Question of the Day - 02 August 2023

Read Now: https://story.topthreeus.com/

Date this happens and where to sign up and pay the $30, current sign up option does not exist.

Not sure how your website doesn't generate income when it is plastered with ads? If I subscribe to your website, will the annoying ads still be there?

Much appreciation for all the great content and coupons over the years.  One of my two daily stops during the day, and it will be a bummer to see it go, but it's been a good ride. Will we still be able to access the weekly Youtube by Anthony and Andrew if we don't use the site?

Well, that's another bookmark I can delete.

So does the $30 annual fee to access the website also include the MRB and online coupons?

I don't think many of us saw this coming.  What in the business model changed?  You've been providing good content to successfully attract paid subscribers for 20 years.  More recently, you've been able to capitalize on that significant traffic on your website by selling ad space, providing a new source of income.  

I appreciate that it takes time and money to provide the content, and the content is valuable.  I've been a paid subscriber for many years.  So I've already decided what you offer is worth paying for. Whether people who have previously gotten the content for free are willing to pay for it--I guess you will soon have the answer to that question.

 

I have been a paying subscriber for longer than I care to remember...LVA has always been and continues to be my main source of information with anything to do with Las Vegas.  I will continue to stay a member no matter what direction you take it.  Truth is that I never understood why you do so much for free...Let um go.

I was surprised, as someone who has paid the nominal annual fee for years, to realize that much of your content has been “free” (yes there are ads but….it’s free).  Seems like $30/year is a pretty small ask for all the value you continue to provide.  This doesn’t change my outlook even a bit.  Anyone not willing to pony up a very reasonable fee needs to question why they have been enjoying this free content and how much they will miss it.  Look at how our local media (newspapers) have been hollowed out to see the results of too many of us not being willing to pay to support their critical work.  Society has created an entire class of free riders unwilling to pony up to support critical work.  

need  to figure out if I am getting any valuable info or is this just another  place to waste time with fun info about LV.  I am still waiting for a book I ordered in December to see if it has any valuable info. so not eager to pay more now. 

It's somewhat ironic that it will now cost us money to find out where we can park for free.  And where the other good deals are, too.  


C'est la vie

Good day, I agree to pay the membership will any of my emails get a response? Sent multiple texts and emails to Huntington Press regarding books and how to access Beer Friday.  Never got a response from them.  Will this new membership provide a valid email addresss so that I can communicate with someone al LVA?

On a serious note - I am with Jackie you need to add a link on the QOD page that has something like "Become a Contributing member". Or if this is too much work to modify the site you could just add a link in your QOD email to the pay wall.

Since its free now, I would have thought you would have started with $1 subscription to capture as many flys as you can and then ebb it upwards. If you are taking lessons from Vegas Penny slots draw them in. You end up playing $1.00 per spin when you would never have gotten mom and pop dropping 3 quarters at 0.75c /spin. Its all mind games. 

I truly enjoy the banter that comes with the comments section (although I would appreciate the ability to edit and correct my grammer and spelling) - I don't even mind when it becomes politicized as I am Canadian and can sit back enjoy my free health care, feel safe due to restrictions on firearms while I sip on my over taxed booze and play government regulated 3:2 blackjack (yes just stirring the pot).  

Hopefully with paid subscriptions you can get rid of the intrusive, ugly ads on the LVA website. I've been a member for many years and appreciate all of the free content you've provided.

Tell us what to do. No profanity please.

not a problem for me, I've been a paid member for almost 30 years!

I get great value from my LVA subscription. Actually, I never really dove into the website until this year--the blogs, the QOD and comments, and all the rest of it--so worth the money I pay. You make traveling to one of my favorite places better, and have done so consistently for (in my case) at least 20 years. 

In my professional world, there are publications that cost a king's ransom, and while some of them might be helpful, that is a crap shoot. Not so the LVA. Great writing and a lot of fun to read. Worth so much more than what I pay for!

