Modifying New Member Rules for Home Game Access? (2 Viewers)

[acezag]

Curious if modifying the rules to gain access to the home game listings is ever discussed?

As someone who joined primarily with three home-game focused goals (finding more home games to play in + improving the main one I already play in + exploring starting my own) waiting 90 days is kind of agonizing. I also feel 90+ posts is A LOT for someone who isn't already a chip enthusiast. Love reading, but that is a lot of posting.

I totally understand the desire to ensure members' games are secure. One solution I've thought of - how about an option for members to spend a certain amount on home-game related vendors?

In my first month, I've done a Tina group buy, and will soon be buying dealer buttons and ordering a table topper from forum vendors. So I'll have (happily!) spent over $500 indirectly supporting the site in my first 60 days. I think some kind of financial investment threshold like that is a reasonable cutoff that thieves are unlikely to make.

Advantages of this option:

• Opportunistic thieves are unlikely to spend hundreds of dollars just in the hope they might learn of a game to steal from
• It encourages the kind of spending that directly maintains and grows the site
• It adds value to vendor credentials with another stream of people who will buy their wares
• It invites more casual members to get involved, rather than getting discouraged and going elsewhere

 

[Machine]

Curious if modifying the rules to gain access to the home game listings is ever discussed?

Yes, which is why it is as it is.

I also feel 90+ posts is A LOT for someone who isn't already a chip enthusiast.

This is a forum for chip enthusiast, if you're not here for the chips (and people) GTFO. The home game sub forum is for like-minded chip focused people who also share another hobby, it is not the focus. It is more about getting to play with other sets than it is for the poker.

As someone who joined primarily with three home-game focused goals (finding more home games to play in + improving the main one I already play in + exploring starting my own)

There are not posts on improving games or support starting your own game in that thread, members here will be happy to assist you in those two goals, and you currently have appropriate locations to post for help with them.

 

[acezag]

This is a forum for chip enthusiast, if you're not here for the chips (and people) GTFO.

Thanks for the hostility. Obviously anyone frequenting this forum is both. You don't have to be a douche.

 

[AlbinoDragon]

Curious if modifying the rules to gain access to the home game listings is ever discussed?

The rules that are in place are partly an offshoot from someone joining the forum to specifically try to get access to a meetup. Thankfully, they were generally ignored and possibly even subsequently blocked. That one incident is what spurred the discussion about limiting access to active members of the forum.

Odds are it would be a hard sell to start to tweak these rules just over a year after they were implemented.

As someone who joined primarily with three home-game focused goals (finding more home games to play in + improving the main one I already play in + exploring starting my own) waiting 90 days is kind of agonizing. I also feel 90+ posts is A LOT for someone who isn't already a chip enthusiast. Love reading, but that is a lot of posting.

If you are looking to improve your home game, asking questions and responding to input shouldn't be that difficult. 90 days shouldn't be that difficult either if you are interacting with the group. 90+ posts should be easy if you are even trying to be a chip enthusiast. Ask questions. At a minimum, there's a load of information in the home game general section that can be picked up.

I'm an infrequent poster, but commenting on someone's custom chips adds to a post count quite easily.

I totally understand the desire to ensure members' games are secure. One solution I've thought of - how about an option for members to spend a certain amount on home-game related vendors?

So what you are really looking for is an easy way to buy into access to the home game and meetup posts right out of the gate. No sweat equity put into the group, just a way into the door with minimal effort.

Sorry, but that is not a way to get an invite to the games listed there.

You have to build trust and a reputation in time with posts that might give a host even a vague idea who you are and what your overall demeanor is. If I had a game that was listed there, it wouldn't be open invite. I'd be wary of letting someone into my home without having a vague what they were like from my interaction with them here. Only then would I extend an invite to that member based on their location. My suspicion is most hosts here are the same.

In my first month, I've done a Tina group buy, and will soon be buying dealer buttons and ordering a table topper from forum vendors. So I'll have (happily!) spent over $500 indirectly supporting the site in my first 60 days. I think some kind of financial investment threshold like that is a reasonable cutoff that thieves are unlikely to make.

No, you supported the vendors who use and advertise their wares on this site, not the site itself.

We've seen people come to the site, be happy members selling and buying, then full on scam and take from members built on their many month "reputation". $500 in chips and supplies from vendors is a token "investment" when they turn around and take thousands from the members here.

