In Response to Re: THE NEW POKER LEAGUE...... : Thanks for the top guy bit, but could you define a 'FAIRLY AVERAGE YEAR' please, and also how you know how my year has gone? I would take a guess that you have no idea what this year has been like for me poker wise? It has without doubt been the best year in my poker career, for live tournament cashes/wins, online tournament wins, and for serious grinding of the cash tables online. It has been a sick year for me to be honest and all the hard work i have put in is being rewarded. Getting a second chance??? at what? I never blew my first chance did i? Anyway, i am really looking forward to this idea. I know people will be against it because thats just the nature of poker and poker forums, each to their own and thats fine with me. But please dont make statements like the one above, when you could not possibly justify the comment. It couldnt be farther from the truth. GL to all who participate, and GL all at the tables! Posted by dantb10
Hi Dan and congratulations on being chosen as one of the members of the Sky team. I hope you do well.
With regards what I have highlighted, what do you know that people will be against? I ask this as I have not seen as of yet anyone post that they are against the idea. Thanks xx
In Response to Re: THE NEW POKER LEAGUE...... : Hi Dan and congratulations on being chosen as one of the members of the Sky team. I hope you do well. With regards what I have highlighted, what do you know that people will be against? I ask this as I have not seen as of yet anyone post that they are against the idea. Thanks xx Posted by candi
Hi candy, ty for the well wishes.
When i say 'people will be against it' i am not implying that people who have already posted on the subject are against the idea. I merely envisage that the concept will not be liked by all, because it is in our nature to form opinions on subjects. Which i am all for.
Its generally what happens when sites bring in new concepts. Some people dont like change, others do. Its all personal preference.
There are no reasons from a personal point of view why i would be against it, but i obviously cant speak for others who will have their own views.
I would just like to make it clear that i am not having a go at any of the 4 lads that have been picked, they are all great players and all own me, lol.
I dont see it as being fair that a vey good player who untill the past week has rearly played on the site, he is now getting a £1000 mtt entry payed for him. Surley it would be far beter and more fair to have given this place to a player who plays sky on a regular basis.
I would just like to make it clear that i am not having a go at any of the 4 lads that have been picked, they are all great players and all own me, lol. I dont see it as being fair that a vey good player who untill the past week has rearly played on the site, he is now getting a £1000 mtt entry payed for him. Surley it would be far beter and more fair to have given this place to a player who plays sky on a regular basis. Posted by freechips1
I would just like to make it clear that i am not having a go at any of the 4 lads that have been picked, they are all great players and all own me, lol. I dont see it as being fair that a vey good player who untill the past week has rearly played on the site, he is now getting a £1000 mtt entry payed for him. Surley it would be far beter and more fair to have given this place to a player who plays sky on a regular basis. Posted by freechips1
I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR SAYING M8,
BUT JUST ONE POINT ,
THE PLAYER YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT HAS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS
CONTRIBUTED A LOT OF LOT OF
RAKE TO SKYPOKER .
BUT SAYING THIS I KNOW YOU ALSO HAVE .
ITS VERY DIFFICULT FOR SKYPOKER TO PICK A FEW PLAYERS OUT OF
"....this means total player that was going to be yearly has now been scrapped...."
"....total player was better imo....."
Total Player is studio & Production intensive, & with the Channel 865 Studio move currently in the late stages of extremely complex technical planning, it was felt wise to defer any decision on if & when Total Player will return. It needs a multi-month run, & they cannot comtemplate it during the studio move period, & until the new Studio has been bedded in.
For what it's worth, I would think it almost certainly will return, but that's not the official line, it's just my view.
I spoke with Rich Milner earlier this evening, (he is responsible for allocating the funding) who was, like most of us, a bit taken aback at the tone of this Thread, & he used the Total Player comments as an example. He reiterated what I already knew - no decision has been taken to abandon Total Player.
In the Press Release I wrote this afternoon, & sent up to Jack & Richard @ Head Office for approval, & which will be in the print media & all over the internet shortly, I said.....
SkyPoker.com continue to build their poker community, and the latest offering is “Team Sky Poker”, which will be entirely composed of Sky Poker regulars.The existing features of Sky Poker will all remain – the Forum, Community, Freerolls, PremierShip Freerolls, Sky Poker Tour, Play The Presenter, Total Player, the TV Channel, and now, Team Sky Poker has arrived.
Total Player has NOT been scrapped. Can someone tell me where anyone ever said it was, please?
as a small time poker player i feel this new setup will only benefit online pros and players with money to waste. even if u get into this 30 player torni and win i for won cant go up and down the country playing in big tornis as much as i would love to but work and family commitments come first. sky poker seems to becoming a site pampered to thier high rollers which is fine but remember your small players as well we contribute to your site as well. one question has the top 10 players in the league lost the chance to win league money hope not.