Are you people kidding? They put a lot of work into the LVA, heck, just gathering bargains for the coupon book and answering the QOD is totally worth it, especially some of the less intelligent questions. Sounds like they'd be better off with some of you,

Should be without you

Why anyone would pay the $30 fee when for $20 more you get the MRB which is worth way more than the $50 membership.  Subscriber for around 30 years..,

I used to have two paid subscriptions to LVA: one for me and one for my father. After about three years we cancelled because the LVA was heavily biased toward downtown and the local casinos. Yes, there are fewer "deals" on the Strip but they are definitely there. Unfortunately, LVA wasn't/isn't interested in finding those deals.

I have continued to use LVA but only for the QoD. Now that this is going behind a pay wall I'll be saying goodbye. I find that too many of the QoDs have nothing to do with what I expect from LVA, and too many of the questions that are within my expectations are very lazily answered. Today's QoD is a great example ... how do I sign up for the paid subscription? when is the free content ending? will there still be advertisements (good lord there are so many advertisements on LVA)? None of these very obvious questions are addressed.

Good luck to LVA - the number of eyeballs is about to plummet, which means that the amount collected via ads is about to plummet.

As a longstanding subscriber, I have to agree with Kathy that you'll be better off without the entitled freeloaders like tgabrielli & Edso.

Here's the deal..... Don't pay the $30 don't get the info. Fine if you never visit Vegas. Pay the $30, get the info, save a little money on your trip. Spend $50, become a member, get the coupon book and save hundreds..... The choice is obvious

Why are you deleting anything?  If you were able to post your comment, you are already a paying member.  Nothing changes.

I've paid full price for decades. Including during the "pandemic" and other years that I've been unable to travel. Always interesting content. Keep it up!!

Had a subscription to lva since 2002 but finally gave it up because we weren’t going to Vegas much anymore.  I would subscribe if we had a trip planned to get the coupon book and updated info from forums.  Last time was in 2021.  Didn’t like the format of the home page and didn’t get as much out of the website as I used to.  I get QOD emailed to me every day and look forward to reading it every day.  However it will not be worth it to have a subscription just for QOD.  I will get a subscription if we go to Vegas but with current state of gambling everywhere (mainly high minimums) we play only quarter vp now and can get comped rooms at closer casinos so not sure when our next trip to Vegas will be.  Went from going every year to every other year to every few years to who knows.  I do appreciate the staff at lva and all their hard work they put in to all the areas lva does. I’ve always gotten good customer service when needed.  Good luck to y’all. 

Been a member for many years and will continue to be in the future.  Very sad to see that LVA has so many "fair weather friends" that think they're entitled to all the valuable content at no cost.  

It's an easy decision to go to the MRB level, starting with 2024. Would I be paying for both, for the first 8 months?

This can justifiably be a pay site, due to the value of the information provided and the difficulty of getting that anywhere else. Whether it SHOULD be a pay site is a business decision that's up to those who own the site. I think the MRB makes it more than worth it, even as it has plummeted in value as the gougemeisters scream, "No more steenkin' coupons for the peasantry!"
If this were my ship to run aground, I would charge more like $20 for access, and with that include a few online coupons...and extend some kind of additional benefits for the full monty membership--parhaps gambling book discounts.

I think the explanation was very clear and transparent, and for those who aren't happy with it, 'that's life!'.  You might try putting yourself in LVA's position, a pretty small organization that puts in a lot of effort and does some big things for Vegas visitors.  I'll also agree the full membership is a no-brainer for anyone who does visit from my experience - I've never failed to come out ahead using the MRB.  

Thanks to all the LVA staff, and best of luck.  I'm looking forward to seeing what comes.

Well, you found an issue that provokes a lot of comment. Since the only thing I do is read the QoD and don't use the rest of the site, subscribing isn't realistic. Heck, the entire digital edition of the LVRJ is only 99 cents a month. And some of the best value of the QoD is the comments. How many of the commenters will drop off by not being paid subscribers? If I want to buy another book or 2 I'm sure you will sell it to me even if I don't subscribe. I guess this is like going from a comped drink to being charged for it. 

