If it helps, I found that having a browser already open opened the link in the browser I have open.

(eg if you open chrome and click the link it will open up no problem in Chrome)

Hi Dave,

Glad to have access to you in such a high traffic/public spot.

I have a suggestion for the structure of super turbo heads up sngs on Merge that is quite important (for us heads up sng players). If you have a chance to get feedback from those that make the structure decisions on Merge, please let us know:

Thank you for introducing the super turbo heads up sng structure to Merge. Unfortunately, there are two major defects to this structure that need to be addressed before myself and many others can participate in them.

- The rake is much too high. PokerStars new hyper turbos rake at a rate of 2.2% for the smaller buyin levels. So where you effectively have $5 + .25 (it's actually $8 + .40 I believe), they have $5 + .11. If you take a look at Full Tilt's rake (PokerStars doesn't have higher buyin STs yet), you'll see it goes down to 1.1% at the highest of stakes. This is in line with smaller edges at higher levels due to more competent players (and the smaller rake actually induces more action between "winners" and "regulars").

- The other issue is that the starting effective stacks are too short. You can double the effective stack depth by simply changing the 50-100 starting blinds to 25-50, and keep the 1500 chip stack and the blind increase time.

By making these two simple changes, you'll be more in line with a fair rake policy for these games. Remember, they run much faster than even turbo speed games, so even with 1.1-2.2% rake on all levels, these games can likely create more rake per minute than the 4.5-5% raked heads up sngs.

Their rake is higher than industry average, and sooo much higher for certain games, but all in all, it just ain't right.

I posted one example of it in the following thread:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/28...ustry-1029288/

It's amazing how so many players are so concerned with rakeback percentage and not how much they are actually paying.

But all in all, for Merge to have sustained growth, they gotta change their rake structure. If they do, I guarantee they will experience the growth that Poker Stars did. The Poker Stars strategy works!

Um, when is Live Chat coming back up? Its down for every skin? I didn't know this when I downloaded the Client.

I'm not feeling warm and fuzzy if something goes wrong with the deposit.

Someone addressing this issue would be greatly appreciated.

I agree, things that people should just recognize, I'm not saying accept, but just recognize that while player's interest in Merge has increased dramatically in the last 3 and half weeks, Merge was a small but growing network previously. Thus, where it could it took margin to giving out a 35% RB, which is appealing from a very competitive market stand point again other sites with similar rake structures/amounts, but, make little sense if you are the main growing player.

Thus, I agree, moving forward a number of changes will be made in the system, and as volume and demand grow it completely makes sense. I'm forwarding and compiling these comments as I go along and more often than not I get a response back from Merge that they've already seen the posting and are working on it! (Hi Guys!), but please don't think that we disagree, we're just adjusting right now as a network.

Cheers,
David

It is down for every skin, it just got put on hold early yesterday as basically players who were first in cue where still waiting 45 mins, so it was a big ridiculous. They are now using the current chat persons to help with mass training and as soon as they are competent (God help us if you get quick service to only get on more tilt), it will be back up, but for the moment, its a sign of extreme growth and restructuring rather than liquidation and insolvency. The software is scalable, but our support staff is far less so;
again if there are any outstanding issues, please either post them here, pm me or directly email me at marketing@heropoker.com.

I try to be systematic in my approach, but I'm alway accessible if not instantaneousness. But I will get you an answer, even if it isn't the one you are really looking for.

Cheers,
David

For the US, other than a 100k guarantee this Sunday with the network, nothing else for this month, since the 30k tourney freeroll is actually 60k in total prizes, its what we are focusing on for the moment, but other sites will have rake races going on.

UPDATE on 30k +30k (60k plus EV for players)
FOR US PLAYERS ONLY

WITH 300 PLACES PAID OUT- ONLY 458 PLAYERS HAVE REGISTERED!
TOP 300 win $100 cash and $100 play through bonus & NO DEPOSIT NECESSARY
SO IF YOU HAVEN'T REGISTER TODAY!!! (sorry for the caps)
*Apologies NY state players are no longer able to register on the Merge Network, existing accounts are unaffected*



THE 30,000 USD + 30,000 USD FREEROLL HEROPOKER 300: May 15, 4:30 US Eastern

NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO PLAY
The top 300 US players will get paid out EACH $100 instant cash with an additional $100 play through cash bonus.
No withdraw restrictions on the $100 or
Keep it and claim your additional $100 cash bonus and do what you were born to do,
Play poker as one of Hero Poker’s 300.