"....so no offence ment to dan hes a top guy but hes getting a second chance after a fairly average year....."
I will, shortly, outline the criteria by which the founding five were selected, & how the initial three month period is being used to set the standard for everyone who aspires to be part of Tam Sky Poker.
For now, I would say this.
Dan has been a quite magnificent Ambassador for Sky Poker. He conducts himself with dignity, makes himself available for various promotional stuff, does not have an enemy in the game, is a quite superb player, & in the view of Sky Poker, he's had an excellent year.
He has often gone beyond the call of duty, & that's a 2 way street, as Sky Poker have delivered what they were committed to deliver to him, & then some more on top.
I would have been extremely disappointed if Dan had not been a founder Member of Team Sky Poker, & to be honest, I think many others would echo that. It was the players, after all, who voted for Dan as Total Player.
Dan will have the full support of myself, & everyone at Sky Poker.
I have no idea how long he will remain in Team Sky Poker - to a degree, that's up to him. Personally, I hope it's for a goodly while.
Right then first of all i cannot argue with the picks that have been made,all quality imo even tikay haha,only problem i have is with the top 30 process so many players are going to miss out on this chance and so are sky.because you play at a higher level therefore gain more league points does not make you a better player imo.however clearly a good marketing idea and good luck to all involved.
".....I guess the simple fact is who the presenters and analysts feel, based on their viewing of the players, will succeed best at the events they're sending them to......"
There's quite a disconnect there, I'm afraid.
The Presenters & Analysts (with one exception) had no input to this decision. They work for Channel 865, & the selection decisions were made by the Senior Suits, with the final decision resting, I think, between Des Duffy, Adam Harmer, & Richard Milner.
The one exception I alluded to refers to myself. I wear a number of hats here, & I was asked to submit the names I felt would best serve Sky Poker for the initial 3 month period. I did so, & I would imagine that the Suits looked at the list I sent, then made their own decisions as they felt appropriate.
As far as I am concerned, I can make a good case for any number of other Players to be included, but we can't squeeze a quart into a pint pot, & I feel the Team we have is excellent, & a great case can be made for every one of them. Cases can be made for many others, too, but there's plenty of time ahead, & if they are good enough,they'll get their chance.
The "selection criteria" for this initial 3 month period is pretty much decribed in the Post I made about Dan Brown. All the Team tick all the boxes as far as I'm concerned. Many others would also tick those boxes, but a line has to be drawn somewhere.
It HAD been planned that a three month qualifying period, (October - December) would be where Team Sky Poker began, but the Suits felt it would be well received if they kick-started it early, to show players what it's all about.
"....Right then first of all i cannot argue with the picks that have been made,all quality imo even tikay haha,only problem i have is with the top 30 process so many players are going to miss out on this chance and so are sky.because you play at a higher level therefore gain more league points does not make you a better player imo....."
We could enter a deep debate here as to "better players", but I think it's fair to say that evey player has the same chance - if they are good enough. A player who has the right ability can work his way up the Levels. Exactly as Dan, Wayne, Reds, & James have.
As to me, it is not planned that I will be playing any of the Events - but if I do, (one never knows) I would rather do so with my own money.
On a more serious note, best of luck to all of you on the Sky poker Team and future team members. I genuinely wish you all the best.
FlashFlush replied along the same lines, too, also expressing certain wishes.
Several others have been supportive, & more tellingly, most gracious in their genuine wishes that the Founding Five run well, & that we can all have some fun supporting them. Which IS the idea - that every one of us can feel part of this, via the Live Updates, photos, interviews, maybe Railing some of them at the actual Live Events, chatting to them at the Sky Poker Tables & on the Forum, da de da.
We certainly hoped that the prevailing view would be the very strong Comunity spirit that courses through this Site. Realistically, though, we knew that poker players being what they are, a few churlish comments were inevitable.
I very much hope we can move on now, & that the Community can support these five players. And whilst doing so, aspire to be in the January Team Sky Poker Draft.
The "technical questions" as to qualification for the next draft will have to wait, I'm afraid, as I don't really know enough "in-depth" about it personally, but I'll have a read up, & get back to you on them.
One more before I retire for the night.
Sky Poker have deliberately "gone against the grain" as to Online Poker Rooms in quite specifically selecting ONLY players who are well-known & established Sky Poker regulars.
Rooms such as 'Stars pay huge sums of money to recruit complete "outsiders" to their Team, such as Boris Becker, & Liv Boeree, etc, & I am delighted for them both, I really am.
But just imagine, given this Thread, the reaction if Sky Poker had gone outside the existing Community & regular players to sign up some big name Pro. I shudder to think what the reaction might have been, given some of the comments in this Thread.
We all "know" all of these players, & I hope we all get right behind every one of them now.