The economics of the internet have really been changing.  It's become almost impossible for websites to sustain with advertising revenue anymore.  So many sites are switching to a subscription basis.  $30 a year is pretty cheap, so I'll likely subscribe just for the QOD.  But this is becoming standard for successful sites so I certainly don't blame you.  

I'm currently a free subscriber, just here for the daily QOD. Used to do the LV trip at least once a year for over 30 years.  Last time was in 2019. Then came elderly parents/in-laws to care for; then the Pandemic. I'd love to return but can't afford the gouge rates that are being charged. So, at least at this point, the MR book and coupons have no value to me.  Kathy, Anthony has had these relationships for many years; there's no work involved with getting the coupons, and the American Casino Guide now has many of these same deals available for free on their website and app. If Anthony really wants to put the work into it, and leverage his many relationships with casino executives, there would be significantly more offers and coupons available to the readers that Anthony now wants as paying subscribers. How about it Anthony, do some work, get more and better offers and make the MB book worth it. You've been touting that Palms Buffet coupon for too long; time for something new.

I’ve enjoyed reading the QOD along with some of the more controversial comments and the weekly newsletter, but I’m not sure that is worth $30. I haven’t been to Vegas in about ten years (just got tired of the greed), and have no plans to go in the future. 

In case I decide not to subscribe, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the years of free entertainment and the best of luck in the future

In reading the many comments from readers about the switch to a subscription model, many readers have listed concerns and problems.  Anthony, if you want us to have enough confidence in your website to start charging us for it, you have to demonstrate some respect to these readers by replying in the QOD to the issues and problems they raised.  1) Will there be fewer annoying ads with paid subscriptions? 2) Why haven't people received items they've purchased from you, and why is it so difficult to them to contact someone about this, or get a reply from someone on your end? 3) You say you're converting to a subscription model and don't provide any info on how and where to sign up.  Lazy, lazy, lazy, and easily avoidable if you truly respected your readers and made the sincere effort to address their concerns instead of taking the easy way out and milking the cash cow. 

'Kevin?
Tell us what to do. No profanity please.'

Good gawd, sad. Do you not have a view and opinion of your own other than to listen to the village foul mouthed idiot? 

Well, can't blame LVA for making a buck off anything that moves. It does take effort, they have a staff and bills to pay, and it's their business and livelihood.

Though have to say when it comes to any topic or subject matter these days, there are tons of videos and sites out there who provide similar info on gambling and LV, views on the subject matter. youtube alone is swamped with LV views and info with a convenient comment section after. It's a jungle of information out there on any and every topic and most of it is largely made off of advertising vs subscription fees and what the vast majority of people favor. imho, advertising would be the way to go to attract more users and $$$$ for LVA but it's their biz in the end of course. Youtube would be my 1st platform if it were my biz these days.

...$30 isn't much.  The MRB pays for itself in one trip if used properly, and the information on this site is invaluable, both in saving money and saving time.  So as long as I'm planning an annual trip or two to Las Vegas, I intend to subscribe.

Besisdes that, it's usually a fun read each day.  Heaven knows, I need that.

I'm surprised some are complaining about the ads on this site.  Ad blocker have been around forever.  You shouldn't ever see ads. 

Can't fault them for charging a small fee, they provide good info.  If $30 a year is a difference maker you have bigger issues lol. 

LVA is only doing what casinos are doing
squeezing that last nickel, what disappoints
is that LVA was the little guys champion against
the man

For the amount of great information LVA provides, it amazes me that it has taken so long to get to a subscription only model. Won't affect me as I'm a long time full subscriber a d have others have mentioned, just the value of the coupon book, way more than covers the cost of full membership. For those who say it's so easy to get casinos to sign on for the coupons, Anthony might just have a job for you. It would be commission only, so you'll get paid based on the actual value you bring in. For those who have had issues on a book ordered, pick up the phone and call. In well over 20 years, the phone at LVA has never rang more than a few times before it is answered. GREAT customer service.  For the whiny freeloaders, complaining about paying....$30..you must be kidding. That's one fast food meal, for 2 ppl. Get real, it's peanuts. Anthony and team, thanks for all you do!! 

