I have eaten in many nice restaurants where the tip is conveniently added to the bill for me, regardless of the level of service provided. I don't feel obligated to tip MORE; after all, the standard has been set by the restaurant. I look at poker tournaments the same way. If Harrah's corporation chooses to set the standard at 2% and I as a competitor (and I did compete, by the way, though unsuccesfully) can't choose to give less, why should I give more? If the experience was especially well presented, like last year's WSOP, maybe I would give a little something to the staff. This year's WSOP was a joke, though. It amazes me when I read on Cardplayer.com or on Pokerpages.com about what a great job Ken Lambert and the fellas did, because anyone who played day after day and has played many tournaments previously KNOWS what a complete mess they made from June 2 right through July 16. I wouldn't have tipped an extra quarter except to a few individuals like Jody Ivener who really made an effort to get it right. And for the casual players and nonplayers who are on their high horse about it in this forum to take such offense is pretty silly in my opinion. But, it is ONLY my opinion, so take it for what it's worth.
Chris Compton
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