I've based a lot of my articles for P5s on approaches to the game, bankroll management, etc. I feel this is a topic that needs to be addressed over and over, because I see questions on these topics every single day here. But there have also been a lot of complaints that these articles are repetitive, and people would like to see articles that relate more to play at the tables.

Fine. It's a valid point, which I take into consideration, because I'm trying to put out content that everyone is interested in reading. It's nonsensical to make a product that nobody wants.

So I write what I think is an informative piece on using information available at data mining sites like Poker DB and Sharkscope. It's a topic that I don't ever remember seeing addressed here, I shared some reads that I don't think anyone has shared before, and in general, worked harder on this article than I have on most of the others I've written recently. I was hoping that I could generate a discussion and have others contribute interesting reads or trends that they use from these sites.

Silence. The first article I can remember, from any author, that got no posts, no comments.

Did everyone just find it uninteresting? Was everyone too busy ripping or defending Aaron Bartley for his article, posted two days earlier? Too enthralled by the NHL playoffs to care?

Just curious.....

Hey Graps

I entirely understand how frustrating it must be to put effort into an article and get no feedback. I thought it was a reasonable article, but not much use to me personally. I 4+ table and simply don't have the time to check SS stats - the only time I'll do so is if I see someone at all of my tables and want to get a read.

Off the top of my head, here are a few things I'd be really interested in:

1. The thought process you go through when putting someone on a hand, perhaps with reference to PAHUD stats.

2. Tips on how to study the game more effectively, ideally using ICM study as an example

3. Telltale signs that you are on tilt.

4. Views on the qualitative differences in play between levels in cash and sngs/tournies e.g. between the $16s and $27s. I appreciate that a lot of people get too ambitious and br management articles are directed to them, but spare a thought or two for us nits who play NL10 and $16s on $3K rolls because we're scared of the unknown.

In any event, I for one really appreciate the time you and others put int these articles.

No offense graps, cuz you know you're one of my fav man-crushes, but as someone who is already aware of the sites you wrote about, I didn't really see any need to read the article...

EDIT: Im reading right now

Graps

i would love an article that would teach some one how to make 5 final tables in 2days playing the micro donkements

Love TOW

thinly disgused brag post / thread hijack

<SPAN>Hey Graps, I read the article when it hit and can�t remember it in enough detail to comment now. I remember it was basically about Sharkscope and I don�t remember thinking, �That�s just wrong Graps.� so it must have been good. I usually don�t start threads but might have commented had I seen a post. (It seems I am too much of a dolt to find the article if it ain't on the front page.)</SPAN>

<SPAN> </SPAN>

<SPAN>What I want to see you (or any writer) do an article on is whatever you are most into at the time you sit down to write. If it is good enough to have your interest then it is probably going to make a good piece/topic. </SPAN>

I really appreciate the effort you put into the Sharkscope article...Don't have any questions on it right now because I skimmed it super fast and need to go back and read it properly to absorb it all...

Graps,

Wow, there wasn't any comments? That is surprising to me. I usually look to comment if I feel strongly one way or the other. I think your article was well written and an interesting idea. I haven't used your article yet for 2 main reasons

1) Sharkscope doesn't include Bodog site (at least that (I've seen).
2) Most of the players I play are terrible. So, I like to depend on my reads on them, as opposed to being clouded by a sharkscope section that might not be accurate, if a player has been improving. Honestly, if you look at my pokerstars Sharkscope, it's horrendous. So, you would treat me as knowing nothing about the game, yet I've taken down MTT's at other sites, just haven't had success there.

As for articles, there are 2 I'd want to see (one serious, one joke, though I'd love to see it).

Serious one: Blind vs blind play in MTT's. I think this is the weakest part of my MTT play. I try to play tight agressive, so it isn't unusual to go 30-40 minutes without having a playable hand (or getting a hand, but having huge raises in front that makes it unplayable). Having an idea how to pick up extra blinds while I wait would be a great asset to my game.

Not so serious: Graps rips the community. Take various topics that are being discussed in the forum and absolutely lay into some of the terrible play advice that is occasionally given. Give names. Well, leave mine out, we've disagreed in the past and I'm willing to bet if given a vote that you gave better advice at those time :)

Though, I apologize for not starting a topic. Anyone who is willing to help the community improve deserves feedback and a thank you.

more graps and less cowbell is good with me...

The art of chatting. You'll see many well known live players (Negreanu, Hellmuth, Matusow) who use table talk to get information off their opponents or to get them to act in a certain way. With online, chatting to get information and to elicit a response is something that you just don't see. It's more relegated to "nh, gg", insulting or railing. I think there could be a lot more use of chat to instill more of a live game feel to certain events.

The problem with that angle is that Negreanu, Matusow, etc., are using table talk to generate a specific reaction. Not so much what the other guy says, but how he says it. Negreanu asks "So, you filled up on that river, eh?" and watches to see if his opponent flinches. Brad Booth asks "Have you ever seen a baby pigeon?" to listen to the tone in which the other person laughs (if it's forced, they're nervous, so they're bluffing).

None of that reaction info is available online.

It's an interesting concept, though...I'm just not the guy to write it. Most of my table chat is relegated to "nh" or "gfy". I don't have a lot in-between.

Im new to P5's, and so far I've found all the articles you've written to be very informative and insightful. Keep up the good work.

P.S.: Ill make sure 2 comment on the next 1 4 ya

CeJeH

Graps,

I guarantee you, for the people that say some of the areas you cover are repetitive, there is a large number of us that need a reminder and to self reflect from the articles you write. It is easier to criticize, condemn and complain then to praise someone for what they do. Sorry for being silent, but the critiques and feedback you give not only with your articles, but with your posts in the Hand Advice section has been invaluable to me. Keep up the good work.

As far as your recent article, I found it to be very interesting. However, I do not use any form of database so far. I think I may start using after the NHL playoffs as my time spent playing poker has really dwindled the last week. Can't believe I am saying this, but go Flames...cough choke choke

Thanks Graps for everything that you contribute here!!!

funguyrye

Hey graps,

I cant imagine people would find it uninteresting, it was a idea that had not really been covered in any detail before and certainly was a welcome change and as usual a well written and very insightful article.
You seem to be able to convey your ideas very concisly which i think is lacking from a lot of the authors on here who have so much knowledge but sometimes struggle to get their ideas across.

Anyway keep up the good work, and if poss i would love to see an article on game selection and categorising opponents.

Dom