taking time off

[elkang 0]

Nice post Harry! Always telling it as you see it. But, realistically it seems that there will not be much change. Still, a list should be made and a decision made on the goals and which methods are to be used.If tomato workers in FL can win over Yum Brands (Taco Bell/KFC) then surely wiley poker players have hope against corporate casinos.The thing is poker players are less geared for cooperative group activity, but I'm sure they can adapt.

[Guest Anonymous]

I don't know why but I'm having a hard time sympathizing with a lot of the pros complaints. Horrible "working" conditions? Walk around any major city and start asking around and see if you have the worst of it on a daily basis. Crowded, noisy, no privacy..... ever been in a cube farm? Long walk from the parking lot....you're kidding me right?And since when did playing in poker tournaments become a right and not a privilege? The casino is a legalized gambling institution providing whatever services it so chooses to its customers in any form it wishes. If you don't like it, go somewhere else. A casino's business is to rip people off while "entertaining" them. Don't be surprised if they don't care about you at all and treat you the same as the guy blowing his life savings on the roulette wheel in the other room.It's always a shame to see that it holds true that the more one has the more they take for granted.

[yeffy 0]

I don't know why but I'm having a hard time sympathizing with a lot of the pros complaints. Horrible "working" conditions? Walk around any major city and start asking around and see if you have the worst of it on a daily basis. Crowded, noisy, no privacy..... ever been in a cube farm? Long walk from the parking lot....you're kidding me right?And since when did playing in poker tournaments become a right and not a privilege? The casino is a legalized gambling institution providing whatever services it so chooses to its customers in any form it wishes. If you don't like it, go somewhere else. A casino's business is to rip people off while "entertaining" them. Don't be surprised if they don't care about you at all and treat you the same as the guy blowing his life savings on the roulette wheel in the other room.It's always a shame to see that it holds true that the more one has the more they take for granted.

Then why are so many other property's tournaments run so much better. Bellagio offers amazing structures with 2X your buy-in starting stacks and nice slow levels. Tunica treats the players like gold, amazing free buffet and cheap rooms. Commerce, Foxwoods, Bay 101, Borgata. All places that take great care of the players and listen to their needs. I have even heard of one or two occasions where players requested the blind structure be changed and the staff complied.Why shouldn't what is supposed to be the biggest and best tournament in the world be run like this? The WSOP used to be every players favorite for these very reasons: structures, hospitality, event staff, action. Sounds like Harrahs is dumping that all down the drain.

[Guest Anonymous]

Then why are so many other property's tournaments run so much better.

Because they choose to. Not because they are obliged to. Their motives are still profit-oriented, they're just doing a much better job. Smiling and giving you a warm hug while trying to pick your pocket.

[Secretariat 0]

I think Daniel is suffering from what I read about that frequently happened to US Open winners in golf. The noteriety and committments that come with being US Open champ usually has a tremendously negative effetc on their golf game. Daniel is suffering from the over exposure of his great 2004 and the effects on his game are obvious!Good luck Daniel, go play poker!!

[Rowdy 0]

