I'm getting interviewed on TV - help me!

Whitewash · #1 10-16-2006, 04:08 PM

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.

MagCFO · #2 10-16-2006, 04:12 PM

Tell them how prohibition will not work. Several of the biggest sites have already came out and said they will still be offering poker to US players.

You can also tell them you know a couple people who were life long republicans, but will never be voting republican again. One of which is a 10 year military vet. This will have an effect at the polls.

LotteryOrPoker · #3 10-16-2006, 04:13 PM

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.

Xhad · #4 10-16-2006, 04:22 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Tell them how prohibition will not work. Several of the biggest sites have already came out and said they will still be offering poker to US players.

[/ QUOTE ]

Better yet, say that this law really only affects the casual, recreational player since the addicts this law is supposed to be "protecting" will probably find ways around it just as fast as anyone else.

AndyH69 · #5 10-16-2006, 04:22 PM

Watch the interview with Annie Duke, Mike Sexton and the PPA fella that was posted the other day.

Pay particular attention to what Annie says and try to take a similar line.

Think through all the negative questions that they will ask, and have good answers...

A few themes that spring to mind are:
- The time commitment required to play poker that could otherwise be devoted to studying
- The losses you may incur from time to time and how they affect you
- The fact that you perhaps miss out on hanging out with friends because you're sitting in front of a computer

Highlight the positive aspects. 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...)

247boss · #6 10-16-2006, 04:24 PM

[ 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 ]

good advice

Vern · #7 10-16-2006, 04:27 PM

[ 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 ]

QFT

Edit: I liked someone elses answer a lot better than mine, good idea.

Richas · #8 10-16-2006, 04:29 PM

I like the emphasizing the hobby fun element but also making sure people know poker is about skill, if you want to be a world champion say so it is the American dream.

If they do ask about legislation just talk about the UK approach, really tight regulation, no minors, no rip off sites and tax revenue for the government incluing money to help problem gamblers. The UK legislated properly with cross party support, the US stuck a last minute amendment in on another bill that will not work.

In general though short sharp sentences - they will not be able to give you the time for a well structured argument if it's it's too long it will not get in. Soundbites are what they need. Also be happy - we're not all crack taking, drop out, terrorists comes accross if you smile.

AndyH69 · #9 10-16-2006, 04:30 PM

Yeah, that gets a thumbs up from me as well.

NCAces · #10 10-16-2006, 04:33 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Think through all the negative questions that they will ask, and have good answers...

A few themes that spring to mind are:
- The time commitment required to play poker that could otherwise be devoted to studying
- The losses you may incur from time to time and how they affect you
- The fact that you perhaps miss out on hanging out with friends because you're sitting in front of a computer

[/ QUOTE ]

This is really good advice. Anyone going into a debate, or a lawyer going into a trial or oral argument spends a ton of time anticipating the questions they will be challenged with. Then practice your answers until you are comfortable saying them.

Others you might get:
- Aren't you breaking the law
- Isn't it a game of luck

Good luck.

NCAces