't necessarily punish WO and TrackNet. This isn't the old days were bettors handle one track at a time. Many of us deal with dozens.
who you calling a wimp?
the sentences you left off my quote clearly stated i'm not betting woodbine or delmar..nor will i ever support any track who restricts their signal..if they ain't on PTC..they get no money of mine...

i have no problem with a small one or two track boycott..from a publicity standpoint, i feel we'd do better to reward those player friendly tracks..maybe a list of tracks we support...

[Rook]

who you calling a wimp?
the sentences you left off my quote clearly stated i'm not betting woodbine or delmar..nor will i ever support any track who restricts their signal..if they ain't on PTC..they get no money of mine...

i have no problem with a small one or two track boycott..from a publicity standpoint, i feel we'd do better to reward those player friendly tracks..maybe a list of tracks we support...

I didn't call you a wimp but your unwillingness to use the term boycott is not the attitude that I hope prevails on PA. I hope we use both the carrot and the stick when dealing with tracks and we will be far more effective if we all work together rather than leaving it up to each individual to act as he see fit.

We have all been lone wolves over these past years. It is nice to see a pack being formed and I don't want our group to be a pack of poodles.

[kenwoodallpromos]

I am on board with whatever just to show solidarity.
I suggest the email contacts for the racing office of tracks boycotted (and corp offices) and supported as well as to some key media online editors like T. Times and Bloodhorse, DRF, as welll as the Jockey Club, NTRA, and TRA be listed so everyone can email and express personal intent to do it on certain dates for certain races and bet types as a bettor.
If the support is to a pool that is tiny now the effect will seem much morwe effective regardless of the actual dollar amount difference; then the money lost by boycott will be seen much more clearly regardless of the size of the pool. Then the results can be sent to the above entities.

[BIG RED]

I didn't make it last night, but should be able to tonight.
Will watch Walpole, Ma. Little League game (6pm) with a
sticky note on TV, WARROOM 9PM!
I'm just about ready to pack it in, how long I can't say,
but hopefully this can get sorted out this year. maybe?

[stuball]

Just as a reminder to all that intend to support PTC in this boycott.
If you don't already belong to PTC, please sign up and fund your account
today so you will be ready to go....I would also volunteer to set up my audio
chat room for future meetings..if there is any interest in this let me know.


Stuball :ThmbUp: :jump:

[speedking]

I am on board with whatever just to show solidarity.
I suggest the email contacts for the racing office of tracks boycotted (and corp offices) and supported as well as to some key media online editors like T. Times and Bloodhorse, DRF, as welll as the Jockey Club, NTRA, and TRA be listed so everyone can email and express personal intent to do it on certain dates for certain races and bet types as a bettor.
If the support is to a pool that is tiny now the effect will seem much morwe effective regardless of the actual dollar amount difference; then the money lost by boycott will be seen much more clearly regardless of the size of the pool. Then the results can be sent to the above entities.


I am handling all this today. I have the private emails for a few of the racing media mentioned along with others whom I will contact. I will also find addresses and names for track personnel, TOBA and HBA and make them aware of our intentions. That would be for all tracks involved.

speedking

[Ponyplayr]

Just as a reminder to all that intend to support PTC in this boycott.
....I would also volunteer to set up my audio
chat room for future meetings..if there is any interest in this let me know.


Stuball :ThmbUp: :jump:Steering business from one ADW to another ain't a boycott..is it.
Are you guys getting a bonus for every new account?? Just curious?

"If you don't already belong to PTC, please sign up and fund your account
today so you will be ready to go" :lol: What a Boycott :D

[Cangamble]

Steering business from one ADW to another ain't a boycott..is it.
Are you guys getting a bonus for every new account?? Just curious?

"If you don't already belong to PTC, please sign up and fund your account
today so you will be ready to go" :lol: What a Boycott :D

Nobody said that any of us should stop betting. Just stop betting those tracks that involved in non competitive, collusive practices that cause us to have less choice, or try to give us no choice.