I really don't feel that my comments will matter one way or another to most of you but I wanted to add my perspective coming from an amateur who experienced their first WSOP this year. My friends and I drove all the way from Durango, Colorado to play in this year's WSOP Ladies Tournament. We had a blast, we enjoyed the Rio and thought that for the HUGE number of players, which grew by leaps and bounds compared with previous years, that the tournament directors, the hosts, and the Rio Casino in general did a FANTASTIC JOB with all the chaos that they had to deal with. You know, celebrities in general have learned that with their star power comes obligations to fans....and although I am sure this added stress on Daniel and all the other top CELEBRITY POKER PLAYERS can be at times disconcerting and bothersome, I really think that they need to put into perspective that they have brought this on themselves. They want us all to BUY THEIR GAMES, to support their websites, to purchase all their other promotional products, but then it really seems like a slap in the face when Daniel takes on his attitude in his post that the FANS ARE BOTHERING HIM, that the Rio is running things poorly, on and on. I approached over 16 top poker players to either chat with them, get their autograph, etc. NOT ONE OF THEM acted disturbed, disrupted, or bothered. However, I guarantee after reading Daniel's post that I would not have approached him for any REASON. This is sad, because until that post about people bothering him, he was probably my VERY FAVORITE poker player, but now I feel that he has gotten a "little too big for his britches". I think they he needs to remember that he ASKED to become this big by putting his fingers into so "many publicity pies" and so therefore he needs to be gracious about his fortune and fame.....Ironically, I met up with Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan (the very day he won his bracelet), Phil Ivey (the day before he won his), Eric Seidel, Erik Lindgren, Paul Darden, Howard Lederer, Amir Vahedi, Julian Gardner, John Juanda, Kathy Leibert, Barry Greenstein, and Greg Raymer. Not only were all these players wonderfully gracious, most of them joked with us, found out where were from, and made the entire experience wonderfully rewarding. I must say that Greg Raymer is my pick to win this year, not only is he a remarkable player, but let me tell you, he is one kind wonderful gracious humble man....Doyle Brunson sat and spoke with us for over 30 minutes and I don't think that anyone can argue that he is not the most highly regarded player in all of poker, so why is he so approachable when others are becoming "too big for their britches"?I guess my point is that maybe those poker players that are unapproachable (like Phil Hellmuth) due to his POKER TANTRUMS and his fame and notoriety...well it is sad to see that maybe all this poker FAME is creating more POKER BRATS like Phil. I never thought I would see the day when anyone would be compared to Phil Hellmuth's attitude, especially not Daniel....but if the shoe fits....

[Shadow 0]

Good to hear that you had a great time.I hope to make my first WSOP maybe next year. But even if I don't play I will try to be there.What you told about the pros and how approachable they are is an experience that many others had too. I'm lucky that it is that way and that most of them try to be available for their fans.But don't forget that they still fight for a lot of money and a bracelet that can yield in even more money.All those you mentioned had at least some success at this years WSOP.So far Daniel had (for whatever reason) the worst of it. It should be somewhat understandable that he is a little more stressed than others. And even the nicest guy may have his bad minutes.Bottom line: I'm happy that they are approchable but they also have the right to decide that it is the wrong time now and that they aren't available for their fans right now. In that case we just have to accept it (without need of any explanation). Respect on both sides is needed to keep the balance...Shadow

[HarryDemetriou 0]

I don't know why but I'm having a hard time sympathizing with a lot of the pros complaints. Horrible "working" conditions? Walk around any major city and start asking around and see if you have the worst of it on a daily basis. Crowded, noisy, no privacy..... ever been in a cube farm? Long walk from the parking lot....you're kidding me right?And since when did playing in poker tournaments become a right and not a privilege? The casino is a legalized gambling institution providing whatever services it so chooses to its customers in any form it wishes. If you don't like it, go somewhere else. A casino's business is to rip people off while "entertaining" them. Don't be surprised if they don't care about you at all and treat you the same as the guy blowing his life savings on the roulette wheel in the other room.It's always a shame to see that it holds true that the more one has the more they take for granted.

I must take exception to this post as I feel it is not comparing like with like or drawing proper analogies.Of course I am very lucky in that I can afford to play poker as a hobby which to date has been very enjoyable and very good to me in that it has more than paid it's way but to say " since when did playing in poker tournaments become a right and not a privilege?" is sadly very wide of the mark as is your final comment "It's always a shame to see that it holds true that the more one has the more they take for granted." Put simply if I pay for something I expect something back in return as in every other area of life where I am the customer seeking a service or product.Certainly there are 1 or 2 individuals who may well fit your description but imo they are the exception rather than the rule but there is (I concede) an element of truth to thinking that those involved in gambling may well devalue money or become desensitised to it's value.I fully understand how tough everyday life can be for the overwhelming majority of people who have to go to work every day so that they can earn just enough to pay the bills and feed themselves and their family and have little or nothing left over (and believe me I have been there before and for many years too) but this is not the point that is being raised.Harrah's are the ones that should feel privileged or honoured in that we have chosen to pay them to put on the WSOP.We pay them handsomely and I honestly believe that we are entitled to something in return....namely an input into how things are run because we pay for everything.It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

[HangukMiguk 8]

We pay them handsomely and I honestly believe that we are entitled to something in return....namely an input into how things are run because we pay for everything.It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

Very well said.