THE BATTLE GROUNDS
Date: Sunday 15th May 2011 @ 4:30pm US Eastern
Game: Texas Holdem No Limit 6 Handed
Tab Location: Tournaments/Scheduled / Special (priority listing)
Blinds: 15 minutes starting at 10 / 20 (10% antes after level 7)

Prize Payout: Top 300 places
Payout : $30,000 cash plus $30,000 bonus ($100 + $100 per player)

Starting Chips: 3,000 chips
Break for 5 minutes every 60 minutes

Late Registration: Ends after 60 minutes
Eligibility: US players + Password
Time Bank: 30 Seconds with 1 Second Earned Every 1 Hand

PASSWORD:
*after you sign up at HeroPoker.com, go to the ‘game lobby’, in the bottom menu select ‘player admin’; update your player details and email us at Marketing@heropoker.com with your username.
THIS IS FOR US PLAYERS ONLY – YOUR DETAILS & IP WILL BE CONFIRMED
DO NOT GIVE OUT THE PASSWORD TO NON-US PLAYERS

You want 35% Rackback? Then come and get it!
http://record.heropoker.com/_jvhLO13...nWNd7ZgqdRLk/2

What an odd choice (dodging the SDNY DA?).

However, thanks for the heads up about Live Chat. Many folks in Carbon thread complaining about WU deposits in Limbo, and no live help to help them - also, live help needed for UMW invites - and no answer to emails (of course, you do great Support David, but Carbon isn't replying to emails).

Wonder about all those folks in NY waiting for cash out to deposit. This is the first time a state has been excluded.

To my knowledge yes, but of course I don't recommend anyone from the state of Washington playing as well. I'm not say I tow the party line, but I do have confidence in the managerial guidance of the Merge executive.

In terms of our own site, we haven't been as aggressive during this period, so I can still stay on top of things and as the CEO of course I can simply just resolve things or make policy on the spot, but its the only advantage I have due to the size of our player base.

Unfortunately I can't assist another site, not because I don't want to, but of course I have no access to any player files, etc for obvious reasons; but I'm not pointing this out to slag anyone. It is just a reality that again, while player interest has magnified 10 fold, the site is a physical entity which is adjusting to the change, so these things are unavoidable. Its not inexcusable, but simply unavoidable and it will be great when its resolved and our reputation as a network as a whole will be determined by that; but the guys at Merge I know are not sleeping and working like dogs on everything, so its a good time, but also, there are expectations that won't be met until some more time has passed.

But current NY players I've been told are unaffected.

In terms of Hero Poker, I think I am close to coming to our own company's conclusion about the general environment and likely will be enacting our own company policy within the next few months. But I'd like to disclose that after I've fully confirmed things with a number of other staff etc.

If there is every an issue, please, if you're with Hero, just email me at marketing@heropoker.com I try not to sleep and usually am up about 20 of the 24 hour day.

Thanks,
Dave

posted this in the 'Help Fix Merge Network thread'
but here it is here again:

Just got back word right now, This is what I'm allowed to quote:
"Merge has listened and you will see changed tournaments in the very near future with rake reduced at all levels aside from the $2.10 and the 25/50 chip blind level added."

Obviously we want to manage expectations, but they are working on it mad furious, so better to be surprised than disappointed and hate on these guys who are working 24/7 (and again, not an excuse, but we're all definitely trying to help)

And of course Merge appreciates all this input, you can't believe how much research they do through twoplustwo. And I'm not shilling, Hero wouldn't have worked with Merge if we didn't do my own due diligence and I'm not an easy guy to impress when it comes to corporate/business issues.
Thanks.
Dave

If I am concerned about my money coming off of a MERGE poker site safely, should I investigate the the MERGE owners or the owners of my skin? The whole skin and network relationship is quite confusing to me.

David, just wondering if you have an answer for this? Might have skipped over it in the original post I made that contained it so reposting it more clearly.

This thread only handles Hero, he can't help other skins.

This room uses the Merge Cashier.

If your skin offers WU CASH OUT, or Pic Club deposits, then you are not using the Merge Cashier.

Best I can help you with.

Let me outline the over all framework then get into specific issues.

