Hi Everyone:
I won't repeat any details here, but suffice it to say there has been an issue concerning one of our advertisers RPM Poker and their on site representative RPMSeth. So what's our response to all of this.
First, it's important to say that 2+2 is concerned with seeing things run in an honest and open manner, plus the delivery of a good product. This is not only our policy for what we produce, but it's also our policy relative to any of our advertising partners. And it is clear that RPMSeth has violated what we hold important to the integrity of
www.twoplustwo.com.
So the question now is how do we go about addressing this issue. The two extremes are to either throw RPM Poker off of 2+2, or to pretend that nothing happened. We have concluded that neither of these is an appropriate course.
The reason for rejecting the first extreme is, as far as we know, RPM Poker has been a good product. Their software (from the Merge Network) works well, their customer service is satisfactory, their games are good, and it's one of the last places that US players can still find Internet poker games.
The reason for rejecting the second extreme is that the mistakes made by RPMSeth are simply too egregious to ignore. Violating the confidence and trust of our posters is a serious mistake, even if the intention was somewhat benign.
So what we have done is three fold. First, we have allowed and welcomed discussion of the problems in a couple of threads on this forum. The misdeeds are now public knowledge.
Second, we have required a public apology from RPMSeth. This has now been done, and we believe the apology is sincere and that he understands the mistakes which have been made and why it is important not to repeat them in the future.
And third, we have made it clear in private conversations with both RPMSeth and other representatives from RPM Poker exactly where 2+2 stands on this matter and why there can be no repeat of it in the future. We have also communicated that if a repeat does occur, our response will be appropriate and more to the point than what we are doing now.
I also want to point out one other fact. The climate for poker, as everyone here should know, is now very bad. The events surrounding Full Tilt Poker are affecting everyone in this business. Specifically for poker entities suchs as an Internet poker room to survive they need new players. This is a fact that's also relevant to all of us. It's true for a publishing and Internet company such as 2+2, and it's also true for those of us who play as individuals whether on the Internet or in live games.
This now brings us to my final point. Over the years, and yes I've been around for a long time, one observation that I've noticed is that when under pressure people will often say or do things they shouldn't. Put another way, people will sometimes do something as a way of releasing pressure and later realize that this is something which they shouldn't have done. And this is exactly what I believe has happened here.
Best wishes,
Mason Malmuth
Owner and Publisher
Two Plus Two Publishing LLC
Two Plus Two Interactive LLC
www.twoplustwo.com