Originally posted by hotdogonfire
There are two basic problems that I believe are present in the requirements for PokerStrategy articles.
1. PokerStrategy shouldn't be tiering the articles.
Sure, emphasize that it's more important to master the basics before moving onto more advanced material, but having the material available to everyone from the start would on the whole, make everyone a better player. It's absurd to suggest that given a large sample size of players, withholding lessons will actually improve their game.
2. PokerStrategy should make available (most) articles that are at present time members-only.
I can't find a Poker site dealing with strategy that's requiring us to pay for their information. Almost everything can be found on the web for free. Disseminating Poker knowledge (and knowledge in general) is a goal that you're either financially motivated for, or independent from. Write a book, or charge a clear price for what you're doing if you're with the former, but don't end up using a convoluted "StrategyPoint" system to provide what you could easily give everyone with a few clicks.
If there are a few articles that are completely revolutionary/mind-shattering, it's perfectly fine to limit access to them (treat them like trade secrets). However the current system seems not only insecure but also illogical.
There should be and must be perks available to PokerStrategy members such as available coaching, forum posting privileges, etc. in order to create interest in joining, but I feel that including the strategy articles into the system of "StrategyPoints" isn't the best way.
About number 1...
Dude... I'm no great player, but even I know that there is a world of difference between micro and even 25cent/50cent... There are enough people on the forum bragging about how they pissed away their starting capital in 24 hours. Can you imagine some guy with his starting $50 trying some fancy bluff he learned about on a platinum video for a stack at 2cent/5cent? Only to get called by bottom pair and lose? And then spew on the forum about "those donks at micro"?
I know that to most liberal minded people, the very concept of withholding info is repulsive, but use common sense. In early school, we learn basic concepts. Only in university and beyond do we find out that those concepts are not as "true" as we believed as children. So why not teach children that everything is a shade of gray? Well, you wouldn't do that because the young mind is not ready for adult knowledge and the implications of that knowledge. Same here with poker. As a micro player, I will lose money if I try a 72o bluff like Durrr did in the video. I think you can take Pokerstrategy at their word when they say they want you to succeed with the $50. That's why you absorb the appropriate level of info.
Number 2
As far as how PS ranks with other sites, I think you would be hard pressed to find a better one no matter how much they get from the sites for the referral. The amount they get BECAUSE of me is irrelevant. What matters is what I pay them and I pay them nothing. And I get rakeback? Looks like a great value!
It is true that people could easily find a way to get the info. So what? I think the people at PS know that and they don't seemed concerned. Also, I don't think people move up in stakes simply because they want the platinum videoes. Correct me if I'm wrong Platinums and Diamonds, but I would assume that they moved up because their skill and bankroll merited it, not because they wanted to read a Diamond article. The tiered videoes and articles are icing on the cake, not a raison d'etre.
