--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "John F. Thomas, Jr., Esq."
<jfthomas3@c...> wrote:
>> What would you rather have... a sweatshirt or a cooler that you
>> could buy at a dollar store... or a comped dinner and cashback
>> while you're playing?>Why does it has to be one or the other? Who says it can't be both?
>Certainly not Showboat/Harrahs, cuz they DO give out both.Erm. It IS one or the other, because the corporation has to make a
decision as to whether or not to allocate dollars to a particular
promotion. Harrah's has drastically cut its rewards program as of
June of last year.
Yes, I'm more than familiar with(and aware of) the many changes FOR
THE WORSE that Harrahs/Showboat made to their "Total RIPOFF" rewards
program last year. However, I didn't notice any concurrent increase
in the frequency(or value) of giveaways at that time; it seems to me
that they just POCKETED the "difference". Thus, I still don't see
the connection, nor do I think it's an inherent one.
By the questions asked in the survey, Harrah's was trying to attract
high-rollers with a higher-than-diamond tier... entitling people to
things like free car washes and special logo'd clothing.A dollar-store tote bag may make the low rollers happy, but I think
that anyone feeding $100 bills into a $10 slot machine, probably
couldn't care less about getting a $5 handout. They'd rather have
their comps.
I agree! And I think that's true of almost ALL gamblers too,
regardless of level of play. It's certainly true of all "serious"
gamblers, high-roller(s) or not, imo.
I know I would, and I know that's why I don't play Harrah's
anymore.Jeff, no offense, but you've said it yourself -- you continue to
patronize Harrah's and Showboat because they give you $10 and a
buffet when you take the bus down, despite the fact that you know
you're playing bad video poker.
It'll probably pleasantly surprise you to learn that Katrina and I
did the vast majority of our gambling at Resorts last Friday. And -
for whatever it's worth, when we finished our short(<60 minutes)
sesson of play at Showboat, we were ahead!
And apparently things like coolers and sweatshirts bring you to the
property.
IF(and only if) it's a day that's convenient for me to head to AC,
they DO get me there to pick up the "chatskis" yes. But that doesn't
mean I stay and play there! 
That's fine, for a certain level of play. But I don't think that
marketing philosophy is going to get back the $10K-20K a day
players, the people who used to be RFB but who are now pariah at
Harrah's... who've gone elsewhere in droves.
I agree, it's not gonna get them back. Nor is it gonna get me back
either!
We're Platinum @Showboat till May '05, but I seriously doubt our play
there in '04 qualifies us to extend the(also significantly reduced)
Platinum status beyond there. In fact, I doubt we finish '04 with
even HALF the 3,000 credits Platinum status requires. When it's
convenient, we'll go get the freebie items they offer and/or stay
overnight comped. But that won't mean we'll play there all that much.
It sure as hell won't get ME back, and offering me a tote bag or a
logo robe or a free car wash or some other stupid trinket isn't
going to make up for losing the gourmet dinners.
I hear you. Too bad they don't!