PR: NEW HOPE FOR GRAND PRIVE AFFILIATES

[jetset]

I have no way of knowing what goes on in GP offices. All I know is that things started rolling after Warren contacted them.

There may have been dozens of other folk contacting GP, I don't have their phone lines tapped and none of us can possibly know.

I think if you google Grand Prive you will see that they cannot have been comfortable in the situation. So it's likely a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

I really don't see how any of this matters to affiliates. What matters is that they are informed that there is a claim form. I am confident eCOGRA will take it from there, after all, they are an auditing company.

I don't believe I have to spell it out any more than I have already why it is important to CAP to be seen as the main driver and instigator here.

Unfortunately for CAP that is not correct a.f.a.i.a.c.

 

[dominique]

I agree, the situation was brought about mainly by affiliates at large and the never ending protests on all the message boards as well as extensive blacklisting which is to be witnessed all over google.

The who is not what matters here at all, the issue is the what.

What will happen to all the affiliates who do not make visiting message boards a habit?

 

[jetset]

I think way back in this thread Simmo mentioned that he was looking closer into this and was going to speak with Bryan as well. Since these two seem to have an open line of communication with eCogra I am willing to let them speak for me as an affiliate. I am sure since it is the weekend we will not hear much until Monday.

I agree - I think it's high time someone credible contacted eCOGRA instead of all this speculation on the detail.

Let's get some answers from those who are actually and actively involved in this project and not just sitting on the sidelines.

 

[NASHVEGAS]

*Yawn*............A Player Advocate and Casino Watchdog Site, No Way,.........A Mediator Site, Yes Way!........Sticks and Stones, No Problem!!

 

[jetset]

First of all, I have no idea what objections Affiliate Media may or may not have, I am speaking from my own perspective only and only saying what I saw or what I think. I cannot and will not speak for Warren, I am a volunteer moderator at CAP and take care of a message board community.

Secondly, I have voiced my one current concern throughout this thread, and that and only that is my concern at the time:

The GP affiliates have not been contacted and the time to file is running out.

Thirdly, I did send another note to Andrew, and maybe I will hear back on Monday, it's the weekend now.

So I have long stated what my concern is, and there is no point in discussing the issue until we hear from eCOGRA et al. Anything else is pure speculation, and I would rather deal in facts.

Well you could have fooled me, Dom - your earlier posts sounded like a direct channel from Warren and CAP and a deeper involvement than a mere voluntary moderator.

BTW - are you sure on your Microgaming claim a few posts back? Do you have firm information or a name I can check back on?

 

[jetset]

*Yawn*............A Player Advocate and Casino Watchdog, No Way,.........A Mediator Sight, Yes Way!

Very constructive and profound, Nash.

Thanks.....not.

 

[NASHVEGAS]

Very constructive and profound, Nash.

Thanks.....not.

See the edit!..........You are welcome,NOT!

 

[dominique]

Well you could have fooled me, Dom - your earlier posts sounded like a direct channel from Warren and CAP and a deeper involvement than a mere voluntary moderator.

BTW - are you sure on your Microgaming claim a few posts back? Do you have firm information or a name I can check back on?

No idea, I just heard that they were contacted and involved.

If I did have a name, I wouldn't publish it.

When are you going to accept that I could care less about all of that?

How many times do I need to repeat:

The only current issue here is that affiliates have not been contacted and the deadline to file is upon us?

You are creating a very uncomfortable environment for eCPGRA here, I am sure they do not want to step into an argument, and there is no argument here.

I am withdrawing now until we hear something from eCOGRA. If this is going to work for affiliates, everyone needs to cooperate and everyone who can help is appreciated. Somehow we need to find a way to contact all the affected affiliates.

 

[jetset]

No idea, I just heard that they were contacted and involved.

If I did have a name, I wouldn't publish it.

When are you going to accept that I could care less about all of that?

How many times do I need to repeat:

The only current issue here is that affiliates have not been contacted and the deadline to file is upon us?

You are creating a very uncomfortable environment for eCPGRA here, I am sure they do not want to step into an argument, and there is no argument here.

I am withdrawing now until we hear something from eCOGRA. If this is going to work for affiliates, everyone needs to cooperate and everyone who can help is appreciated. Somehow we need to find a way to contact all the affected affiliates.

That really is rich, coming from the person who was the main generator of much of this stuff early on here!

