But and this is extremely important, we also need the players on our side to achieve this. Creating a union headed up by affiliates who promote places like cool cat and other virtual clip joints, is not going to get any credibility or support from the player community.
Speaking as a player Webz, thank you for stating this. I would be more than willing to throw my full support behind any organization that not only factors player issues into the equation, but one that actually puts player concerns and issues at the forefront.
Honestly, I was excited when I read about this venture...until I got to Gamtrak's name, and then read about her having a media buy with Gambling Wages. No way in hell would I ever support any organization whose founding members accept money from a company who have built their business on years of ripping off players.
The concept is something that I have held as the "ideal" for many years now...a group of people donating their time, completely free of charge, and not making a penny in sponsorship fees, commissions, etc. Needless to say I was always hoping I would see it done in the player sector, but I thought this would be a great start. Especially if the AU were willing to listen to players, and give some weight to player experiences in relation to what constitututes a good affiliate program. What does it matter how good an affy program is...if the casino(s) that program represents make their money by ripping off players?
As has been mentioned before, we could debate all day on what constitutes a rogue casino..but when it comes to Virtual, I think all debate is pointless. They are the "standard" for rogue, and NO webmaster/affiliate who wants to be seen as ethical, should be promoting them.
I really think for something like this to be successful, you need to have at least part of the player community behind you, as Webz stated. The mess with Grand Prive beginning of this year, really showed me just how far apart the player and affiliate communities are in their thinking. Let me state right from the start, that I completely sympathize with the affiliates. I believe they were the victims of the old FU type clause, that has been used on players for years. I think what GP did to them is shameful. However, all that being said....where were all these affiliates when GP were pulling some of their shady shit on players MUCH prior to the closure of their affy accounts? Bryan rogued them back in 2006...but I don't remember seeing another high profile webmaster doing the same. Webz, Simmo..correct me if I'm wrong, because I very well could be. Point is though, they are now universally condemned for what they did to the affiliates (and correctly so)...but where is this outrage and solidarity when players get screwed over?
How can someone in one breath condemn GP, and call for their heads on a platter...and at the same time, have a huge flashing banner for Cirrus Casino on their homepage? How can you in one breath ask players to support them by not playing at a place such as GP, while at the same time, setting them up to be fleeced at the biggest criminal joint on the web? It is hypocrisy at its finest, and I will NEVER be on board with that. So, until both players and affiliates start working together for the common good, and making their goal the betterment of the industry in general, I don't see anything changing anytime soon. If affiliates want player support for their cause, then they had better start putting the players concerns and issues at the top of the list when it comes to making a list of criteria, of what makes a reputable casino/affiliate program.
Today's view lists Cirrus and Cool Cat on the front page.
- I am a moderator on the forum and do not get paid for my occasional input here. Yes Bryan is a friend of mine and yes I considered it an honour to be asked to help out. However there is no hidden agenda. Indeed, I post my opinions and my opinions only on here. Bryan was not aware of my intention to start this thread and I post representing my views and my views only. 
