What Makes A Good Casino Newsletter?

[Petunia]

**Sylc shure. **

 

[silcnlayc]

Too funny Petunia!

I actually got 2nd place ($50) this week in the game of Archie's seaching for the answer. Really do enjoy thier weekly games in the newsletter.

 

[Petunia]

**Sylc, which brings me to another 'issue'. I like doing games, puzzles and the such (yeah yeah yeah, bored housewife, I know) ... Would you say it is the challenge of the game, the bonus or both that keeps you happy - or the content of the newsletter. I personally read Archie every so often... *grin* and since i don't care for the bonus or 'prizes' (as i am not into wagering requirements etc) I do read the content of the letter.. and have always wondered if ANYONE really wins! Good to see that you did! There are a few more letters from this group that I do enjoy though, but I guess it is all a matter of personal taste! Should the casinos have more interactive things too? Like Fortune Lounge's 'coffee break' editions? I LOVE those... **

 

[Zarathustra]

Interesting Results So Far....

Have to say I am in love with that poll you have set up... every morning I am checking up to see how many people have voted. So far the results are as one would expect, Bonuses are the biggest attraction!!!

But the stats speak for themselves so I suppose I need not go into an in depth commentary... all I can say is come on guys and gals on the casinomeister forum vote vote vote and let the industry know what you think and want from it in terms of newsletter based entertainment.

Once again to everyone out there who has voted so far thanks... this is all fascinating and inspiring stuff!!!

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[The Dude]

yeah yeah yeah, bored housewife, I know...

Hmmm...I've heard about them.

Sometimes when I'm away, Vortran takes the helm, and he includes weird links and things. And being the ex-professor (that I am), I have a reading assignment lined up when I come back to ensure that my dedicated readers are doing just that: paying attention and reading the newsletter.

Readers who submit the correct answers are awarded cash prizes or whatnots.

Here is an example of Vortran's newsletter:
https://www.casinomeister.com/static/newsletter/2005/16june2005.html

Here is the contest:
https://www.casinomeister.com/static/newsletter/2005/30june2005.html

 

[Zarathustra]

Lol Vortran and Spot The Difference...

Hahah Vortran... sounds like my kind of guy... "robotically yours"- genius!

Seriously though that spot the difference competition is definitely the most exhilirating experience I have had this morning... if anyone reading this hasnt tried to get their head round that puzzle check it out!

It must be nice to be able let your creativity run riot in your newsletters...

Thus spoke Zarathustra

 

[Vegasking]

The Casinomeister writes the only newsletter on the planet that I acually read. You know what you are doing dear Sir.

Keep up the POWER!

 

[maxfalcon]

Good points everyone.

I would like to bring an observation and question in this thread, which diverges a bit from the original question. It's related to technical stuff (newsletter delivery). How much players know that they can receive newsletters and other great stuff via RSS (with readers), while at the same time, avoid all spam and everything that is messing your email inbox?

Newsletters are very often delivered by email, and very rare are people using RSS, a few consumers crossed the line (apart webmasters). RSS can really simplify your life, when it comes to reading the stuff that interests you.

So, do you know what is RSS? Do you receive newsletters and/or content/news via RSS?

PS: I wrote an article about RSS highlighting their advantages, if sir Bryan allows me, I can post some parts here. I believe in this format, because it removes all spam & privacy problems (with emails) for consumers.

 

[dominique]

I am guilty of putting out an irregular newsletter - very irreegular issues. So, while I always end up rambling about this or that, I also try to make some content that will be useful for some time to come.

I really need to get regular with it again, I was enjoying writing it when I did it every weekend.

 

[rudepete]

Spearmaster

Hey you, I just checked out your site and signed up for your newsletter and I just about died laughing(get it) when I read "The Doctor's Pool". I had to copy it and send to my friends. Great site.

Pete

 

[The Dude]

...PS: I wrote an article about RSS highlighting their advantages, if sir Bryan allows me, I can post some parts here. I believe in this format, because it removes all spam & privacy problems (with emails) for consumers.

If it's webmasterly, I'd prefer it in the webmaster section. But if you feel it's good for general audiences - feel free to either start a new thread or post exceprts here. Thanks!

 

[maxfalcon]

Yes, it's general audience oriented. I will start a new thread and post some parts of the article. Hopefully it will help some persons to understand what RSS is.

 

[Zarathustra]

Vote People Vote

Greetings one all

Well I have been checking in on the thread over the past few days and it seems to have ground to a halt... time to inject a little life.

Well first up the results are very interesting, I am a little dissapointed that players are not that interested in feature type articles relating to the history of casino games etc. Personally that is what i find most entertaining, however it is understandable that players are most interested in news immediately relevant to their prefferred casinos and the industry.