[sdevilgal 0]

We pay them handsomely and I honestly believe that we are entitled to something in return....namely an input into how things are run because we pay for everything.It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

Very well said.

I agree. Thanks Harry.

[chuckf410 0]

It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

Well then the solution is easy isn't it? Don't go back to that restaurant. If you and the other 'celebrety' pros are that unhappy do something about it. Don't enter the events. The glitz and reputation of the WSOP comes from the history of the event. Drawing in 'the best of the best'. If that is no longer true, the event goes by the wayside, and something else will be the defining game of the year.

[elkang 0]

It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

Well then the solution is easy isn't it? Don't go back to that restaurant. If you and the other 'celebrety' pros are that unhappy do something about it. Don't enter the events. The glitz and reputation of the WSOP comes from the history of the event. Drawing in 'the best of the best'. If that is no longer true, the event goes by the wayside, and something else will be the defining game of the year.

Sorry chuck your solution doesn't work. And as I recall you were unsympathetic to players who got caught up in poker raids too.

[HarryDemetriou 0]

Unfortunately the solution is not an easy one and yes I along with many others are trying to do something about it by talking to the highest ranking poker officials at Harrahs's that we can find.The bottom line, however, is that our comments seem to be falling on deaf ears.Long term the WSOP will suffer because I feel certain that many players will eventually boycott these events in favour of other more enjoyable ones such as the WPT. Hopefully we as players will be spoilt for choice and eventually there will be more legitimate rivals to the WSOP and it will be displaced as the premier series of events.Being complacent will be there downfall in the same way that other industries and companies get overtaken by rivals when they take their customer base for granted and is a beneficial result of competition and free enterprise.

[Jordan 1]

Something that has bugged me a lot in my life is the stupid people of this world. Oh yea, and their obsession with "celebs".WHO CARES WHO DANIEL N. IS?He plays poker. That womans post really made me laugh as she listed off like 20 poker players name and how they all "spoke to her for 30 minutes". Wow.I personally do not like approaching famous "figures" because I attempt to put myself in thier shoes. Would I want to be approached 24/7? No. Do I really need to go up to this "rock star" "movie star" etc, and get an autograph and gush at thier body? No.We are all the same but man, talk about idolatry.And I'm really not judging here, but I am. I just think it's rediculous that these stars "have" to put up with this crap. Maybe I'm in the minority but if I see some famous guy walking around, I'm walking right by him as well. I don't go up to other random people, why should I bother with a "star". Just seems kinda pointless, and it aggravates me to read about people who think the "celebs" owe it to them. They don't.- Jordanwith this being said...i probably would approach a real "celeb" but I don't think that would have anything to do with so called "american" popularity. Maybe someone who actually did something special with their life and great influences on another. Not strum an instrument, or win a stupid poker tournament, or be a great athlete. Yea, those are glorious things, but nothing to be so hyped up about. blah blah.oh my edit..i just thought of a random name i would approach...bono of u2, that's a guy i would love to speak with.

[SapphireTiger 0]

Something that has bugged me a lot in my life is the stupid people of this world. Oh yea, and their obsession with "celebs".WHO CARES WHO DANIEL N. IS?He plays poker. That womans post really made me laugh as she listed off like 20 poker players name and how they all "spoke to her for 30 minutes". Wow.I personally do not like approaching famous "figures" because I attempt to put myself in thier shoes. Would I want to be approached 24/7? No. Do I really need to go up to this "rock star" "movie star" etc, and get an autograph and gush at thier body? No.We are all the same but man, talk about idolatry.And I'm really not judging here, but I am. I just think it's rediculous that these stars "have" to put up with this crap. Maybe I'm in the minority but if I see some famous guy walking around, I'm walking right by him as well. I don't go up to other random people, why should I bother with a "star". Just seems kinda pointless, and it aggravates me to read about people who think the "celebs" owe it to them. They don't.- Jordanwith this being said...i probably would approach a real "celeb" but I don't think that would have anything to do with so called "american" popularity. Maybe someone who actually did something special with their life and great influences on another. Not strum an instrument, or win a stupid poker tournament, or be a great athlete. Yea, those are glorious things, but nothing to be so hyped up about. blah blah.oh my edit..i just thought of a random name i would approach...bono of u2, that's a guy i would love to speak with.

funnily enough, out of your entire post, these sentence made the most sense.

