Quote:
Originally Posted by esspoker
Poker can be cruel and especially if it's a lifestyle. I choose not to become a sociopath in my life and would not like myself if I bumhunted like described in the OP. However I think it's part of poker and always will be. We love poker because it's human nature, survival, psychological warfare. We need poker skills in life even if we don't want to become pure cold-blooded poker players in all areas of life.
its a great question, and very cool that Mason still kicks it with us plebs
I agree, I think the zero sum nature of this game cultivates some great qualities. At the same time it makes the game cruel, and that cruelty manifests itself in all kinds of ways. Anger, insecurity, regret, etc- we see all kinds of negative emotions at almost every poker table, there is no getting around it.
I have no problem with predatory bumhunting, as long as the regs know it is their job to provide a warm/entertaining experience. The recs are your customers, but its possible to be kind and transparent about your motivations. Someone like John Bellande (JRB) seems like a great example of this.