1. Most merge sites have the Merge network handling payments because Merge can get good rates on the transaction fees due to volume also have a separate payments department is a huge commitment of specialized manpower because payments processor agreements constantly need to be renegotiated as well as new agreements made as each little percentage point is directly affecting the bottom line (ie. the processor fees).

But a network site can take on a number of aspects on to themselves such as even support, but usually due to volume and fixed costs issues, a network site will use the networks current shared partner services and augment where they can (i.e. take care of certain transactional costs or provide an additional line of support via forums such as twoplusplus etc.

2. The sites that do their own processing because they have their own sufficient volumes also do a reconciliation with network as they will hold the player balances. But in this case, the network has many guidelines and checks/balances to ensure that sites do keep their player funds separately as per licensing guidelines etc. But only a firm that has a level of financially capability or existing resources should do their own processing as simply the cost is higher for no real improvement in services unless there is even further investment into the service side as well (ie. you assign more dedicated staff to the support side of payments).


3. In a perfect world, no company is insolvent and always keeps their player funds separated, but this has not been the case with a number of sites in the past which did its own processing, offered 70% rakeback and folded with the players money and disappeared or that were endorsed by some prominent industry persons but then still failed etc.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/29...d-5-3m-452491/

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/28...-fraud-312600/

But this is of course not just limited to network sites in terms of security and player funds as UB stands as a stark example whereas they did have a very public scandal about the super user and now it appears that while they said that there was a complete change in ownership, this may not be the case.


4. To get to the heart of the issue: this is your money online, while it may appear to be twice removed by being a virtual balance and then virtual chips, this is real money and in the same way you'd vet an investment or where you keep you savings, that level of diligence should be applied, but more often times than no, we don't as we do not have such access to detailed ownership information and also we look to other things such as length of time and general reputation. But with the nature of overseas foreign operators, the transparently is less than what it normally should be, due to the nature of being overseas. But to simply say, 'hey well it is is what it is' is also saying, 'hey well if things when south, I guess I should accept it as well', which I don't believe is a proper response either. But then what are the practical points here, when you are dealing with private overseas firms? So, not to deflect your question, but for the most part, finding the direct ownership and background on the management may not be a straight forward process or the most practical approach as a player (even Tusk was propped up by a multi-billionaire), but I'll outline from an industry view point what I would advise.

5.a. if you are non-American, playing with a firm which is public is one are of consideration, not to say that public companies are immune for business failure, but the failure would occur from competitive or industry forces rather than outright fraud or misrepresentation

b. see if they update their website with promotions or are even running independent promotions aside from the network

c. working not exclusively through affiliates only and doing their own marketing meaning that they are not just advertising on just rakeback sites but sites like twoplustwo or magazines etc. And also diverse marketing material like viral videos etc.

d. not offering outrageous too good to be true deals like 300% bonus deposit and 85% rakeback. While these deals may be legit, how a company can run on negative 25% profit margin, boggles my mind as the more the player actually plays the more the company would lose in these scenarios.

e. sponsorship of some notable pros: while probably misused by some firms (so I would say this aspect stand alone but rather in conjunction with the other above aspects), site that have zero pros or unknown pros who are only known via their online persona, obviously may be operating by the thinest of margins or even as a bare bones operations with literally no staff but an accountant and affiliate manager.

f.live event sponsorship or organization, even if it is single WSOP seat and there is representative there to patch you up and claim you as their qualifier, there are not many network sites out of the couple of hundreds out there that would even do that much.

g. Lastly, communication with the site representatives; its not just a matter of timely response, but when there is a serious matter at hand that they can respond with something honest and sincere. In many respects, companies will make mistakes, but it is in how they rectify it.

Even with the above, I can name two such sites which either did do all the above except for maybe a couple of points that were not reputable and that it came down to the character and background of the management. So in that respect, all of these aspects above can be exploited by an experience industry insider or marketeer, but the actual background of the management is less so. But again, in the case of how a foreign operator is structured, this makes it much more difficult to realize until there is an issue where media outs the management's name etc. I mean how many of the top sites in the world, besides the publicly listed ones, do the poker players know the name of the CEO. For most major companies in the US, private or public this is common knowledge or easily acquired knowledge by the consumer. But not in this particular situation.

Especially in this climate, and how the business are moving forward, a more critical view of how an over all network site (skin) is being managed may give indication of general business practices and contribute to player/consumer confidence. And that is probably the main reason I deal with this topic as directly as I can and while a site representative likely would not have the background or authority to write on a topic in this fashion, I have no such excuse other than if I was trying to deflect the issue.

