Donate option -- Save the Wizard sites.
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92 members have voted
The Wizard is not that stupid. He knows if he starts recommending casinos according to their added oxygen levels he will promptly go from The Wizard to The Dunce.Quote: rainmanWill you be vetting these new advertisers, Or will you be throwing caution to the wind due to starvation?
Dealers live on tips and it is an expected thing to do. Not necessarily as ostentation its simply the proper thing to do. That half naked girl in tight shoes who brings you a free drink gets a dollar even though its a free drink. That dealer standing on his feet all shift long gets tips even if also seems to get all the aces. Its not his fault he is unsalaried and it might even be to your benefit that he is unsalaried.
The bell hop who hustles your luggage gets a tip, the front desk is optional, the dealers get tips, the Tray Lizards get tips. The taxicab and shuttle/limousine drivers get tips too.
Sure at some casinos its all penny slots, at others the sums involved are higher. If you've climbed from the old Terribles to The Venetian, its probably been with the help and encouragement of The Wizard, so I guess its time for you to notice that he has extended his palm and be glad that its not a resort fee.
Quote: steeldco1.) Raising enough to survive just a short limited time isn't worth it.
I have a personal experience with this sort of thing. You make a very valid point, but I still think it's sticking our nose where it doesn't belong.
Quote: steeldco2.) Is there a way to make this an event?
Waddaya mean? Dropping a bunch of chips in Mike's hand the next time we see him?
Nah. I'll donate as soon as the P.O. box is set up. (I have an issue with PayPal. It can be described in two words: Unregulated Banking.)
Quote: DJTeddyBear
Waddaya mean? Dropping a bunch of chips in Mike's hand the next time we see him?
Maybe we can have more fun than that. If we raise $X by July 5th/6th, Mike dresses like Uncle Sam for the DJ mcnugget challenge (and associated pictures)?
Thanks,
John
Quote: mdsWizard, Have you ever considered making this a "Members only" site? 5$ per or 100 per I don't know. Or a vip membership. But I guess the question is what will we gwt for a VIP membership? How about you taking the Vip members out for a one time gambling session when they come in town? Just saying....
This site already offers (for free) most of the "premium" features that a lot of other forums charge for.
Subscribed threads, a blog, the ability to search, etc.
You could always offer a dice rolling class, some of those guys are making a killing...
I've gotten a lot of help from the odds site.
When I first went to Vegas, it was just to sight see and play a little blackjack. I played at the Western downtown.
The wizard of odds site really has helped me with having fun in Vegas.
What first attracted me to his site was video poker.
Before I got into video poker, I was primarily a live poker player, cash (Bills Gambling Hall) and cheap tournaments. Dabbled in blackjack.
While waiting to get into a poker game at Bills, played some video poker and enjoyed it. Later that nite decided to get on the internet too look up video poker strategy and found the wizards odds site. Now I play a ton of video poker and love it. I know exactly what I'm up against with odds and variance. I know exactly what to look for. I only play the few video poker machines scattered around downtown that pay 99.54 and above. I play with a printed strategy sheet from the odds site.
Another game I have gotten into is pai gow poker. Thanks to a printed copy of JB's strategy from the odds site, I am a confident player making the correct plays. The house still has an edge but I love playing, fun game. I actually help players around me sometimes when they show a hand asking for help, "according to the wizard of odds site, don't split that pair" as an example.
Also met the Wizard and got a Nevada license plate from him for coming the furthest to watch the Mission nugget fail :-)
I'm in for a donation, hit the paypal button, smooth transaction.
So if I or some one donates $1000 or more then you, you will donate and match that up to $1000 as well? Can I get your word on this? Willing to send it upfront and if it does not get matched within 60 days it will be returned?Quote: MrCasinoGamesDear Wizard,
I'll be donating $?00.
Can you PM me your PayPal account, as I can't get the money in from the Pay-Pal link from this site.
P.S. If some one donated more then my $?00, I will match him/her up to $1000 (Wizard, keep me inform on this).
Just saying you are not going to donate is of no help, if you want to add why not I think he can get a better understanding.Quote: HowManyI'm not going to donate. Sorry.
I bought your book though.