I'd be happy to give HPI all my business if they gave me the same choices that others do.

[speedking]

Steering business from one ADW to another ain't a boycott..is it.
Are you guys getting a bonus for every new account?? Just curious?

"If you don't already belong to PTC, please sign up and fund your account
today so you will be ready to go" :lol: What a Boycott :D

You are being quite selective in your quotes, Ponyplayr. The proposed boycott involves 2 tracks, Woodbine and Arlington Park.

speedking

[chickenhead]

this is just a suggestion....take your time, I don't see the rush in this. Need to be able to articulate exactly why XYZ should happen (boycott/procott, etc), why it is good for the average player, what the goal is, and then go about getting support for it from as many people as possible.

The most important thing is that whatever is done is effective, not that it happens immediately.

[speedking]

this is just a suggestion....take your time, I don't see the rush in this. Need to be able to articulate exactly why XYZ should happen (boycott/procott, etc), why it is good for the average player, what the goal is, and then go about getting support for it from as many people as possible.

The most important thing is that whatever is done is effective, not that it happens immediately.

Very sound and valid points. I think momentum is still building.

speedking

[Steve 'StatMan']

We should look at the non-Tracknet-owned or WEG-owned ADW's schedules and pick a track that is offered by more ADW's. I would love to join in the procott portion and bet ALB but unfortuantely YouBet is not taking them. They are, however, taking Yavapai, and Mountaineer, which I believe is on both YouBet and PTC.

[PaceAdvantage]

this is just a suggestion....take your time, I don't see the rush in this. Need to be able to articulate exactly why XYZ should happen (boycott/procott, etc), why it is good for the average player, what the goal is, and then go about getting support for it from as many people as possible.

The most important thing is that whatever is done is effective, not that it happens immediately.

I couldn't agree more.

[DeanT]

I agree. I will be happy to play/not play/whatever. I just need time to fund an account where a track is, or bounce a ball on my nose and do tricks, or whatever it is we all go through for the pleasure of giving someone 20% of our money ;)

Publicize the decision a bit, imo. Regardless, I'll make sure I join in.

[chickenhead]

this is perhaps a bit off topic, but I want to throw it out there. The biggest job of any sort of organization imo is education. I think that has the benefit of folding in nicely so far as influencing peoples actions.

Stealing a page from some local grass roots groups I've dealt with, one idea would be to distribute a "Report Card", where tracks, ADWs, and any other organizations that impact horseplayers are given a letter grade from A to F based on whatever 2 or 3 or 4 categories of friendliness we deem most important, along with a bried explanation of why they grade out how they do.

Obviously we would encourage people to focus their dollars towards the A's and away from the F's, and encourage them to voice their displeasure directly with the F's.

It may not sound like much, but beyond the distribution we could get online, if you could get 100 guys to drive by their local OTB and either hand out 100 or stick them under windshields....you also distribute them to the orgs in question, and let them know that on such and such a day 10,000 of these are being handed out to players, and another 10,000 are being emailed around. I think that would get some attention.

You could also as part of this, encourage the players to sign up to an email distribution list, which would both keep them informed overall, but also be used as a tool for any letter writing/boycott activities.

[betovernetcapper]

Chickenhead-I think we've just found our education director. see you tonight :)

[speedking]

this is perhaps a bit off topic, but I want to throw it out there. The biggest job of any sort of organization imo is education. I think that has the benefit of folding in nicely so far as influencing peoples actions.

Stealing a page from some local grass roots groups I've dealt with, one idea would be to distribute a "Report Card", where tracks, ADWs, and any other organizations that impact horseplayers are given a letter grade from A to F based on whatever 2 or 3 or 4 categories of friendliness we deem most important, along with a bried explanation of why they grade out how they do.

Obviously we would encourage people to focus their dollars towards the A's and away from the F's, and encourage them to voice their displeasure directly with the F's.