Needless to say, as a group we're pretty wary, and also have a history of looking out for others here to help prevent incidents like that from happening again. Yet another reason why some of the forum rules that are in place are unlikely to get changed easily.

Advantages of this option:

• Opportunistic thieves are unlikely to spend hundreds of dollars just in the hope they might learn of a game to steal from
• It encourages the kind of spending that directly maintains and grows the site
• It adds value to vendor credentials with another stream of people who will buy their wares
• It invites more casual members to get involved, rather than getting discouraged and going elsewhere

The advantages are you get quicker access to a part of the forum without spending the time investment into the group.




Sit back. Take a breath and enjoy the holidays. Play cards with family and friends. Read and post here and before you know it your probationary period will be over and you'll have access to the rest of the forum. In time, people will get to know you better and might even extend an invitation to their game.


In the meantime, welcome to PCF! Look around, you'll see we're a pretty ragtag group that have a lot of heart and passion for this place and this hobby.

 

[acezag]

The rules that are in place are partly an offshoot from someone joining the forum to specifically try to get access to a meetup. Thankfully, they were generally ignored and possibly even subsequently blocked. That one incident is what spurred the discussion about limiting access to active members of the forum.

Odds are it would be a hard sell to start to tweak these rules just over a year after they were implemented.


If you are looking to improve your home game, asking questions and responding to input shouldn't be that difficult. 90 days shouldn't be that difficult either if you are interacting with the group. 90+ posts should be easy if you are even trying to be a chip enthusiast. Ask questions. At a minimum, there's a load of information in the home game general section that can be picked up.

I'm an infrequent poster, but commenting on someone's custom chips adds to a post count quite easily.



So what you are really looking for is an easy way to buy into access to the home game and meetup posts right out of the gate. No sweat equity put into the group, just a way into the door with minimal effort.

Sorry, but that is not a way to get an invite to the games listed there.

You have to build trust and a reputation in time with posts that might give a host even a vague idea who you are and what your overall demeanor is. If I had a game that was listed there, it wouldn't be open invite. I'd be wary of letting someone into my home without having a vague what they were like from my interaction with them here. Only then would I extend an invite to that member based on their location. My suspicion is most hosts here are the same.



No, you supported the vendors who use and advertise their wares on this site, not the site itself.

We've seen people come to the site, be happy members selling and buying, then full on scam and take from members built on their many month "reputation". $500 in chips and supplies from vendors is a token "investment" when they turn around and take thousands from the members here.

Needless to say, as a group we're pretty wary, and also have a history of looking out for others here to help prevent incidents like that from happening again. Yet another reason why some of the forum rules that are in place are unlikely to get changed easily.



The advantages are you get quicker access to a part of the forum without spending the time investment into the group.




Sit back. Take a breath and enjoy the holidays. Play cards with family and friends. Read and post here and before you know it your probationary period will be over and you'll have access to the rest of the forum. In time, people will get to know you better and might even extend an invitation to their game.


In the meantime, welcome to PCF! Look around, you'll see we're a pretty ragtag group that have a lot of heart and passion for this place and this hobby.

Really appreciate the in-depth reply and history. I had no idea the rules were just a year old, or that they were in response to a specific incident; this kind of information isn't easy to find in the forum if you don't know what conversations it was part of. Makes sense.

So what you are really looking for is an easy way to buy into access to the home game and meetup posts right out of the gate. No sweat equity put into the group, just a way into the door with minimal effort.

I get where you're going, and I hear that folks have been burned recently, but I also think that's a bit uncharitable. I like this place, like the conversations, and have discovered a new angle in my hobby I didn't really know existed, and I'd like to connect with people - it doesn't have to be framed as if I'm a scammer or exploitative, right? I had an idea, and this seemed like a constructive way of adding to the conversation. hope there's a place for new people that doesn't have to be framed with distrust.

I'd actually like to invite people of like mind into my home. As a newbie, I don't feel I have a lot to contribute in many conversations where people have invested tens of thousands of dollars and have decades of experience and history in chipping. But I do have a place to gather, and it's intimidating to do that with complete strangers. But folks here seem friendly and also love poker and chips, which I share.

But again I get it, and I appreciate the community has standards and wants to protect each other. Totally makes sense. Thanks again for your response.