 When I read this QOD I knew that there would be two types of responses, (1) those who have been subscribers to the Advisor and (2) those who want everything for free. Subscribers know the value of their subscription and know that the Advisor is worth many times it's cost. The "freeloaders have no problem while getting everything free, but whine when told that they will now have to pay for what the Advisor offers. Apparently 10 cents a day is asking too much for the best Vegas info site on the internet. Whatever those who have never paid do will not affect the Advisor if they decide not to pay - I look at it as addition by subtraction.

This ? of the  Day is worth the $30 on it's own.  

I've enjoyed reading QOD for years.I've purchased the rewards book many times but not the last trip.I've enjoyed reading Kevin Lewis but not Doc H.I watch your u-tube videos.I visit Vegas max one time per year hopefully visiting next spring.Last four or so trips I stayed at the Wynn.They were sending me decent deals but I think those are over.I'm sure they will start charging for parking soon and I rent a car.So if they start charging guests, I definitely won't be staying there any more.I think I will try staying at South Point.Not far from the strip ,free parking,decent gambling and food options.

And that's why I come here... to find cheap deals. You will find there are many of us who read QOD and other info in LVA, but only because we are cheap and want to find the deals. This segment of clientele won't be throwing $30 to do what we've been doing for free. The MRB is a shell of what it used to be. No more deals in Vegas, apparently. I winced at the shutdown of the deals which started around 2008. Not being a gambler but a deal seeker, Las Vegas has lost it's appeal since 2008. I suggest LVA reassess how they will charge for some content, but still offer free content to attract the nonpaying population.

Justified or not, LVA had a big rate increase this year and now charging to get QOD.  Anxious to see how they step up their game!

In a world where everyone wants to be seen and heard as an end unto itself, regardless of expertise, I can see how you'd get pushback. Idiots don't or can't discern valuable info from worthless-but-free info. 

It's all I can do to maintain my simple free blog with content updates every few days. To maintain a site like this, with all of the elements -- you've gotta have people pay. 

Expertise costs. You're charging little enough.

Several readers, free or paid users have helped out many QOD readers with answers to their question or clarify the LVA response as well as offering alternative ideas for a solution.

Does that mean those readers who help others should be paid as LVA staff?  

Your business model in charging for use of the QOD is known in the business world as SHOOTING YOURSELF IN YOUR BUSINESS FOOT.

I'm surprised you didn't also increase the MRB.

With our economy being in dire straights you should be increasing the cost of all of your revenue streams like every business in existence is doing.

Save the QOD some work by simply responding to an oft answered question by saying "Answered in the archives dated xx/xx/xx".

Do you have a CPA?  If so I'm sure he/she would have several suggestions to improve your bottom line.

Probably a little late to make this move as over the past couple years, every other change has devalued the membership from no more paper issues to the unfulfilled promises re: online coupons to the coupon book being downgraded to the extent that you have to roam around downtown for five and ten dollars.  Throw in black and white pictures of food and the inept website that caused every viable poster to move to another forum and good luck counting that revenue.

This reminds me of the mob movies where they tell you they're going to end your life in advance and there's nothing that can be done. Now the LVA has resorted to gaslighting to get people to buy into their paywall. Soon they and others will try to convince us to look at the costs on a hourly or per minute scale.

Instead of asking us to donate they go nuclear. We'll copy and save all the existing content you feel is valuable. Then chill on other forums and reddit which don't charge a penny. Heck, many of them have fewer ads and background ads. They don't use forum software from the old BBS days (late 80s).

Jay, you're just spewing nonsense and clearly trolling. Canada's healthcare being free is a joke, and it's an absolute mess that's beyond any hope of repair. The system has devolved into a downright discriminatory healthcare setup, where only the privileged in Canada pay big bucks to get proper care, while Canadians are even traveling to countries like the USA, Mexico, and the EU to obtain healthcare that's actually worth a damn. Your pathetic attempt to flaunt your situation and make others jealous is painfully obvious.

