When does this data policy start effecting sharkscope?

[typically]

They must have seen this coming... there are a couple of reasons for PS to make this move. The main one is that it needs to live up to its role as a fair and reputable establishment, both to continue to attract new players and to serve the greater function of legitimizing online poker to the community and to U.S. politicians. Players berating other players over their stats tends to suggest some sort of corruption (despite SS being equally available to all players), and it produces an unpleasant experience, particularly for amateur players that are the lifeblood of both the casino and the pro players. I'm guessing PS gets a lot of complaints about this and finally has decided to act on it. Also, they need to draw a line somewhere with respect to the ability of players to utilize computational tools to gain an advantage on their opponents (the irony is that anyone intent on this sort of cheating will typically know a million ways to avoid the PS security measures).

I think Sharkscope can do quite well simply providing a personal statistics function; I use SS these days mainly because I am too lazy to continuously update my own stats. It's useful as a tool for gauging opponents as well, but really the big fish typically reveal themselves within the first level anyways.

I find SS is most useful for targeting and avoiding the sharks or regulars (thus the name), and I think regulars have a common interest in identifying one another and preying on the fish. In this case, SS could make a convincing case for regulars to subscribe and publish their stats willingly, thus complying with PS and continuing to provide a useful service. Plus, once all the regulars get on board there will be plenty of incentive for the amateurs to follow suit...

I think the best move for SS at the moment is to comply with PS policy, and redirect its marketing strategy to reflect this idea, as well as its usefulness as a personal statistics tool and perhaps as a leaderboard and a useful means of attracting potential stakers. They could use the trick of providing discounts to those players who display their logo as avatars. There is enough utility in this to be profitable.

[helter skelter]

[ QUOTE ]

I find SS is most useful for targeting and avoiding the sharks or regulars (thus the name), and I think regulars have a common interest in identifying one another and preying on the fish.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I signed up at SS, I would immediately block my stats. Why would I want an opponent to have any info on me? From what I've read here, only paying members can block their own stats. This is a form of extortion and should be illegal. If it's not illegal, it's certainly unethical and Stars and every other pokersite should take extreme measures to counter it.

[braminc]

you definitely do not have to be a member to block your stats. ANYONE can block their stats very easily. email them

[pshady]

yeah they have had this feature since may 2006 read the faq section in ss on how to be blocked

[bballwiz]

Bump, anyone have any new info whether stars has started to warn or do whatever to people for using sharkscope. I still people mentioning sharkscope stats in these forums, so has pokerstars really done anything about this yet?