Recommendation
I would say, do not deposit your money if you feel insecure whatsoever, simply wait and see and if that never comes, then the business has not earned your trust/confidence to warrant your business. I do not accept that a business can make excuses when it comes to accountability to a consumer; business are not people or the nice people who work there, businesses serve the consumer/player and if it fails to do that on any level, then a consumer should take their business and confidence else where.
If you feel that something is a viable option, then consider minimizing your exposure and to a test of the services, but I would say, this is not the time to be complacent. And of course this not an ideal situation to be enjoying your hobby if you need to put all these things into consideration, but unfortunately a necessity in this environment especially with the increased attention to existing operators.

I will openly state my background, you can google me, 'David Jung Pokerstars Macau' and that I am the CEO, while not an owner, am responsible for the over all business direction and management of the firm. I do feel that the Merge network management and company is one that has earn my own personal trust and professional confidence through my personal meetings with their CEO and CTO as well as their general staff through my onsite visits. Our company is also active on other community sites, but my community relationship and persona differs slightly from site to site (ie. Hero sponsors DonkDown radio, so I do curse along with the other members, but simply to emphasis certain points rather than for fun) and we are features to some extent in this month's PokerNews Australia magazine with our new pro, Grant Levy being featured on the cover as well as an interview with me in World Gaming Magazine (a magazine in the Asia Pacific gaming/casino market).

But please, as I mentioned, take this with a grain of salt, I am not claiming that because I do these things that we are the only viable choice or even viable enough to gain your confidence from these things alone. But like every company, a company gains confidence from consistent service and presence, which we hope to do as well. Again, I hope that this contributes to your overview view of things as even certain owners even seemed credible but did not run their businesses in a credible fashion. But to comment on Hero and Merge Network, respectfully and alone, I won't shy away to say we are responsive and credible by our actions.

Regards,
David

Apologies I did miss in that post:
1. yes, there is no Australian ownership in the company or established operations in Australia, just marketing spend.

2. In this case, your funds will be completely held separately with the processor for the Aussie Market and it will not be merged with segregated general player funds. And each funds per site are kept in segregated accounts for each company, even though it is managed as a whole by Merge, these are separate player accounts because we have separate player bases and this is done for accounting and assurance reasons as well.

3. The main issue with Black Friday was that it was and still is unclear as to the number of transit player funds and player deposits funds that were frozen. If Black Friday had occurred without the freezing of account, it would have been just legal head lines as even AB/UB continued to allow for real money play, but when the funds were frozen, this is what caused the real issues that affected the players directly. Thus, the sites were unable to facilitate transfers or the guarantee that they could even facilitate transfers in the future, let alone assess the cash flow damage in the case where, if transfer fund accounts were frozen only, their existing operational cash flow could be sufficient to pay out all player balances, but if some of their 'segregated' accounts were also frozen then simply there wouldn't be enough liquidity in their entire company structure as the cost would be disallow the company to function. But if the funds are kept properly segregated, then it is only an issue of re-establishing the method of transactions as was the case with PS.

And yes, player funds are segregated, but should the method of transaction be made unavailable, as in the case of BlackFriday, there will be delays in getting player funds back, but you would get them. But as you've noted, it really rests on how really segregated these funds and as a small network with low volumes this hasn't be a issue, but with growth comes more exposure and you can be assured that the network has reviewed and restructure accordingly after BlackFriday that we were and are not in the same initial situation of these other operators.

Yes, totally agree with you regarding the outcome if funds weren't frozen but still it did help to show the general public how important segregated funds are when Pokerstars was able to release funds so quickly...on that note, am I correct in assuming that player funds are segregated from operating funds as well as separated on a per-skin basis?

I'm not too concerned with getting funds on or off as I use neteller but it was more with the US government "advising" the australian govt. to so domething about sites breaking our laws. Given how insane Nic Xenaphone is regarding gambling it's not a stretch to think something along those lines may happen in the future but you continue to say the right things to instill trust, which is most appreciated.....hell, continue like this and I might send my resume in if there is any room for a programmer/dba with degrees in finance/hedging and maths lol

Dave,

You made the quoted post about the limit hold'em rake structure being addresses in a week or so. That post is about a week old. Is there anything new on this? I am withholding any and all deposits until the excessive rake structure is fixed. I love playing, but not if the rake makes the game unbeatable.