Approximately 99.9% of the rationale provided seems unfounded. It's evident that the primary driver behind this transition is monetization. The vexing advertisements, particularly the intrusive background ads, have undoubtedly been a major source of income for this platform.

As previously noted, the website appears rather outdated, particularly its forums. It's reminiscent of an unrealized childhood fantasy, stagnant and resistant to growth. This stagnation appears to be a result of sheer indifference from the owner(s).

The quality of discourse has also fallen short. Meaningful inquiries often go unnoticed while absurd questions take the spotlight, rendering the "Question of the Day" facet as more of a farce.

Just as there are staunch supporters of political figures like Trump, there will likely be patrons willing to sponsor this new paywall model. Nevertheless, for those who fall outside this category, there are alternative sources readily available. In fact, this change might moti

Just as there are staunch supporters of political figures like Trump, there will likely be patrons willing to sponsor this new paywall model. Nevertheless, for those who fall outside this category, there are alternative sources readily available. In fact, this change might motivate us to explore those alternatives, given that this platform has ceased to hold relevance since well before the onset of the pandemic. Furthermore, the appeal of Las Vegas seems to be waning for a majority of individuals, as it has become accessible primarily to the privileged and those dealing with gambling addictions.

Certainly, here's the condensed version:

Roughly 99.9% of the given rationale lacks credibility, with clear monetization as the driving force. The bothersome ads, especially the intrusive background ones, have been a major revenue source.

The site appears outdated, particularly its stagnant forums – a display of neglect from the owner(s).

Valuable discussions are often overlooked, while trivial questions take precedence, diminishing the "Question of the Day."

Similar to ardent followers of figures like Trump, there will be sponsors for this paywall site. Yet, alternatives exist for others, potentially motivating exploration due to the platform's diminishing relevance before COVID. Las Vegas, likewise, holds declining significance, primarily catering to the privileged and gambling addicts.

Approximately 99.9% of the rationale provided seems unfounded. It's evident that the primary driver behind this transition is monetization. The vexing advertisements, particularly the intrusive background ads, have undoubtedly been a major source of income for this platform.

As previously noted, the website appears rather outdated, particularly its forums. It's reminiscent of an unrealized childhood fantasy, stagnant and resistant to growth. This stagnation appears to be a result of sheer indifference from the owner(s).

The quality of discourse has also fallen short. Meaningful inquiries often go unnoticed while absurd questions take the spotlight, rendering the "Question of the Day" facet as more of a farce.

Jay makes a very valid point about how the monetization sub should work, but they're a actually a troll as well. Like many trolls, they throw in a bit of fact and the rest of shock value. 

Jay seems to be out of touch with reality if he indeed lives in Canada  and ignored all the traumatic stories and massive amounts of GoFundme campaigns for medical treatment outside of Canada). I agree he's stirring the pot which is what people want to see these days. That's why humanity is regressing. 

But yeah, I don't buy it for a second the site has been losing money with all those ads and lack of board upgrades. 

I guess I stopped reading QOD quite awhile ago, but upon returning tonight I discovered this entry which seems like an April Fools joke.  But if it's true, I really won't miss LVA at all because my interest in LV in general is gone, quoting and tweaking the QOD of 7/31: “I am done. I have visited 5 or 6 times a year since 2000. But if I cannot play the game I enjoy, the other amenities, the restaurants, and the shows are not enough to justify my visit even though I am comped.”
AC, you want to brag about how wonderful you are, but deep down you really resent your customers. Go ahead, you can admit it.  We  used to come into your office at the holidays to buy discounted LVA coupon books at the holidays and drop a ton of money on books for Christmas gifts.  You stopped selling discounted books and told me I was greedy.  I've never forgotten that, and we've never been back.  Now you shut down the website too?  Good bye, I'll let myself out.