 

[LotsOfChips]

I see that you have posted in the Introductions section with your location, introduced yourself, outlined your chipping goals, and asked nicely if there are any home games in your area where current members may be interested in inviting new players.

If you haven't gotten a response yet, it may be that either

1. there are no chippers in your immediate area,
2. they haven't seen your Introduction thread (lots of people don't view them, especially if your title is a bit vague),
3. they just aren't that interested in inviting newcomers into their games.

My experience with PCF has been pretty positive, as I found and played in at least four local games through PCF, and met literally dozens of PCF members through those games.

You might try doing a search for keywords like Spokane to find the names of members in your area, and slowly get to know some of the local players. Start conversations with them in other threads so you can get to know each other, or maybe even Direct Message them to introduce yourself.

You might also post another Introduction thread with a more direct title (something like "New Spokane Member"). At least that way members in your area may notice your thread.

If you stick around, contribute to the forum, maybe even buy and/or sell some chips, maybe people in your area will get to know and trust you, and maybe even invite you into their homes.

Best of luck!

 

[acezag]

I see that you have posted in the Introductions section with your location, introduced yourself, outlined your chipping goals, and asked nicely if there are any home games in your area where current members may be interested in inviting new players.

If you haven't gotten a response yet, it may be that either

1. there are no chippers in your immediate area,
2. they haven't seen your Introduction thread (lots of people don't view them, especially if your title is a bit vague),
3. they just aren't that interested in inviting newcomers into their games.

My experience with PCF has been pretty positive, as I found and played in at least four local games through PCF, and met literally dozens of PCF members through those games.

You might try doing a search for keywords like Spokane to find the names of members in your area, and slowly get to know some of the local players. Start conversations with them in other threads so you can get to know each other, or maybe even Direct Message them.

You might also post another Introduction thread with a more direct title (something like "New Spokane Member" At least that way members in your area may notice your thread.

If you stick around, contribute to the forum, maybe even buy and/or sell some chips, maybe people in your area will get to know and trust you, and maybe even invite you into their homes.

Best of luck!

Super appreciate the advice - I will take it.
We have several casinos in the area, so I suspect the home game scene may not be as developed. I'm looking forward to putting in my time, as you suggest, and maybe roping in some PCF'ers at some point into a game. I was part of a great home game about a decade ago, and really miss that.

Thanks for the conversation!

 

[PokerSTLplayer]

As a somewhat new member I do appreciate the explanation/rational on the home game requirements. I was curious as to if there had been an issue in the past and that was the reason for the amount of days/posts needed to gain entry.

 

[Machine]

You don't have to be a douche.

Just living up to a previous name.

 

[merkong]

Just living up to a previous name.

I got almost as crotchety as you I’m almost as short a time as you.

Always appreciate the new people asking questions but it is like it is around here for a reason which is why it is safe and enjoyable.

Douche On!

 

[Machine]

Douche On!

I try

I did give positive feedback as to how to accomplish the OPs goal and explained the general consensus of a lot of the folks I've met over the years at meetups and home games. The OP only responded to me pointing out why it is as it is. Then doubled down by posting a new thread about playing local and recruiting, which goes against the guidelines, and is a red flag for me, but I also understand being new and excited about the community. Someone gave me the benefit of the doubt, which is why I leave you with this....

Spoiler

I certainly hope the dudes in women's clothing isn't lost on anyone after reading this thread... if you are looking for the original its an ABBA song

 

[acezag]

I try

I did give positive feedback as to how to accomplish the OPs goal and explained the general consensus of a lot of the folks I've met over the years at meetups and home games. The OP only responded to me pointing out why it is as it is. Then doubled down by posting a new thread about playing local and recruiting, which goes against the guidelines, and is a red flag for me, but I also understand being new and excited about the community. Someone gave me the benefit of the doubt, which is why I leave you with this....

Spoiler

I certainly hope the dudes in women's clothing isn't lost on anyone after reading this thread... if you are looking for the original its an ABBA song

Someone in the thread recommended I repost about my location and be more specific. I've read the community guidelines a few times, and didn't realize this was against them.