Thanks!

Hello David,

I'v been told by other skins that even though I currently have rakeback on a different skin I can set up and account ad be "tagged" for rakeback. Since I would be tagged I could be grandfathered in after June 1st. I enjoy your handling of this thread and your ideas for the future have me very interested, and one day I would maybe join your site. With that said, can I get "tagged" by your skin if I PM you my username?

I would think that the skins and affiliates would do what they can to inform Merge about their LMT Holdem rake structure.

They incorrectly applied a NLH rake structure to LMT.

All in all, Merge has a higher than industry average rake structure (for all games) and their weighted contributed rakeback does not even come close to making up the difference. It is amazing how many players are so concerned with their rakeback percentage and not about the fact that they are paying so much more per hand.

Check out this link, it's just one example:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/28...ustry-1029288/

In my example, you're paying an average of ~ $0.50 per hand that you win. So figure out how many hands you won in the last year and multiply it by $0.50 and deduct that from your bankroll or winnings and see how much extra cash that cost you.

Like I said, their weighted average rakeback doesn't even come close to making up the difference. Merge has essentially turned the game into a slot machine, (btw, alot of people still play slot machines).

All in all, their rakeback is so much higher than their competitors, it just isn't right. If they want to experience continued growth, they have to change. They gotta see the forest from the trees.

HERO (MERGE) SUPPORT @ NEAR MAX CAPACITY *PLEASE READ*

Hero shares support via the network and while our volume of players is low, support's resources have been predominately used by the other sites- which sucks, but apparently the support inbox is at max capacity (I think this is also due to the closing of live support which added to the increase of emails).

For Hero Poker players only: if you have a support issue and your email gets bounced back, just forward it to me at Marketing@heropoker.com and I'll try to sort it out myself; if I can't I'll let you know, and I'll forward it on through my private support contact with Merge. Don't PM me here with support issues, just email me directly at marketing@heropoker.com

I know it doesn't look great for the network, but its the effect of new users and growth, so it's not indicative of anything 'unstable' per say, but keep in mind that 3 weeks ago we were #24 in the world as a network now we are #9; so its a huge jump and strain on the network. Not an excuse, but everyone is working hard on it.

Make sure in the subject you write you are from 2p2.
#1. You guys are a priority to me and I'm not just saying that,
#2. I also have a level of trust for you guys as well, and I know you guys aren't one's not to look for the answer first, so if you are emailing you have a good reason to so I'll get on it as soon as I can.

Cheers and sorry guys, but I can sort out most issues or provide an alternative. But don't PM here for support issues, it is easier for me to organize and access things from my email accounts.

So if your support email gets bounced or you haven't gotten a timely response and its urgent:
1. Marketing@heropoker.com
2. Say you are from 2p2

Thanks,
Dave

And I do really only sleep about 4 hours a day in total, with one day a week I sleep 8 hours, so I will get to the email within 8 hours max.

yes, of course, operational fund have ZERO tie in with player deposits, and our investment funds also have ZERO tie with player deposits.

And love to have you on board, we are hiring in Sept, so send me your CV please around that time or now, and I'll keep it on file: marketing@heropoker.com but in subject line: p2p CV Aus fin/hed/pro (i'll know what this means and I'll put it in my Sept file.

Cheers,
Dave

Exactly as I wrote, and don't deposit until the structure is fixed, but 1 week to sort it, and up to 2 week point to implement it. If in 2 weeks from now it hasn't been modified at all, then I have egg on my face and I'll dedicate my focus in putting this my first priority to get a firm answer and progress on it.

Cheers,
Dave

I have not hear of this 'tagged' option before, but it is probably because I haven't tried to ask the network to switch over players from other networks directly. I will definitely make a note on your account and 'tag it' but I feel as though the policy for June 1st is a hard and fast one and I do not know such accounts will really be allowed to apply RB after June 1st.

In any case my suggestion is: DON'T DISABLE your current RB account at this point on your respective skin. PM me your user name and I will put a direct note. I will ask about this directly and likely post a general response on this by Monday.

Regards,
David

Regarding my account, I don't wish to be retagged. I chose you for the VIP system, and .2% rake back not as good as the affiliate I am with, etc. etc. (though they are not the shady kind - I get the regular 35% rake back).