A poll of 36 is useful, however it would be nice if more people voted, i hope casinomeister will keep the poll going for a while as i am sure more people will contribute over time.

thanks all

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

 

[dominique]

I agree, this is a great way players can influence what is available to them. I am all ears here too.

 

[Petunia]

** Hey guys, I find it intriguing that so much energy can be spend on complaining. I understand that one is more passionate about loosing money, yet it would seem that this poll is being supported by those who really wish to make a difference, yet, hardly ever have complained!
It is kind of ironic dont you think? Other than that, I am very pleased to see that some took time to voice their interests, or at least add it to the total. I have it on good authority that some of my favourite casinos are watching this thread with GREAT interest! So, honestly, I maintain. If you dont vote, or make your voice heard.. then you should take what comes your way in the form of a newsletter. **

 

[vinylweatherman]

View

I don't think any casino that stops all bonuses and comps will get very far. They don't have the option to give comps in the form of hospitality as B&M casinos can, so have to resort to the bonus method. Often these bonuses are badly designed, and allow too much "mechanical extraction" simply by setting Autoplay and going to bed. This is not really satisfying the need for entertainment, but is giving away money. The best model is to have a different type of promotion on each promotional day. One could be a deposit match, another could be a cashback on losses. There could be tournaments where prizes are awarded for achieving something (such as the new Slotjunkies program) - and they should be designed to prevent "whales" from being able to win them all. They could design really challenging events involving play that the "autoplay brigade" will not be able to master. Events should require the player to actually think for themselves, not follow a set recipe from bonuswhores.com The casinos on their part should not punish players who make minor slipups by confiscating everything, and should be absolutely certain before labelling a player as a "cheat" and then treating them like mud when they try to defend themselves.
Perhaps the best way to fund bonuses is to fund them from a predefined pot reflecting profit already made, and then work out the likely hit on a worst case scenario (100% takeup and all from bonuswhores.com). The casino will not come to grief from a bad promo, but will simply offer something with less exposure the next time to balance the books. Players will accept that the offers will vary and will not expect a fantastic give-away each week.

As for the other aspects of a casino newsletter, items about game history tend to appear in general gambling publications, so anything of this nature should be casino specific.
There should be a section on technical issues that have been brought to the attention of the helpdesk, and notes on how to resolve them. Use should be made of reference links to detailed resolutions for those affected to prevent the newsletter becoming too long.

To round it off there should be a bit of humour, an article about an exceptional win if one has occurred, and please, publish the results of any competitions, tournaments, draws etc that have been completed since the last newsletter.

Any giveaway bonus should be near the end, so readers do at least have to eyeball the thing, even if they don't read it! The layout should be fairly consistent, and the newsletter should be easily identifiable with the readers own membership of the brand it is promoting to distinguish it from affiliate spam that might look like a promotional mailer.

 

[maxlevine]

I'm interested in personal views. In a weekly newsletter, I expect an article about an event, product/service or establishment with the author's opinion on the subject. And once a month, or in a monthly newsletter, links to different articles/threads.

Max

 

[Petunia]

**Hey Vinyl & Max! Vinyl, you summed the whole thing up very nicely here, and I would like to add just one little thing. Promotions are good to have, some casinos does not give anything in the form of 'a bonus' but they do have very good promotions, and you are right! Without them (and not just in this industry, in pretty much ANY industry) there would be a bit of a 'dry spell' for the casinos.

I think the industry is chaning to the point where nobody wants to be bombarded by the same crap all the time. Like Vinyl said
" There could be tournaments where prizes are awarded for achieving something " - THIS is a very good sugestion. It will [eventaully] build a good solid communication foundation and interaction between the players and the casino.
It is easy enough, like Max suggested, to have links to threads and other newsletters. How many of the casinos that you play at, are partnered here with Casino Meister for instance? With permission [of course] why not SHOW us that you ARE paying attention to the gripes, growing pains and even compliments from this forum (and others!) by merely referring to a thread on this board?
There are many things that's being adressed here, from Neteller issues to the last/latest conference, and games releases! Bloody hell, the webmasters of this board does their best to 'keep it clean' - WHY NOT educate your players by LETTING THEM KNOW you are pro-active, and that help is on hand by merely reading this board and others?
Anyways.... Ranting again. Sorry. I like your post Vinyl, it seems like you have put a LOT of thought into it... I DO hope there are reps paying attention... maybe more will also participate or ask THEIR questions to be answered PUBLICALLY. Just a thought. Use it, don't use it. **