I've just read the entire guidelines again based on your post, but I'm not seeing the prohibition you're referring to. Could you help me find it? https://www.pokerchipforum.com/help/community-guidelines/

 

[Machine]

I've just read the entire guidelines again based on your post, but I'm not seeing the prohibition you're referring to. Could you help me find it? https://www.pokerchipforum.com/help/community-guidelines/

I like your approach, I too am often a prescriptivist. My use of the vernacular 'guidelines' was meant in a more generalization of the term. I would think it would go without saying circumventing an entire thread with security around it would be against the indented use. Other members have post similar threads, but not after having a post specifically about security and the sub forum dedicated to it. The second post doesn't bother me, as I said I think you're genuine in your endeavor, I too enjoy meeting new like minded people and have fun with poker.

It wasn't my intention to make you feel singled out, or 'be a douche' I would give the previous reply about the site not being about finding poker games to anyone. This isn't my lone mission; you'll find this perspective in most of the people that do attend meetups and or invite others to games. Locals at chip meet ups are often not preferred, and with reason.

I will say your OP felt like you were asking for a rule change to grant you access, due to your spending a quantity of funds.

Money can't buy everything, sometimes not even chips .. last month, I lost 300 bucks on a single rack of chips that USPS couldn't deliver because they can't be bothered with competency after 200 years of trying to perform their primary function, biter? Oh no not me! - Actually it was only 1/2 that as the seller (a great person of the community split the loss with me). Slow down, enjoy the journey, the people, don't try to speed or chopper into the top, its wroth earning

 

[Bacon Dad]

To some, asking how to get around the established rules to meet your needs is not a good first impression. Did you not think that with everyone that is active on this forum, you were not going to get a few “WhoTF is this guy” reactions?

I don’t know the demographics of this forum regarding age, but I think it’s safe to assume that there are a lot of us that don’t buy into the “this is hard to do - no fair” and “I want it now” mentality.

Put the time in and you’ll learn the answers to a lot of your questions before you even ask them.
GL.

 

[acezag]

I like your approach, I too am often a prescriptivist. My use of the vernacular 'guidelines' was meant in a more generalization of the term. I would think it would go without saying circumventing an entire thread with security around it would be against the indented use. Other members have post similar threads, but not after having a post specifically about security and the sub forum dedicated to it. The second post doesn't bother me, as I said I think you're genuine in your endeavor, I too enjoy meeting new like minded people and have fun with poker.

It wasn't my intention to make you feel singled out, or 'be a douche' I would give the previous reply about the site not being about finding poker games to anyone. This isn't my lone mission; you'll find this perspective in most of the people that do attend meetups and or invite others to games. Locals at chip meet ups are often not preferred, and with reason.

I will say your OP felt like you were asking for a rule change to grant you access, due to your spending a quantity of funds.

Money can't buy everything, sometimes not even chips .. last month, I lost 300 bucks on a single rack of chips that USPS couldn't deliver because they can't be bothered with competency after 200 years of trying to perform their primary function, biter? Oh no not me! - Actually it was only 1/2 that as the seller (a great person of the community split the loss with me). Slow down, enjoy the journey, the people, don't try to speed or chopper into the top, its wroth earning

I appreciate this perspective, and I apologize for calling you a douche. I realize now (though it wasn't my intention) that my post probably sounded like I was trying to buy access, which (had I been thinking it through) of course would rub me wrong if I was on the other side.

Was trying to think if there was a 'stand in' for trustworthiness, and that was the first thing that came up.

Thanks for taking the time to respond again. That feels welcoming! I'm eager to restart my home poker journey after a decade hiatus, but a couple more months is not a big deal.

 

[acezag]

To some, asking how to get around the established rules to meet your needs is not a good first impression. Did you not think that with everyone that is active on this forum, you were not going to get a few “WhoTF is this guy” reactions?

I don’t know the demographics of this forum regarding age, but I think it’s safe to assume that there are a lot of us that don’t buy into the “this is hard to do - no fair” and “I want it now” mentality.

Put the time in and you’ll learn the answers to a lot of your questions before you even ask them.
GL.

Yeah, on reflection I realize it was a bad look. I'm a bit of a shut-in the last couple years, and unexpectedly had a blast the last few months getting involved in a small but fun home group. Looking forward to finding ways of getting re-engaged in a lifelong hobby. Thanks for the perspective.

 

[Machine]

I apologize for calling you a douche

To quote the movie Troy

Odysseus:
It is not an insult to say a dead man is dead.

 

[Bacon Dad]

To quote the movie Troy

Now that was a douchey thing to say...