It may not sound like much, but beyond the distribution we could get online, if you could get 100 guys to drive by their local OTB and either hand out 100 or stick them under windshields....you also distribute them to the orgs in question, and let them know that on such and such a day 10,000 of these are being handed out to players, and another 10,000 are being emailed around. I think that would get some attention.

You could also as part of this, encourage the players to sign up to an email distribution list, which would both keep them informed overall, but also be used as a tool for any letter writing/boycott activities.


I don't find it off topic at all. Just very good advice and a sound strategy. Simply stating that a certain track is screwing the players does not carry much weight without giving specifics.

Thanks chickenhead.

speedking

[JustRalph]

I suggest an organization be proposed or some type of group. If you are going to start taking actions........against or for...........some tracks or groups.........you need to be organized and in agreement. If not, a splintering will occur and any movement will be hard to sustain.

Somebody needs to step up..........or something needs to be formed.

All this talk about a boycott, or whatever, is wasted time without some type of group and solidarity. I suggest a slow down and true thinking through of this process. There is a wealth of knowledge in this group, you are going to need a serious plan. Think hard.

[Cangamble]

this is perhaps a bit off topic, but I want to throw it out there. The biggest job of any sort of organization imo is education. I think that has the benefit of folding in nicely so far as influencing peoples actions.

Stealing a page from some local grass roots groups I've dealt with, one idea would be to distribute a "Report Card", where tracks, ADWs, and any other organizations that impact horseplayers are given a letter grade from A to F based on whatever 2 or 3 or 4 categories of friendliness we deem most important, along with a bried explanation of why they grade out how they do.

Obviously we would encourage people to focus their dollars towards the A's and away from the F's, and encourage them to voice their displeasure directly with the F's.

It may not sound like much, but beyond the distribution we could get online, if you could get 100 guys to drive by their local OTB and either hand out 100 or stick them under windshields....you also distribute them to the orgs in question, and let them know that on such and such a day 10,000 of these are being handed out to players, and another 10,000 are being emailed around. I think that would get some attention.

You could also as part of this, encourage the players to sign up to an email distribution list, which would both keep them informed overall, but also be used as a tool for any letter writing/boycott activities.
1) Content: tracks available to bet on
2) Rebates: size of the rebates if any
3) Ability to deposit/withdraw: time it takes
4) Collusion practices: anti-competitive behavior that hurts players choices
5) Betting Platform: user friendly, speed it takes to make a wager, etc.

[betovernetcapper]

I suggest an organization be proposed or some type of group. If you are going to start taking actions........

Along those lines I registered the domain name boycott tracknet. There's
.
nothing on the site now but it's boycotttracknet.com

[JustRalph]

Along those lines I registered the domain name boycott tracknet. There's
.
nothing on the site now but it's boycotttracknet.com

don't you think that is a little narrow? I think this is bigger than just tracknet.

[betovernetcapper]

Ralph-I'm just speaking for myself here, but no I don't think it's too narrow.
.
Earlier this year Evan's said that all roads lead to Churchill. Again and I'm just
.
talking for me here, I submit that boycotts/actions be directed to the
.
source.

[kenwoodallpromos]

Windshields is a bad idea, produces unwanted litter.
giving 20%- No one said we had to lose bets! With all the brains here a win for instance in the increased betting for example of putting money into dd's at ALB with prior thread about handicapping those races should turn out OK. The most PR to gain maybe if racing finds out that PA bettors are supporting and winning bets on races that one of their members write the races for!!!
It would also be good-bet say one track for a few set races, then go to another track, and repeat a few times, say 4 races in a week at each for 4 weeks. That would give more than 1 track the benefit give a chance to build momentum and get new members for PA for the handicapping thread, and ALB being the initial track would cause just enough stir within the racing industry! a full schedule would be needed up front.
I also suggest other forums be kept in touch with as to the tracks and races bets are going to, as some others already are monitoring the progress.
If this boycott and BUYCOTT is done right and goes well, racing would start worrying about it turning into a REAL bettor's union!!!LOL!!