I cannot believe that you seriously consider an "uncomfortable environment" for eCOGRA is created by urging those with questions to clarify direct instead of speculating and looking for the worst in the situation.

That is not involving them in an argument - that is getting at the facts.

 

[luckydabberbingo]

I am just a low dog on the totem poll but I will say thanks to anyone who has cared enough to work on this situation.I am disappointed to see people I have respect for waste time fighting back and forth like school children.I am sure all of you have more important things you can do.

I SPEAK only for myself ,I put my trust in Andy to help in any way he can and he will be the last to ask us to give him credit for his time and efforts.When it comes to auditing there is not many choices in this industry .Ecogra has agreed to try to settle it so we should let them have the time to do that.At the end of the day unless we get paid for the players we sent over the years affiliates will not be happy.

I personally think that Grand Prive should have been forced by Microgaming to do what Tusk did and let another operator buy the assets.If that had happened we would have kept our players and income.Microgaming let them close down affiliate program ,take our commission and remain in business that is a big mistake on their part .

Judy

 

[mojo]

For the past year, the GP campaign has been a group effort. We had jtodd with videos like the hilarious but biting MG country song. AGD rogued them. GAU did a poll. Affiliates themselves rogued them. CM rogued them. Thank you to everyone involved through all these months.

I have written ecogra the following:

Thank you for your attention on this matter.

Could you advise as to how all affiliates are contacted? This came to me because I had
signed up for your newsletter. However, many affiliates have not. With a deadline in
place, I am concerned all affiliates will not benefit. Perhaps you could extend the
deadling?

Thank you for your consideration.

Typo and all.

It's too bad they opted out of having a spokesperson such as Andy. Now we will have to write individually and fill up their mailbox.

As far as CAP, it is out of the picture for me. Unless warren would like to come in himself and add to this discussion.

 

[Tengil]

I am just a low dog on the totem poll but I will say thanks to anyone who has cared enough to work on this situation.I am disappointed to see people I have respect for waste time fighting back and forth like school children.I am sure all of you have more important things you can do.

I SPEAK only for myself ,I put my trust in Andy to help in any way he can and he will be the last to ask us to give him credit for his time and efforts.When it comes to auditing there is not many choices in this industry .Ecogra has agreed to try to settle it so we should let them have the time to do that.At the end of the day unless we get paid for the players we sent over the years affiliates will not be happy.

I personally think that Grand Prive should have been forced by Microgaming to do what Tusk did and let another operator buy the assets.If that had happened we would have kept our players and income.Microgaming let them close down affiliate program ,take our commission and remain in business that is a big mistake on their part .

Judy

TUSK wasnt forced by Microgaming. Casino Rewards negotiated the buy of the casino assets with the liquidators.

The bottomline with GP is that legally they didnt do anything wrong. I dont think it was "right" either but it wasnt illegal so Microgaming couldnt do anything even if they wanted.

On to this subject I think its very interesting from the player side too. It seems that the affiliates when working together is a significant force in online gambling. So the ability for them to make changes in this industry opens up for many possibilities that can be seen as favorable for the playerside too.

 

[luckydabberbingo]

TUSK wasnt forced by Microgaming. Casino Rewards negotiated the buy of the casino assets with the liquidators.

The bottomline with GP is that legally they didnt do anything wrong. I dont think it was "right" either but it wasnt illegal so Microgaming couldnt do anything even if they wanted.

On to this subject I think its very interesting from the player side too. It seems that the affiliates when working together is a significant force in online gambling. So the ability for them to make changes in this industry opens up for many possibilities that can be seen as favorable for the playerside too.

I stand corrected on that point but I hope you guys got the idea.I think Micro gaming could protect affiliates if they want to.Is it in the contract the operators sign?

 

[dominique]

Actually, it was breach of contract. Affiliates were to be paid as long as the respective players were active. That was the contract between GP and affiliates.

But I am much more impressed with this statement:

On to this subject I think its very interesting from the player side too. It seems that the affiliates when working together is a significant force in online gambling. So the ability for them to make changes in this industry opens up for many possibilities that can be seen as favorable for the playerside too

Yessss! Affiliates can definitely carry the message for players! And some do, and more should. And that is one of the things of beauty about Casinomeister - google shows the blacklistings (rogue casinos) that are made here in very good and helpful positions. Plus, the more other affiliate sites join in, the more powerful this becomes in google and the more players are forewarned, even if they don't know where to find rogue lists or black lists yet.