Continue to suspend as you do, BUT require that in order to be reinstated, the offender must pay a "reinstatement fee," which fee will double with every new offense.
Start it at ten bucks and go up from there.
Ka- ching!
Quote: AxelWolfSo if I or some one donates $1000 or more then you, you will donate and match that up to $1000 as well? Can I get your word on this? Willing to send it upfront and if it does not get matched within 60 days it will be returned?
Hi AxelWolf,
Yes, You have my word on this.
as soon as the wizard PM me that he has receive $1000 from you or some one, I will top-up my donation to $1000 within days.
Quote: rdw4potusMaybe we can have more fun than that. If we raise $X by July 5th/6th, Mike dresses like Uncle Sam for the DJ mcnugget challenge (and associated pictures)?
I'm open to doing challenges!
Quote: mdsWizard, Have you ever considered making this a "Members only" site? 5$ per or 100 per I don't know. Or a vip membership. But I guess the question is what will we gwt for a VIP membership? How about you taking the Vip members out for a one time gambling session when they come in town? Just saying....
Yes. There is a huge thread somewhere discussing that. I still don't rule it out.
Quote: MrVContinue to suspend as you do, BUT require that in order to be reinstated, the offender must pay a "reinstatement fee," which fee will double with every new offense.
Like selling indulgences? No. Good behavior should be expected of everybody.
Regarding advice in general, thanks, but no thanks. I got a ton of it in the thread of my bank in Cyprus and not looking for any more.
Quote: AxelWolfJust saying you are not going to donate is of no help, if you want to add why not I think he can get a better understanding.
Perhaps, but saying you ARE going to donate publicly, while doing nothing is of no help either, I'm not accusing YOU of lying, but no doubt some are. I guarantee it.
I won't donate for the same reason I do not vote:
IT'S NOT GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
I'm sorry.
Wonder if I will get nuked since I'm the "only" forum member not to donate.
Please post your PO Box on Monday and I will mail in a check. I don't have a Pay Pal account and my debit card is back in Vegas. My wife can do the necessary on Monday.
Also, if possible start a new thread called 'PO Box details" or something as I don't want to miss it. EDIT: Also, who you prefer the check made out to, thanks.
Thanks for all that you do for the gaming community. I hope your money from Cyprus comes through soon and that you can get some more paying advertisers on your site!
Unless you will be using that box for other things as well or you really need one anyway. I would ask to share a PO box with someone you trust for a short time. See if its cost effective.Quote: WizardSorry to those who have had difficulty. I'd be happy to set up a PO box for checks and money orders. I hope to set that up on Monday.
I don't want to be a Debbie downer here but I have seen this kind of thing before, everyone says yes, yes I will, yet they never get around to doing it.
Kudos to the one who have acted.
Do you have a Facebook account? I noticed some people are having some success with affiliate advertising there.
Quote: Dicenor33This site is dedicated to promote tourism to Vegas, have no idea why the city or casinos don't sponsor it?
Well, for a long long time, the Wiz had pretty good revenue by just Bovada sponsoring him. If he is looking to expand ad revenue, then he definitely could add land based casinos if he wished.
Observation: When I revamped my website to its latest, greatest incarnation, I lost 10 - 20% of users overnight and it took 6 months to recover. So regardless how good your site is, change hurts traffic. Users hate change and think they own content.
Suggestion: Capture a European audience. Online gambling here is growing rapidly. Happy to be your eyes and ears here.
Offer. I'll buy web space to promote my website which is struggling to break into the US market. Wizard, email me if interested (totally non-gambling and non-controversial.).
Wizard, I'm saddened that Euro banking crises have messed up your finances and sorry too, to hear about your other issues.
Best regards,
Oncedear
ps. Dropped a few £££ playing online BJ today. Oh hum. Still got the car :)
Quote: MrVIn addition to soliciting as you are now doing, perhaps you could change the way you and the mods deal with members who violate the board's rules.
Continue to suspend as you do, BUT require that in order to be reinstated, the offender must pay a "reinstatement fee," which fee will double with every new offense.
Start it at ten bucks and go up from there.
Ka- ching!
I had a very similar idea a few weeks ago! I was going to mention it as a joke, but then the Cyprus Bank thread got locked. Anyway, I know the Wiz doesn't want any more advice. But great minds...
