I'm getting interviewed on TV - help me!

[EMc]

When I did mine I made it a point to talk about how some people take it serious and arent wanton gamblers and seriously care about improvement of their game, and that I have used the money to help with my college education. I also wanted to make the point that the law was passed in haste and isnt a truly great law.

[relayerdave]

Bust out a copy of NLHTAP and show the reporter some of David's EV equations...

[dozer]

[ QUOTE ]
The local CBS affiliate here in Pittsburgh (KDKA) has set up an interview with me for a segment they want to do on online poker.

Here is the email I originally got from the journalist interviewing me:

[ QUOTE ]
Hey there,

I'm working on a story about college kids playing poker on the internet, and I'm told I should contact you about a possible interview.

The story would look at both sides of the coin - the up and downside of students playing Texas Hold 'em and other games for cash.

And whether this is a good way to pay for an education. I understand you've been successful, and I'd very much like to get your take on it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I need to know how I should best summarize what was put on the Port Security bill, and how it has already affected the online world, and how it might in the future.

Also, please tell me in general what else you think I should say besides the legality of online poker. Thanks in advance. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]



PS- I apologize in advance to anyone here from the Pittsburgh area who deserves more to be on TV than me. I'm just a low limit donk.

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought hard about this.

Explain first and foremost that you like to play poker, be it online or otherwise, then explain that since it's still not illegal, technically, you're allowed to play it. If you're still stumped, then just say, 'BabaBooeyBabaBooeyBabaBooey.'

[dozer]

[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps mention well-liked famous people who play poker? Didn't President Nixon play poker? (Not sure how well liked he is as former presidents go...)

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe our current and previous Presidents are both poker players (or were at some point).

Shoot, I am sure there are a dozen weekly poker games on the Hill.

Just another reminder how much garbage this bill really is.

[jason75]

I do a lot of media work, so here's some simple tips:

1. Talk to the reporter before the interview. Ask him what kinds of questions he's going to ask. This should help prep you.

2. Don't try to be a know it all or give some kind of stump speech about how it was snuck through in the Port Security Bill. Nobody likes a know-it-all, and trying to be an expert on things you aren't an expert on is the easiest way to get yourself into trouble.

3. Keep your answers short(ish) and non-defensive. Try not to "explain too much" or dismiss legitimate concerns about gambling out of hand.

For instance, if they ask you about the dangers of gambling addiction, instead of giving an "everything's fine" or "I'm not addicted" kind of answer, you could say something like "Well, I'm not an expert on gambling addiction. I'm sure there's people out there who have problems with it, just like people have problems with a lot of things. But I think this should be a free country where people can do something they enjoy in the privacy of their own homes."

Hope this helps and good luck. If you can record the video and post it up, I'd love to watch it.

[EasilyFound]

[ QUOTE ]
Make it easy on yourself. Say you and a lot of friends play online poker, you enjoy it, it is a fun hobby, you play responsibly, you don't harm anyone else, you are old enough to die for your country in war and you should have the right to spend your money in your own place of residence however you like. That keeps it simple, it is something most people will agree with, it is something most people can relate too and you don't risk making yourself sound like a douche by trying to give some eloquent speech on the law or legislation to later find out you were misquoting things.

[/ QUOTE ]

Spot on. You should run a political campaign.

[Uglyowl]

I would stay away from, I make lots of money, pay for college, it's my job etc. This has always made me cringe when I hear this, not sure if it is just me?

[Whitewash]

What should I say about what the new bill says exactly, and how it will affect online poker? (if he asks, which I got a feeling from the call he gave me that he will.)

[TomVeil]

I'd be honest about that. Tell him that many sites are still accepting US players, and that taxation and regulation are the best ways to go.

One thing I tell my friends may help here too:

EVERY POKER PLAYER I KNOW would rather play on a site in which a portion of the profits goes to improving schools, roads, and hiring law enforcement. Right now, that's not an option, but we would like it to be.

[cowboy.up]

Goodluck with the interview Whitewash - I'm from Pittsburgh and will be watching intently (no pressure).

I'd definately recommend going the recreational route as LotteryorPoker put it. When they ask about the bill tell them as stated above it hurts the recreational players and those addicted to gambling will find ways to play at the shady UNREGULATED sites (make sure to throw in the point that most of the current sites are regulated by some form of governing body).

Tell them that the bill does not make it illegal to play online...most people that have heard about the bill still think that it's now a crime to play.

If they start riding your real hard about the addiction aspect tell them to direct them to Don Cannon (the KDKA anchor who was out for a while battling alcoholism - turn some of those questions on him, heh).

Goodluck, think your responses through and make us all proud.