Yeah well said Dan Anyone who has played or watched him play can testify how good he really is!! Everytime you look at the cash tables from 100nl - 300nl you will see how he plays and builds his stack quickly and mantains it whilst boosting his BR on a regular basis. In mtt's, when the DS was on the Sunday Evenings at £55 a pop - Dan was probably the biggest winner in terms of ROI in that event so that shows his class in that format as well where it had fierce competition with the quality of runners in it. Dan states that this is his most succesfull year - you only need to look at his stats to confirm this - they go through the roof and not only on this site but others as well where he has binked some impressive results this year!! He was the winner of TP and now we are picking the best of Sky to begin Team Sky so this has been an incredible year for him and long may it continue so for that I wish Dan and the rest of them the very best of luck and look forward to supporting them in their exciting journey!! Posted by dylan12
Just wanted to say, Dyl, I really appreciated the text you sent me this evening, supporting the Team. I had, in fact, expected it, & you did not disappoint.
I had to go to a bit of a function thingie this evening, & James Hartigan, Lisa-Marie, & Sky-Mandy were all there, along with the great & good of the poker world, including Joe Beevers, Barney Boatman, Neil Channing, & many many more.
An odd sort of evening, really, highs & lows & all that.
Obviously the selection process is gonna be heavily weighted to those who can put in some serious hours, however there is no other poker site that can put the 'dream' of being a sponsered poker player within reachable grasp.
All of the chosen line up are regular Sky Poker players. I used to play with LJamesL on here over 2 years ago...
I look forward to the progress of this, and it is excellent for Sky Poker in general. This is something that will bring in a lot of new players, not just from casual players who will now see the Sky Poker logo at some major live events, but also because of the structure of the selection process does mean that anyone who puts the work/hours in has a fairly decent chance of becoming a member of Team Sky Poker.
EDIT: This also couldn't come at a better time, as the download client will really make a big difference and it really is coming soon guys.
Comments
With regards what I have highlighted, what do you know that people will be against? I ask this as I have not seen as of yet anyone post that they are against the idea. Thanks xx
When i say 'people will be against it' i am not implying that people who have already posted on the subject are against the idea. I merely envisage that the concept will not be liked by all, because it is in our nature to form opinions on subjects. Which i am all for.
Its generally what happens when sites bring in new concepts. Some people dont like change, others do. Its all personal preference.
There are no reasons from a personal point of view why i would be against it, but i obviously cant speak for others who will have their own views.
Hope this explains what i meant.
I dont see it as being fair that a vey good player who untill the past week has rearly played on the site, he is now getting a £1000 mtt entry payed for him. Surley it would be far beter and more fair to have given this place to a player who plays sky on a regular basis.
Good evening.
I'll try & deal with the questions, please bear with me while I sift through the thread.
I'll start with an easy one.
"....this means total player that was going to be yearly has now been scrapped...."
"....total player was better imo....."
Total Player is studio & Production intensive, & with the Channel 865 Studio move currently in the late stages of extremely complex technical planning, it was felt wise to defer any decision on if & when Total Player will return. It needs a multi-month run, & they cannot comtemplate it during the studio move period, & until the new Studio has been bedded in.
For what it's worth, I would think it almost certainly will return, but that's not the official line, it's just my view.
I spoke with Rich Milner earlier this evening, (he is responsible for allocating the funding) who was, like most of us, a bit taken aback at the tone of this Thread, & he used the Total Player comments as an example. He reiterated what I already knew - no decision has been taken to abandon Total Player.
In the Press Release I wrote this afternoon, & sent up to Jack & Richard @ Head Office for approval, & which will be in the print media & all over the internet shortly, I said.....
SkyPoker.com continue to build their poker community, and the latest offering is “Team Sky Poker”, which will be entirely composed of Sky Poker regulars. The existing features of Sky Poker will all remain – the Forum, Community, Freerolls, PremierShip Freerolls, Sky Poker Tour, Play The Presenter, Total Player, the TV Channel, and now, Team Sky Poker has arrived.
Total Player has NOT been scrapped. Can someone tell me where anyone ever said it was, please?
"....so no offence ment to dan hes a top guy but hes getting a second chance after a fairly average year....."
I will, shortly, outline the criteria by which the founding five were selected, & how the initial three month period is being used to set the standard for everyone who aspires to be part of Tam Sky Poker.
For now, I would say this.
Dan has been a quite magnificent Ambassador for Sky Poker. He conducts himself with dignity, makes himself available for various promotional stuff, does not have an enemy in the game, is a quite superb player, & in the view of Sky Poker, he's had an excellent year.
He has often gone beyond the call of duty, & that's a 2 way street, as Sky Poker have delivered what they were committed to deliver to him, & then some more on top.
I would have been extremely disappointed if Dan had not been a founder Member of Team Sky Poker, & to be honest, I think many others would echo that. It was the players, after all, who voted for Dan as Total Player.