You hit the nail right on the head here imo.

And think about it - players and affiliates together can move mountains. It's just very difficult sometimes to get everyone on the same page.

 

[Tengil]

A question for those who have been involved. Is this the first time affiliates have truly worked together on a large scale?

 

[greedygirl]

A question for those who have been involved. Is this the first time affiliates have truly worked together on a large scale?

Not at all. Probably the biggest movement by affiliates banding together surrounded the use of Gator--highly predatory advertising. Affiliates did an incredible job and were quite successful in their fight.

As to the current issue, I'm hearing a considerable amount of scuttle, via PM's, emails and phone calls. What seems to be a huge concern for many is that BY APPEARANCE, Andy/AGD seems to be somehow aligning himself with Warren and CAP. I must admit, when I heard this, I was quite stunned, as well. Just the notion that Andy A) who is an honest and decent guy and B) was so harmed (well-documented) by CAP would join forces with CAP is quite unsettling.

I have to believe in this situation that Andy has done this with the best intentions and more importantly only with the interest of affiliates in mind. I'd be shocked if I were to find this was any sort of long-term partnership with Warren and CAP.

In this, I do wish Andy had thought to bring in GPWA, GAU and whatever resources are available to help notify affiliates, but again, I'm choosing to believe this is solely an innocent misstep.

 

[dominique]

Andy needs to speak for himself, but I don't see him aligning himself with anyone, this is beyond politics and people are and should and hopefully will be working together to make this happen.

After Warren established contact with GP and Microgaming, he asked AGD whether they would be available to help facilitate this, and of course Andy accepted. And the reason Andy was asked is exactly to avoid the thing from failing just because Warren had helped.

Why does everyone have to bring politics into it? This thread has turned exactly into the bickering I hate so much in this industry.

Can't we just pursue something for the good of all?

I am afraid eCOGRA et al will take one look at this thread and see it as some hostile thing, and there is nothing further from the intent. The intent is COOPERATION and RESOLUTION.

@spiderlegs:

Another example of pulling together was when 888 spammed google and the world. That was successful too.

And in both gator and 888 situations everyone pulled together.

Now hopefully we can focus on trying to get GP affiliates contacted and paid and move on?

I have not heard from Andrew, Bryan and Simmo, do you have any news?

 

[greedygirl]

Why does everyone have to bring politics into it? This thread has turned exactly into the bickering I hate so much in this industry.

Sorry, Dom, but I'm just pointing out what so many people are talking about. I do agree that this shouldn't be about politics, but when something is still so raw as the CAP situation, you shouldn't be surprised that this is becoming a topic of conversation and concern.

I'll say it again...I don't for one moment believe Andy has anything but the best of intentions where affiliates are concerned. If this had been presented as AGD along with CAP, GPWA, GAU, and any other organization or group that comes to mind, I don't believe we'd be having this discussion. I've already said this, but just to reinforce things, I believe this is a misstep, and unfortunately, it's clouding things in a very negative way.

Bottom line: This is the great big elephant in the room and by ignoring it, the background chatter is still going to continue. JMO.

 

[kwblue]

'Politics' is something that I am not and never will be party to. I only care about affiliates (I am one myself). That's it, folks!

For those who are 'egging me on' to make some sort of statement, I'll make it... however, I am very aware of who are making these accusations and I feel it is extremely damaging and very purposefully planned. I am very disappointed in many people at this point... Playing such a political battle is not helping anyone.


Here is my statement:

As I've mentioned several times over and with complete clarity: AGD worked with CAP on the Grand Prive issue in order to ensure that the audit would have been done professionally and with integrity. This was a joint effort which was a good blend of: Warren's good contact and AGD's/my reputation and integrity. Had it worked, then it would have been a successful audit and affiliates would have been paid (Again, this is what I care about).


Future of AGD: I know there are folks who want to 'paint us' as working (or aligning ourselves) with CAP. This is done to cloud our image, only, and there is not a shred of truth in it. We worked together on this 1 project and solely for the benefit of affiliates.

• AGD is not and never will be funded by CAP or Affiliate Media.
• AGD is not and never will be funded by GPWA or Casino City.
• AGD is not and never will be funded by APCW.
  
• AGD/Andy/ME is in control of EVERYTHING that is AffiliateGuardDog.com. Nobody else owns any part of it nor has any directorship abilities. All decisions are 100% mine and always will be.

