Idea: Adding an "Advantage Play" sub-forum to every Forum?

Hi Folks,

We've noticed that there seems to be two camps in the gambling world:

1) Advantage Players
2) Non-Advantage Players

So we're looking at solutions where both can co-exist peacefully since we want to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible while minimizing conflict.

One potential solution we've come up with is adding an "Advantage Play" sub-forum to every Forum (Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, etc.). That way, those who wanted to discuss Advantage Play would have a specific space to do so with other like-minded Advantage Players, and those who did not would post outside that sub-forum and thus not require constant reminders from Advantage Players that their style of play, systems, ideas, etc. are not Advantage Play / EV+.

How does that solution sound?

Please give us your feedback.

 

That's why we want to separate the two groups, so that such "reminders" aren't necessary. If a post were not in the Advantage Play sub-forum of the respective Forum, then it would be a given that it's not necessarily an EV+ discussion, so any such "reminders" would be superfluous and moved to the Off-topic Graveyard. On the other hand, any posts made in the "Advantage Play" sub-forums would open themselves up to EV analysis/criticism. The idea is to have spaces for all different types of opinions and groups so that we avoid clashes and arguments that derail threads and disrupt the community.

Respectful constructive feedback is highly encouraged here. However, repeating the same questions/warnings over and over again to an audience that is not receptive to it is counter-productive, which is why we are wanting to find a solution to this problem.

We are first and foremost a gambling community. We certainly want a very strong Advantage Play contingent in this community (if we didn't, we wouldn't be discussing the idea of creating a specific Advantage Play sub-forum in every Forum), but that does not mean we want to limit ourselves to purely Advantage Play discussions and opinions. We want to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible within the gambling industry, so we also want folks who gamble for fun or as a hobby or who simply don't care about Advantage Play to feel welcomed here and to feel free to share tips, ideas, and suggestions with other like-minded members. That way we include everyone interested in gambling and don't leave anybody out, while still ensuring serious Advantage Play discussions in all fields can take place here.

It would seem that having specific sections for Advantage Players would result in less conflict as it would be clear to everyone that those sub-forums are for Advantage Players, so anyone wishing to avoid any criticism about EV would be able to simply avoid those specific sub-forums. This makes sense when you consider the fact that oftentimes non-Advantage Players aren't even aware or simply don't care that they play EV-, whereas Advantage Players know precisely how they play and what they are interested in. Therefore, it makes more sense to have a specific area for those who know perfectly well where they belong.

It's not about pretending or insulting anyone. It's about minimizing conflict so that more members feel free to participate and share their ideas, whatever they may be.

No one is going to be "running" anything here precisely because we want to make this community more welcoming so that no single user or group of users can "run the show". We want active AP discussions in the AP sections, and active non-AP discussions outside the AP sections.

Any fallacies outside the "Advantage Play" sections could still be corrected by Advantage Players. So if instead of discussing a system, someone were claiming that their roulette system based purely on math could beat the House Edge, then anyone would be free to jump in and correct them (respectfully). What we want to avoid is situations where no one is making any specific claims, yet AP members feel the need to jump in and correct something that was never said or point out something that was never asked or requested (e.g. "this system is EV- and does not change the HE" when no one made any such claims). So we certainly don't want to "dumb down" the Forums in any way, we simply want to have a respectful community where everyone feels free to contribute and where conflict is therefore minimized.

We agree 100%, which is another reason we feel that having AP-specific areas would be more effective as it would allow folks specifically interested in learning how to play with an advantage to simply visit those sections and learn and ask questions from genuine AP experts in each respective field.

We want to ensure that does not happen here by enforcing our rules more strictly and by separating the groups so that they don't clash as often. Having those successful players participating here is vital as they have a wealth of knowledge which -- if channeled in a productive manner -- can be very beneficial to the gambling community at large. So we want to be careful not to discourage successful players from participating here, which is another reason we feel that giving them their own specific sections is the best solution.

Rest assured that we are going to do everything in our power to ensure this community remains constructive and respectful at all times. That's why we are having this discussion.

That is the problem we want to avoid at all costs: a community where folks don't feel welcomed at and therefore don't return to.

 

Is there any more feedback from anyone regarding this matter?

 

No, we are not qualified to make such determinations, which is why any option the requires us to make any determinations about the skills of a particular member is not a viable option for us. Our expertise is in building Forum communities, not gambling. For that, we have our expert members.

 

Folks, this has just gone live.

All Betting Forums now contain an "Advantage Play" sub-forum for all Advantage Play-related discussions. These sub-forums are all hidden from public view, so their contents are only accessible to registered users.

If threads/posts are made outside the Advantage Play Forums, then please assume that Advantage Play is not being discussed, so please refrain from redundantly pointing out that what is being discussed is not Advantage Play / EV+. However, feel free to continue correcting any incorrect factual statements made outside the AP sections (or within).

On the other hand, all posts within the AP sections will be opening themselves to EV analysis/criticism.

Lastly, if a discussion happens outside the AP section, then please assume that was is being discussed won't necessarily help you earn money in the long-term.

If there are any pre-existing AP discussions threads, then please bring them to our attention by reporting them and we will move them to the new corresponding AP sub-forum.

We hope you enjoy the new sections and that now that we have specific Advantage Play sections, more AP / EV+ discussions will take place for the benefit of all.