I don’t comment on every statement made about me or answer every personal question I get in the Comments here on this blog, or on public Internet forums, or in personal e-mails. But most are asked by well-meaning kind people who have no ill intentions. They honestly want to know so they can use the information to make better decisions for themselves in similar situations or they are just curious but don’t feel bad if I don’t want to discuss the topic.
So today – and off and on in the future – I will tackle some personal subjects that have been brought up by friendly folks – and perhaps a few by some who don’t fit in that category. The one today was posted on an Internet forum a year or two ago and probably came from someone not in that first “friendly” category.
“People like Bob [Dancer} and Jean write to validate their own egos, the money is
secondary, trust me. The money will always be secondary because the money in
publishing is dwarfed by the money from actually playing.”
It always amazes me how someone who doesn’t know me personally can be so sure of my motivations. But to the subject at hand: It is true that the monetary reward from writing is not at all lucrative. And it is true that Brad and I do make much more money playing video poker. But we are at that time of life – translate that “OLD”- when we do not need to work for even one more penny to provide ourselves with all the necessities of life. And we have more luxuries than we have the energy to take advantage of them.
So, we play VP only when we want to, as one of the entertainment options we enjoy. I have cut down on my writing – no new books the last few years – but writing about gambling, especially on my own schedule with no deadlines – is a pleasure for me.
I have loved to “teach” since I was a little girl and had two younger
sisters as my students. I still love to teach – that’s why, besides “teaching” in my writings about smart gambling, I also volunteer at the kindergarten down the street. Is that an ego trip too? Maybe! Every time one of the kiddies hugs me and there is a light of new understanding in the eyes, I think that this is far too much pay for such a small effort.
Once a teacher, always a teacher. I can’t help myself!
The vast majority of the time, teaching is very welcome, no matter what the subject may be. In the last year, I’ve shepherded four friends and relatives to Vegas, ACG and LVA books firmly in hand, and taught them how to work the system so that they didn’t pay for any rooms, ate cheaply and/or for free, and gambled with the house’s money. Then I taught them how to keep playing at an advantage. But a fifth friend refused to believe it was possible, and proceeded to blow three grand in four days, and paid top dollar for everything to boot. The rest of us were amazed that he insisted on doing Vegas the expensive way. But he DEFENDED his choice, and got mad at me when I tried to explain to him that he was wasting his own money (most egregiously, he played craps at three different casinos for several hours, with an average bet of $40, and didn’t even bother to get rated for comps). Bottom line is, some people can’t be taught something they are disinclined to believe. You have to just shrug and move on.
jean i like how your books are aimed at the tourists whom for the most part are not solid vp or other game players save money on rooms,food,shows and gambling with match play coupons. Mr dancer’s materials have improved the general public play of vp to the detriment of solid players killing off many pros. the pros evolved to play more live poker and looking for progressive plays where 101%+ and get teams. good work jean enjoy
I agree. Once a teacher always a teacher. I am a retired teacher, and it is SO HARD for me not to help people who obviously need some help. I often can’t stop myself from telling someone about some HUGE mistake they are making or offer to help a tourist who looks dazed and confused by some promotion.
Keep up the good work. You are one of the “good gals.”
Currently our nation is in a very angry state. The internet affords these \angry\ individuals an easy medium to express their views.
Your students/readers/followers all know and appreciate the time and effort you devote in your writings.
We also know that your time is precious and you now have the option of playing VP when you can enjoy it.
Keep up the great work and know your volunteer work is rewarding and will be rewarded even more later.
Jean,
We have read your books and are fans of you blog. We actually met you both a few years ago at TI. I won in the drawing for free play.
I hear about kindergarten classes all the the time. what you are saying comes from my wife all of the time. We can not go out without running into someone yelling Miss Thomas it’s me. She has had kids from past kids and they all love her. She always gets hugs from little ones to not so little ones. Believe it or not usually she remembers their names.
She retired this year and you would not believe the number of past teachers and students who came to see her.
Keep up the good work.
We enjoy your stories and blog.
Jene, you sure taught us.
We haven’t paid for a room in over ten years.
Your tips have allowed us to sample Las Vegas often.
The tips about a Host relationship are golden.
Keep it up.
June & Gil in San antonio Texas
Jean, just keep doing what you are doing as long as it makes you happy. Haters are gonna hate, because they are jealous. I enjoy reading your stories and the advise you give about playing positive EV VP. YOU GO GIRL!