Regarding the "Sportsbook Discussion" threads

[Mudcat]

This is something I've been doing about 3 times a week for 2-3 months now. The purpose is to promote the exchange of information which I think is a good thing. However there has been a problem.

Not too sure anymore about the sportsbook of the day theme, or whatever it is now. Not after Actionbets, which I hadn't even heard of until reading the good review here, and which could be on the verge of walking away with a good chunk of my cash. This is not why I came to this forum.

Mudcat, I'm sorry to say, but in my view you're beginning to undermine the credibility of this place.

To clarify for those not in the loop. Like most, I came here in a search fo reliable bookmakers. How ironic that, after SBR gains my trust, one of its reps introduces me to one of the most unreliable books one could imagine...

Am I pissed? You better believe it.

I would like to have the thoughts of the community on what has happened and how to proceed. Here are my thoughts right now:

I could discontinue the threads.

If I continue with them, I will definitely use an expanded disclaimer. I've already got the SBR rating in there but I could and would say more about that.

I could still do the threads but not put my own assessments in them. Even though I just see myself as another player putting in his 2 cents, the fact I'm a moderator may make it seem bigger.

Or I could continue to comment but then put more about who I am and who I'm not in the disclaimer.

Or someone else could do them.

Or we could change the format and have a set list of dimensions and just fill in the facts from book-to-book and stay away from opinions.

I don't know. I feel sick about it and the fact I have money in AB is not the reason.

Any discussion?

[Dark Horse]

Don't worry about it. This challenge came out of left field.

Personally I wouldn't have played with Actionbets if it hadn't been for, what I perceived as, a strong lean towards recommendation. However, it still was my decision to do so.

Perhaps stay away from discussing, and opening the door to, C books (and lower), which is something I already knew, but apparently had to learn again. They're not worth the aggravation. If they can make it to B, great. If not, too bad. Why take on their problems and growing pains?

[isetcap]

Let's keep them going. I think it's a great way to get quality information from the posters who are willing to share their knowledge. Within these threads, on at least 2 occasions I have been able to find the answers to difficult questions, and since SBR only provides reviews of its top books, I think the discussion is vital. In light of the recent situation, I would suggest that no "approvals" be given, just straight facts.

[BadAzz]

I've really liked these threads and it would be sad to see them discontinued. Whenever possible, I also share my experiences. I also enjoy the discussions on lower rated books. Maybe a stronger disclaimer and a reminder of the risk involved would be enough.

[David]

I enjoy reading the "sportsbook discussion" threads. Keep 'em coming. Just make sure you let readers know that these books are not necessarily endorsed by SBR.

[tacomax]

Keep 'em coming, Mudcat. Although joining a new book should always be treated as caveat emptor, it wouldn't hurt to stick a disclaimer at the bottom of the post to repeat the SBR line of only sticking to the set of recommended books.

[BigDog]

Keep'em coming.....views and opinions from others are always good to read

[Mudcat]

I just re-read what I posted here and it seems almost like I'm looking for pity. Yeesh. Sorry about that.

Thanks for the thoughts. Some of them are obviously in disagreement (i.e. Perhaps stay away from discussing, and opening the door to, C books (and lower) versus I also enjoy the discussions on lower rated books.) But I'm glad some people are liking the general concept and I'll see if I can do some tweaking and move forward.

And obviously I hope ActionBets gets their shit together.

[pags11]

I like the threads as well...we can talk about the good and bad points of a book...

[tacomax]

and add meaningless comments...

[natrass]

Dark Horse is right. Its a discussion ... thats all. Hell, if I jumped into every book that i read a few good/indifferent comments about Id be here with moans all the time.

But, that said, im just here for the in-fighting .. I dont actually gamble at all so maybe my opinion isnt the most important one.

[Illusion]

Changing the title was the biggest key. Calling it "sportsbook of the day" may have been alittle misleading for some people.

As long as the disclaimer is there I see no problem with keeping the "sportsbook discussion" threads going.