I hope this is clear enough. If you have any doubts or people are 'bending your ear' to believe we are anything other than we are..... please contact me. I am an easy person to talk to and will always be upfront and honest. Ask around It's who I am.

You can contact me anytime at:

Old Attachment (Invalid)

 

[greedygirl]

Thanks, Andy--hopefully this should calm things down.

 

[bonustreak]

I hope this is clear enough. If you have any doubts or people are 'bending your ear' to believe we are anything other than we are..... please contact me. I am an easy person to talk to and will always be upfront and honest. Ask around It's who I am.

Easy as can be and I have learned over the years that Andy is always someone that will never bend his ethics or be dishonest just to make a buck. I believe everything he said about how this all went down and I know he had no intentions but to help all affiliates get back what was stolen from him, this is the whole essence of AGD and why it is in existence, to help and stand by affiliates.

I support and stand behind Andy although I would not want to be him right now..lol SORRY had to say it

Debbs you only posted what I am sure many were thinking or wondering so not that all is answered we can all enjoy or evening what is left of it that is.

 

[mojo]

I must be living in a cave or out of the loop lol. I didn't hear these rumours.
I didn't think Andy had any motives except to help with GP. I did feel that AGD was being used by CAP for it's integrity. CAP was definately a poor choice here, no question no matter how you spin it, the aff world is not ready for cap again. That should be respected. There was just to much damage there and that is not the affiliates fault.

Regardless, I never felt Andy had alternative agendas! Don't we just love politics lol. JMO as an average aff.

Meanwhile, I haven't heard back yet from ecogra on this mail I sent Sunday. Will post when I get a response.

Thank you for your attention on this matter.

Could you advise as to how all affiliates are contacted? This came to me because I had
signed up for your newsletter. However, many affiliates have not. With a deadline in
place, I am concerned all affiliates will not benefit. Perhaps you could extend the
deadling?

Thank you for your consideration.

 

[dominique]

Finally the air is cleared and we can concentrate on the real matter at hand.

It would be real nice to hear a response regarding contacting GP affiliates to let them know there is a claim form?

 

[Casinomeister]

One thing that is bugging me is how some people are trying to make CAP to be some sort of website that is looking out for affiliates. It's not. It's strictly a profit driven company that is there to serve its own needs. Or have we forgotten this? Take this situation for example.

When eCOGRA announced what they were doing, all CAP could come up with is a Press Release that smacked of spitefulness. They couldn't get beyond the fact that they didn't get a piece of pie. Their words to their members? "Good luck to all Grand Priv Affiliates!"

Eh? Some help that was.

Did they announce this to their database - giving their MEMBERS the link to file a claim?? No. They sat on their hands. Sure, a thread popped up in their forum where a member posted a link, but that was it. I'm sure CAP still has their forum user's emails - and it would take no more that 10 minutes to churn out a mass email to anyone who ever had an account there. Shame on CAP for putting politics ahead of their members and ex-members for that matter.

I have around 200 registered active webmasters in this forum, and around 350 subscribed to the Meister Wire - our webmaster newsletter. I've sent PMs to all these folks and sent out a newsletter blast already because I give a flying rat's ass. It would be nice to see others take the same initiative.

... The great majority of affiliates do NOT visit the ecogra site or any message boards. They need to be notified by mail that claims can be submitted.

And this is based on what? I feel you are mistaken when you say that "a great majority" of affiliates don't visit message boards. How do you know this? I would tend to believe this is the opposite. Especially when there are two large boards that cater to affiliates - CAP and GPWA.

Sorry, but Warren was the ONLY person I knew of that still had a way to contact Grand Prive at all. Over a year had passed and no one managed to do it. It was time, and he DID set all this in motion. And it is not an action that will get him kudos from affiliate programs - they won't come flocking to CAP, quite the opposite. He took a stand for affiliates..

If he's taking a stand for affiliates, why hasn't CAP used what they have at their disposal to notify their members. A number of people - myself included - have direct access to GP operators BTW.

...I have not heard from Andrew, Bryan and Simmo, do you have any news?

Yes, I spoke with Andrew today and it looks good. They are working on contacting affiliates and we have discussed extending the deadline. We'll see what happens.

 

[dominique]

Yes, I spoke with Andrew today and it looks good. They are working on contacting affiliates and we have discussed extending the deadline. We'll see what happens.

That is wayyyy cool and all I ever wanted.

Thanks!