Well...hi guys. Looks like you've all been busy today. Hopefully you had some time to make calls to DC and write to your local papers about what's going on in Washington.
That being said I'll give you my response to your questions/concerns.
If you read our very first posting I explained almost everything you guys bring up today. NROG was formed by myself and my business partner, Brian Jakusik. Both of us have very deep radio and marketing backgrounds and YES we make no bones about it...we own a marketing agency who, for years, has catered to many offshore gambling sites. We're not hiding anything here. We have a business as well as our own rights to protect. True Media/Skyy (new name) is our agency and they have been handling a lot of our marketing efforts...free of charge. Its also important to note that Brian and I do not take one penny for a salary. We're fortunate enough to have done well in our past positions that we can devote all of our time to this and not pull a paycheck. Again...let me stress...NROG has not paid for any agency work. It has been donated. ALL funds thus far have been from my and Brian’s personal bank account.
As far as when we formed: When we began to get a good idea of how bad lobbying efforts were going in DC we decided to step in. As marketing guys we understand the importance of media. Until now, not one group fighting this fight has taken this message to the people. I'm not saying they're doing it wrong. I'm saying I believe we can make a better statement if a large part of the country gets behind this rather than just a few thousand. Our initial reports from DC back in June were that the House may act on bill (it did…HR4411) but the Senate would stall this bill so we had time to build our infrastructure. Our plans were to launch around elections. However, when Frist started going crazy we knew we had to step in and try to get some sort of army built who may be able to stop it. We setup a temporary website (
www.saveonlinegaming.com), a temporary payment system (paypal) and got ourselves out as best we could. Our official .org site is just about done, our payment accounts, etc are in place and we’re almost ready to launch the systems we started building at the beginning. We're getting up and running as fast as we can. We could have sat back and watched this from a distance but what message would that send to you? That we hid from the tough fight and showed up after the dust settled. We would have no part of that strategy. We put our gear on, spent OUR PERSONAL money and hopped in this fight with you.
What do we get in return? This ONE forum tearing us apart everyday for what is STILL accurate information and still an organization who is trying hard to fight Congress! Never have we released information that wasn't true. You know what, guys? We're going to keep fighting. We'll keep working away to protect our rights and your rights no matter how much you disagree and no matter what you “google” on us and our partners.
Before I came on here today we met to decide if we should abandon the forums for this very reason. We are now on countless forums and felt it was a great way to communicate with you in your day to day life. It was discussed stopping our posts on 2+2 so we could stop wasting time answering critics and spend more time working with those that can actually help us. I and a few others disagreed and we decided we'll monitor how things go before pulling the plug. I'm not saying you can't question us...please do...we're a non-profit (out of Massachusetts by the way)...so everything should be disclosed to you and we should have to answer to your concerns. BUT maybe you can find a better way to do this. What do you all get out of posting hatred or conspiracy theories? There's no reason for it. If you have a question...do what dozens of others have done...call me...email me. My line and email are always open to talk to you and help you through your concerns.
[email protected] or 800-724-8334 ext. 83
I hope you'll continue to be active with or without us here. I hope you'll support any legitimate organization who will fight for your rights. And I hope you'll find a way to trust us, embrace our fight and work with us to win this battle.
Thanks for your time gents (and ladies)
JayB
NROG