Quote: TomspurAlso, if possible start a new thread called 'PO Box details" or something as I don't want to miss it. EDIT: Also, who you prefer the check made out to, thanks.
Better yet, just add those details to the Donate page.
Don't get me wrong--I want the sites to succeed and stay free (but I would pay a bit for "premium content" if I saw the value), we'll have to wait and see...
The rest of you who don't want to donate, don't donate. No one cares why you don't want to donate--it is pretty simple...you don't think tossing a red, green, or black chip to your host here is worth it. Don't bother with telling us why you are too cheap to toss a buck in the pot...
(If you are truly too poor to donate a red chip, I'm sorry and good luck)
Quote: ParadigmWiz, you should consider adding a color change to Members names (similar to the green used for Admins, but obviously not green) that have contributed at least $x that calendar year to maintain the sites.
I don't know about others, but I would be much more inclined to spend time to attemp to add value on a topic I know about if the OP is from a Member that had showed a financial commitment to keep the Forum strong.
LOL, maybe I should try to buy influence for the "system" I'm working on....
Quote: steeldcokubikulann, actually there 2 points that I had meant to make.
1.) Raising enough to survive just a short limited time isn't worth it.
2.) Is there a way to make this an event?
I thought about the exact same thing, steeldco. My decision was based on that Michael asked. Not Wizard. Michael Shackleford. The guy asked for a solid, so I decided to come through for him, because I trust that he really needs it.
Without saying the amount, it was a stretch for me, more than I would flat out give to most people I know other than family. And even still, it was a mere pittance as far as what Mike probably needs to keep going, less than a day's worth most likely. But I did what I could.
I obviously do not know you and therefore do not know what you may, or may not, know. Sorry if the balance of this message may be offensive to you. I am really just trying to be helpful.
I had to do a little research a while back on a website based company and I really know nothing about this type of biz. In the process, I had run across a website that had provided some useful info. I will paste the link here. Again, if you find it useful, great! If it's all info that you already know then I apologize.
http://www.thewatermarkgroup.org/blog/
I hope to get a PO box set up tomorrow.
Regarding advice, again, thank you, but please stop. I'm getting bombarded with advice from every side and corner. I know my battle plan for the next six months and am sticking to it.
Quote: Wizard
Regarding advice, again, thank you, but please stop. I'm getting bombarded with advice from every side and corner. I know my battle plan for the next six months and am sticking to it.
OK. Will do. I wish you nothing but the best!
BTW, just one last thing.....play my +130dogs in MLB in the right amount and you can use that to support your website :-)
Quote: WizardI'd like to give a big thank you to the 22 people who have donated so far! To each and every one of you, thank you for your generosity.
I hope to get a PO box set up tomorrow.
Regarding advice, again, thank you, but please stop. I'm getting bombarded with advice from every side and corner. I know my battle plan for the next six months and am sticking to it.
I'll send a second installment once YOUR uncle sam returns me some money he decided to hold for safe keeping
I mean its the least I can do since members here talked me through the process which will so far helped me recover around $4000
Quote: coilmanI'll send a second installment once YOUR uncle sam returns me some money he decided to hold for safe keeping
I mean its the least I can do since members here talked me through the process which will so far helped me recover around $4000
Which country are you from?
Quote: AcesAndEightsWhich country are you from?
The Great White North, their kilts are plaid,
Hosers take off, it's not half bad.
I want to be where yaks can run free,
Where Royal Mounties can arrest me.
Wiz - am I wronging asking if you have been banned from playing at the LV casinos - couldn't you execute some AP plays in an effort to increase your income?
Quote: aceofspadesNot sure the Wizard needs to prostitute himself out in the form of dressing up in costumes.
I know it's a fine line. But, we all know how much prop betting happens here and how many challenges happen even without the current donation solicitation. So if a challenge can increase the donation level, well...
I would much rather see the site go paid membership or have a membership only section as the other two sites I belong to do. I suspect, what is stopping wizard from going that route is paid membership will be a smaller membership and that means less traffic, and that's what drives advertising, so it's sort of a double edge sword. Anyway, I am still thinking on the subject, but thought I would share my thoughts.
