Hi folks, JT, here, cub reporter for the vpFREE Gazette and featured
columnist for VPPlayer. I was given the opportunity to do an in depth interview with
the HR marketing director about the press release. The entire interview,
recorded at Mr Lucky's, is on the vpFREE Podcast page but below is a partial
transcript:
More from Hard Rock
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Back Stage Pass
Our slot club is changing from its current structure of $20
coin-in per point ($40 video poker) to $1 coin-in = 1 point ($2
coin-in for video poker).
JT: So what took you so long? The crummy old system scared everybody
away. "When do I see a point. When do I see a point."
HRMD: So what's taking you so long to learn the names of other posters on
vpFREE?
JT: That's old news. I just got through memorizing all the posters from
the entire year and recited them in the same manner as the Bob's Big Boy
coffee shop waitresses used to know all the different pies. I know all the Don's
too.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What happens to my existing points?
Your existing points are intact and available for your use at any
time. We will convert them to the new structure at the proper
rate to make sure you will have the same cashback balance
available you had before. You also have the ability to use those
points for discounted food, beverage and amenities at the Hard
Rock (had point redemption menu to guest).
JT: I heard when a player asks about points at the slot club the main
sound system switches to the "Mission Impossible" theme.
HRMD: It won't make any difference to you because you're so hard of
hearing.
JT: No thanks. I don't like fish.
2. What is the new cash back structure? How much is a point
worth?
Every 500 points = $1.00 in cash back for the new structure
JT: Yeah but, I heard the video poker machines will be set to play one
hand per rock and roll song on the sound system.
HRMD: That's not true you dweeb.
(LOCAL PLAYER) - Locals will receive 2X points throughout the
summer. With that structure Hard Rock is still the market leader
in cash back.
You also have the ability to use those points for discounted
food, beverage and amenities at the Hard Rock (had point
redemption menu to guest).
JT: Does that include having a comp breakfast at Mr Lucky's at 8:30 am
and have to put up with the server asking me If I want a cocktail with my
coffee and orange juice like they always do?
HRMD: Don't worry I'll make sure you never get any comps.
Examples: For 5,000 Points you can receive a $10 Cashback or $12
Food Credit.
For 11,000 Points you can receive a $22 Cashback or $25 Retail
Gift Certificate
JT: Now that sounds nice. Can I buy the little wagon in the gift shop
with points?
HRMD: Actually the Retail Gift Certificates are only good in our Lingerie
Shop and only if you're female and have as many freckles as Lindsey Lohan.
3. Has the value of my rewards been lowered?
No. Hard Rock still has the best cash back, direct mail,
promotions and the ability to use your points to get exclusive
concert tickets, food and beverage and admission to our night
club and Rehab events. In addition we have created monthly
promotions to reward our loyal customers. We just had 100 Ipods
giveaway - customers loved it! In May we are giving away $15,000
in VIP Killers Tickets and Free Slot Play. More exciting and
rewarding promotions are coming in June/July/August 2007.
JT: It's well known that all Vegas casinos tout their brand as the best.
Look at the RJ Readers Poll for example, you guys pay the RJ to be number one
in the staff choices.
[The MD reached for his phone and called security to Mr Lucky's]
JT: I take that back. But speaking of Ipods. What exactly is an Ipod?
HRMD: It's a thingie that teens steal from WalMart and sell to each other
for eighty bucks on the CAT bus.
JT: Loyal customers? VIP Killers? Is there a connection there?
HRMD: The above paragraph is just stuff we say. We don't have to follow
though because most of our high rollers are old farts like you who don't
remember anything.
4. Where are points redeemed?
Points are redeemed at the Backstage Pass Booth.
JT: Ohhh so that's why you've installed a five hundred pound sound system
speaker right over the booth, so we can't hear our transaction.
HRMD: That's keeping up with industry standards.
5. Are their any other changes?
No. There are no changes to table games rewards either.
JT: I heard you'll have even more shills at the Craps table. The guys who
yell and cheer real loud even if they lose.
HRMD: Yes. The Hard Rock does employ out of work casino commercial actors.
6. Do members have to get a new card?
No. The old card will work.
JT: What about those free play cards that never work?
HRMD: We'll be giving you double the amount of free play cards. Some will
work some won't.
7. What´s Next?
Late this summer, Hard Rock will be revamping the Back Stage Pass
to add even more benefits, such as club tiers, and the ability
download free play and cash back at the machine, receive bonuses
and receive access to on-property events just by showing your
card.
JT: Could you pinpoint what late this summer means?
HRMD: In January of 09' we'll send out a brochure titled, "Summer's
Almost Over So Play At the Hard Rock"
JT: Thank you for a fine interview.
HRMD: The pleasure was all mine. Would you like another cup of coffee?
JT: Yes and a straw. I can't lift this heavy soup cup.
HRMD: OK. But it was entertaining to watch you lean down and slurp, you
old codger.
************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
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