[Jordan 1]

well..i mean..i wasn't like trying to to be a jerk or anything..but whatever.im just sick of people in general getting pissy when a "celeb" doesn't acknowledge them...or "whatever".Get over it, is it really a big deal?It shoudln't be, should it?- Jordan

[chuckf410 0]

It is like going into a restaurant and ordering a $50 (say) meal. I expect that the food itself costs $10, the ambience another $10, the staff another $10, $10 for the facilities and the remainder for the owner.I want VALUE FOR MONEY and this does not mean I do not expect or begrudge them from making a profit.If I buy a car I expect to buy a car and not a tin can with four wheels.All my fellow players and I pay for EVERYTHING and get very little back in return for the entry and staff fee deductions and this is the point that is being raised.

Well then the solution is easy isn't it? Don't go back to that restaurant. If you and the other 'celebrety' pros are that unhappy do something about it. Don't enter the events. The glitz and reputation of the WSOP comes from the history of the event. Drawing in 'the best of the best'. If that is no longer true, the event goes by the wayside, and something else will be the defining game of the year.

Sorry chuck your solution doesn't work. And as I recall you were unsympathetic to players who got caught up in poker raids too.

Could you elaborate on why the solution doesn't work? What about the solution is an invalid idea?And yeah, I was unsympathetic, but that is a totally different situation. Why did you even bother to bring that uip here?

[Guest Anonymous]

I must take exception to this post as I feel it is not comparing like with like or drawing proper analogies.Put simply if I pay for something I expect something back in return as in every other area of life where I am the customer seeking a service or product.Harrah's are the ones that should feel privileged or honoured in that we have chosen to pay them to put on the WSOP.We pay them handsomely and I honestly believe that we are entitled to something in return....namely an input into how things are run because we pay for everything.

I think we have hit the nail on the head right here.It would appear there is some confusion over what it is you are "paying" for. Yes, you are technically a customer. But you are paying Harrah's in order to have them provide a forum in which you can take the money of others. That is it. I think it is clear that the World Series, due to vast commercialization, is not the same type of contest it once was. There are three main points you do not seem to grasp:1 - Logistics : there will always be problems when attempting to accomodate an unknown, potentially unbounded number of people over a period of over 40 days. During this hectic time, the casino's goal is to make as much money as possible. If you believe anything else than you are naive. Their willingness to immediately respond to your complaints will be a direct function of the percentage of their customer base they believe you represent, and the amount of additional revenue they hope they can generate from you.2 - Ego: This is no longer a small, intimate tournament comprised of only highly skilled players that will undisputably crown the world champion. Many people are still overglorifying the significance of this tournament, and additionally, their role in it. In any business or context, any complaint that begins with "In my day...." or "Back in the year XXXX it was like this..." is immediately disregarded and attributed to be the rantings of one who cannot cope with a changing environment over which he has no control.3 - Attitude: Why are you there? Just to make money? The persuit of pure profit never makes anyone happy regardless of the circumstances. Unless they get it. And all the bracelet winners seem to be short on complaints after cashing their checks. Glory? Excuse me while I try to stop laughing. Still can't answer......maybe talk to one of the thousands of hobby players who had a great time visiting this year's World Series.Yes, Harrah's, and the Rio are not doing a fantastic job. Their motivation of pure profit has been unearthed. "Pros" are disillusioned with the whole World Series.Suck it up.Adapt.And if you're as good as you think you are you'll leave town with more money than you came to visit with. That's the point, isn't it? Whether or not you enjoy yourself while doing it is entirely up to you.

[greatwhite 0]

I know he was having a hard time, but I don't think he should of given up. I believe he has shown great weakness in taking a break from this event.