Quote: rdw4potusI know it's a fine line. But, we all know how much prop betting happens here and how many challenges happen even without the current donation solicitation. So if a challenge can increase the donation level, well...
It is a fine line and up to the WIZARD, just my opinion that the WIZAD is a public figure (news tv appearances, print) and if a photo of him in a crazy costume was out there, it could make a producer or editor question whether to have him on their tv show or write an article
just my opinion
So there.
Quote: dwheatleyHow am I the first person to vote "I'm too lazy"? I'm so lazy with respect to internet goings-on I didn't collect my friend-or-foe money from a year or two ago. I will gladly donate that back to support the wizard's sites instead of doing any actual work to collect on that or make a new donation.
So there.
I very well might've voted "too lazy" If I hadn't received payout via paypal a short time back, so there was $ sitting there waiting for transfer.
Quote: kewljI also don't think a 'donation' format will solve any problem that wizard is having. He'll get a few one time donations, and that's it.
Exactly!
Plus, when you accept money from others this way, some will think they "own" the Wizard. No doubt some will ask favors and expect special treatment in exchange for their donations. I hope I'm wrong about this, but that's just how people are. They can't help it.
I bought Wizard's book, and would probably buy anything else he puts out there. I think he is brilliant.
Quote: kewljI also don't think a 'donation' format will solve any problem that wizard is having. He'll get a few one time donations, and that's it.
Yes, but for me that wasn't the point. Mike is going through some hard times, and he asked for some help. What he does with it and how it helps him come up with changes that work, those are his decisions.
Quote: MoscaYes, but for me that wasn't the point. Mike is going through some hard times, and he asked for some help. What he does with it and how it helps him come up with changes that work, those are his decisions.
+1
Did he ever get a PO Box set up?
Quote: NostronDid he ever get a PO Box set up?
Give him a chance. It's still a little early in the morning in Vegas.
Besides, unless I'm mistaken, getting a PO box usually takes a few days.
Quote: DJTeddyBearGive him a chance. It's still a little early in the morning in Vegas.
Besides, unless I'm mistaken, getting a PO box usually takes a few days.
didnt mean to come across as i was rushing the guy - just asking the question so I can get a check in the mail.
Quote: Mikey75I've never had a issue with paypal but I tried to send you a donation and it wouldn't accept my card. Maybe something is going on with paypal servers. I'll try again later.
Same here, I'll also try again later.
Quote: MoscaYes, but for me that wasn't the point. Mike is going through some hard times, and he asked for some help. What he does with it and how it helps him come up with changes that work, those are his decisions.
+2
you are like the guy that sets his house on fire and then complains that its to expensive to pay for all the water damage after the fire dept leaves.
2 days before my last suspension I posted my email address....and during the first week of my suspension I recived over 20 emails from people disgusted with the behavior on this site. Oh no....not the behavior of the posters. but the behavior that you personally allow of your mods. I am not going to detail the issues here since this is not the thread for it.
What good is getting new advertisers if there are people willing to barrage them with hate mail.(organization like that was suggested by one person that emailed me).
you set your house on fire.........get some gasoline or get some water....its up to you
However I do know the response that every customer loves to hear....."if your dont like it....dont let the door hit you ....."
And yes we are all "customers".....even if a business owner gives out something for free doesnt mean his representatives can behave inappropriately.
AS a real businessman I know how businesses treat people. If I have an ice cream store, and give out free icecream cones one day.....and some guy complains sarcastically that the portion is too small......I could say...."dont let the door hit you in the ass "I am kicking you out for loitering and sarcasm.....or I could say "thanks for your feedback, I will take that into consideration when I hold the next promotion".
I agree you have alot to learn about business. One key trait of a good businessman is the ability to surround themselves with exceptional people.
FACE was a good start.
Quote: LarrySI believe your statement that you make bad business decisions
you are like the guy that sets his house on fire and then complains that its to expensive to pay for all the water damage after the fire dept leaves.
Personal insult -- Fourth offense -- 30 days. Be careful of that door on your way out ...
In other news, for those who suggested an option by mail, you may send your generous donations to:
Wizard of Odds
1930 Village Center Circle #3-115
Las Vegas NV 89134
Thank you!