Dan will have the full support of myself, & everyone at Sky Poker.
I have no idea how long he will remain in Team Sky Poker - to a degree, that's up to him. Personally, I hope it's for a goodly while.
".....I guess the simple fact is who the presenters and analysts feel, based on their viewing of the players, will succeed best at the events they're sending them to......"
There's quite a disconnect there, I'm afraid.
The Presenters & Analysts (with one exception) had no input to this decision. They work for Channel 865, & the selection decisions were made by the Senior Suits, with the final decision resting, I think, between Des Duffy, Adam Harmer, & Richard Milner.
The one exception I alluded to refers to myself. I wear a number of hats here, & I was asked to submit the names I felt would best serve Sky Poker for the initial 3 month period. I did so, & I would imagine that the Suits looked at the list I sent, then made their own decisions as they felt appropriate.
As far as I am concerned, I can make a good case for any number of other Players to be included, but we can't squeeze a quart into a pint pot, & I feel the Team we have is excellent, & a great case can be made for every one of them. Cases can be made for many others, too, but there's plenty of time ahead, & if they are good enough,they'll get their chance.
The "selection criteria" for this initial 3 month period is pretty much decribed in the Post I made about Dan Brown. All the Team tick all the boxes as far as I'm concerned. Many others would also tick those boxes, but a line has to be drawn somewhere.
It HAD been planned that a three month qualifying period, (October - December) would be where Team Sky Poker began, but the Suits felt it would be well received if they kick-started it early, to show players what it's all about.
Hence, the Founding Five were hand-picked.
"....Right then first of all i cannot argue with the picks that have been made,all quality imo even tikay haha,only problem i have is with the top 30 process so many players are going to miss out on this chance and so are sky.because you play at a higher level therefore gain more league points does not make you a better player imo....."
We could enter a deep debate here as to "better players", but I think it's fair to say that evey player has the same chance - if they are good enough. A player who has the right ability can work his way up the Levels. Exactly as Dan, Wayne, Reds, & James have.
As to me, it is not planned that I will be playing any of the Events - but if I do, (one never knows) I would rather do so with my own money.
Alan (Maxally) said......
On a more serious note, best of luck to all of you on the Sky poker Team and future team members. I genuinely wish you all the best.
FlashFlush replied along the same lines, too, also expressing certain wishes.
Several others have been supportive, & more tellingly, most gracious in their genuine wishes that the Founding Five run well, & that we can all have some fun supporting them. Which IS the idea - that every one of us can feel part of this, via the Live Updates, photos, interviews, maybe Railing some of them at the actual Live Events, chatting to them at the Sky Poker Tables & on the Forum, da de da.
We certainly hoped that the prevailing view would be the very strong Comunity spirit that courses through this Site. Realistically, though, we knew that poker players being what they are, a few churlish comments were inevitable.
I very much hope we can move on now, & that the Community can support these five players. And whilst doing so, aspire to be in the January Team Sky Poker Draft.
I loved total player so it would be good to keep that too! (fingers crossed)
The "technical questions" as to qualification for the next draft will have to wait, I'm afraid, as I don't really know enough "in-depth" about it personally, but I'll have a read up, & get back to you on them.
One more before I retire for the night.
Sky Poker have deliberately "gone against the grain" as to Online Poker Rooms in quite specifically selecting ONLY players who are well-known & established Sky Poker regulars.
Rooms such as 'Stars pay huge sums of money to recruit complete "outsiders" to their Team, such as Boris Becker, & Liv Boeree, etc, & I am delighted for them both, I really am.
But just imagine, given this Thread, the reaction if Sky Poker had gone outside the existing Community & regular players to sign up some big name Pro. I shudder to think what the reaction might have been, given some of the comments in this Thread.
We all "know" all of these players, & I hope we all get right behind every one of them now.
I had to go to a bit of a function thingie this evening, & James Hartigan, Lisa-Marie, & Sky-Mandy were all there, along with the great & good of the poker world, including Joe Beevers, Barney Boatman, Neil Channing, & many many more.
An odd sort of evening, really, highs & lows & all that.
Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Just wanted to get the 100th post on this thread!!!
Thank you for your replies so far Tikay, it is much appreciated.
Obviously the selection process is gonna be heavily weighted to those who can put in some serious hours, however there is no other poker site that can put the 'dream' of being a sponsered poker player within reachable grasp.
All of the chosen line up are regular Sky Poker players. I used to play with LJamesL on here over 2 years ago...
I look forward to the progress of this, and it is excellent for Sky Poker in general. This is something that will bring in a lot of new players, not just from casual players who will now see the Sky Poker logo at some major live events, but also because of the structure of the selection process does mean that anyone who puts the work/hours in has a fairly decent chance of becoming a member of Team Sky Poker.
EDIT: This also couldn't come at a better time, as the download client will really make a big difference and it really is coming soon guys.