[Indulto]

Along those lines I registered the domain name boycott tracknet. There's
.
nothing on the site now but it's boycotttracknet.comdon't you think that is a little narrow? I think this is bigger than just tracknet.JR,
I agree.

Plus boycotttracknet.com is too long for a sign to be pulled by a small aircraft over DMR. ;)

How about LetMeBet.com?

[kenwoodallpromos]

Buycott
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
A buycott is the opposite of a boycott; that is, an active campaign to buy the products or services of a particular company or country.

_____
The ternm is not new, just very usefull!

[betovernetcapper]

Ken-that is too kool

[Indulto]

Buycott
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
A buycott is the opposite of a boycott; that is, an active campaign to buy the products or services of a particular company or country.

_____
The ternm is not new, just very usefull!From Indulto, the free-associating definition contriver:

Apricott – An action contemplated without adequate foresight, planning, and support.
What the American revolution might have been if Sam Adams had been sent to France instead of Ben Franklin.

Foldingcott – An Apricott actually implemented.

[Southieboy]

9 PM ET

[boomman]

I don't know why anybody on this board would be afraid of joining a boycott. If a tracks screws horseplayers around, they deserve to be hammered. Let's not act like a bunch of wimps.:cool:

Putting your money into a place like ALB won't necessarily punish WO and TrackNet. This isn't the old days were bettors handle one track at a time. Many of us deal with dozens.

Rook: I can certainly assure you that I'm not a wimp when it comes to this issue, but being well respected in the business for 30 years, I can tell you that even as a horseplayer who's in the same boat as the rest of you, I'm not comfortable with boycotting, when procotting IMHO will be just (if not more) effective. If we play certain tracks and stay away from others (which I am already doing personally) and do it as a GROUP, I can assure you we will accomplish what we are setting out to do! Putting a positive "spin" on any endeavor in my experience usually makes it more likely to succeed!:)

Boomer

[Hammerhead]

Can't make it to the discussion tonight. Bed time for Bonzo but I will read the transcrip tomorrow and hope you all can come up with a resonable and fair decision. I for one do not like the current selfish way ADW's are run.
Like you all say nothing for the betters greed for everyone else. Give em hell and I'll support a good decision.

[ArlJim78]

I have to applaud you guys. There are some great ideas presented here by some sharp creative people. I'm on board to help whichever way it goes.

I do agree with chickenhead that its worth taking the time to perfect, mold, and market whatever IT turns out to be, rather than rushing it. Getting it right means everything.

[DJofSD]

this is just a suggestion....take your time, I don't see the rush in this. Need to be able to articulate exactly why XYZ should happen (boycott/procott, etc), why it is good for the average player, what the goal is, and then go about getting support for it from as many people as possible.

The most important thing is that whatever is done is effective, not that it happens immediately.

I agree 100%.

[michiken]

Along those lines I registered the domain name boycott tracknet. Here is an image for the website.......... :cool:

[betovernetcapper]

Is there anyway that I or like minded people could use that as an avatar? :)

[Kelso]

I'm not comfortable with boycotting, when procotting IMHO will be just (if not more) effective. If we play certain tracks and stay away from others (which I am already doing personally)


Boom,
Doesn't "stay away" mean "boycott?" If so, why should we be bashful about it?

Taking money FROM a track's bank account will do more to get that track's attention ... and cooperation ... than will putting money into some other track's account.

I will enthusiastically support both approaches, but I think both should be used. Both will advance our objectives. But, while we're about it, we should be NOISY ... lest track execs blame their reduced action on the weather ... about the boycotts.

[betovernetcapper]

Kelso-you are a person after my own heart-there is no such thing as a quiet revolution :)

[BillW]

This transcript is from 7:00 PM EDST thru 8:20 PM EDST and is complete and without human error.


http://www.paceadvantage.com/WR_Transcript_082007_1900_2020.html

[Southieboy]

Are we having another one tonight?

[alydar]

JR,
I agree.

Plus boycotttracknet.com is too long for a sign to be pulled by a small aircraft over DMR. ;)

How about LetMeBet.com?


That's great name!!!