CAP Sringbreak Was Started By WHom

**Captain** · 7 February 2009, 7:34 pm

Hey Eveyone,
CAP Spring Break was started by friends including the Captain back in the day. I have no respect for what has become of it.

**Integrity** · 8 February 2009, 5:28 am

Alan,

Many of us know very well who's idea spring break was... who "took" it and ran... and what it has become today.

Like so many other great ideas in this industry it was taken, re-branded as CAP Property, and made into a profit machine. Let's look at what Lou and Warren have done with CAP and where many of the ideas came from:
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CAP Certification
Certification may not be novel, but the only thing "certification" means here is that a program can afford to pay an outrageous amount of money every quarter for access to the CAP forums. Many forums of "certified partners" at CAP are actually quite dead, so why pay all the cash?

Some affiliate managers have told me that it's because, if you don't pay, it's made quite clear they would not have access to the conferences or other advertising venues. Also note that CAP has what some would call very questionable affiliate programs as "certified" members. So really, it's no secret that "certification" is just a huge cash cow with little to do about integrity.

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CAP Conferences
Does CAP put on a good show? Yea, I admit they do... but once again it's because they are attended by my friends and iGaming Business organizes a great event... not because we want to see Lou & Warren that badly. So how did all of these events get started?

Lou's friend, Alan (the Captain here) actually came up with the original idea of "Spring Break". Lou took it and ran, piggybacking off the timing of GIGSE in Montreal. The original event was in 2004, I believe.

When Marc Lesnick stumbled in 2006 with his Vegas show (already scheduled after the Caruthers arrest and just before UIGEA passed) Lou and Warren seized the opportunity to take him out. Ever since then they have looked for every chance to destroy his events.

Don't believe me? Then why did they add CAP Amsterdam to the rotation when they already had CAP London & CAP Barcelona? I know they are most likely changing the venue from Spain, but why Amsterdam? And why was it originally scheduled for 2 weeks after the CAC Event? To force us to choose and destroy Lesnick's last big event.

Still don't believe me? Then why --- after Mr Lesnick moved his event to March 30th to avoid a conflict --- did Lou decide to make CAP Spring Break March run through March 28th in Mexico? Because he knows affiliates cannot attend both.

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CAP Magazine
Many of you may not be aware that the APCW started a print magazine back in March of 2006 called APCW Perspectives (that's where we borrowed the name Perspectives Weekly from). It was only distributed at CAC events but was quite well received. Now I know that a magazine is not a groundbreaking idea, but it was 3 months later that Lou and Warren just decided... quite "out of the blue"... to start CAP Magazine.

I called Lou about the decision and asked him why they were doing a magazine as well. After all, CAP was making 100 times more cash than APCW and we really needed the revenue. Lou said that he wasn't competing with me, to which I replied "WHAT?"

He was focusing on the same audience, the same news, and the same advertisers. And when I pointed this out to him, he said: "Oh well. Best of luck to you." This cold, matter-of-fact response would soon become the norm for dealing with him.

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CAP Portal Seal
I interviewed Michael Corfman about the GPWA Portal Seal's back in 2006 on one of the first Perspectives Weekly. It was a great idea, so it didn't take Lou long to sniff it out.

The CAP Portal Seal is a direct rip off of the GPWA. Noticing a pattern now?

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CAP T&C Software
A friend of mine, Andy, poured himself into a great idea: Develop a software to automatically scan affiliate programs Terms and Conditions pages for unannounced alterations that could hurt affiliates. This became Affiliate Guard Dog.

Lou once again seized the day and offered Andy a "deal he can't refuse" to give CAP the software. When Andy turns down the deal, Affiliate Guard Dogs days at CAP are numbered... and he's eventually gone... forum erased... and banned (This was only a short time after Lou removed the APCW forums, too). AGD and APCW forums has added value to CAP, and instead of appreciating that value it was viewed as an attainable commodity.

CAP now has/is developing their own T&C software? What a "fresh" idea!

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CAP TV
Everyone knows that the APCW led the way for our industry in video. We expected that, eventually, there would be competition... no surprise. We even knew that CAP would try to be a player in the genre. What many don't know is that the APCW was going to be CAP TV if Lou had gotten his way.

After banning both Anthony and I at CAP, Lou "tossed us a bone" by flying me to Barcelona to meet wit him and Warren about a buy out, and becoming a part of the CAP team. He made a really poor offer and wanted me to cut Anthony... my friend of almost 25 years... out of the business.

Anthony helped make APCW what it had become... I told Lou this... he didn't care. He wanted me to take a small salary, cut my best friend out of the business, and become his propaganda tool. After talking about things and receiving a poor "counter offer" from Warren, I spoke it over with Anthony and we declined.

It was shortly afterward that Michael was contacted and a deal was made. Ever since, Lou has ranted and raved and called me names in his forums.

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CAP ASOP
A while back, Lou touted the ASOP as one way he gives back to the industry. Yea, and he makes a healthy profit off of it as well. I know first hand that the sponsors pay a hell of a lot more that the prize pool that's given out, and the rest goes in someones pocket.

It wouldn't be that big a deal, really, because this is a business and we're all here to make a living. But don't trumpet the ASOP as a great contribution to online gaming when you actually run the thing as a money maker.

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PAP Radio
I have good friends that run an online radio station, and they attended CAP London last year. It was at that event that PAP members approached and asked all kinds of questions and seemed genuinely interested in how they did what they did. Can you guess why? LOL!

It wasn't too long before PAP Radio was on the air. Again, there's no monopoly on this technology, but there is a definite pattern of behavior developing.

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CAP Audits
The latest "look at CAP" stunt involves their so-called audits. They finally produced one for Rome Casino, and it was widely viewed as a catastrophe because of it's complete un-professionalism and getting just about everything wrong.

It's no secret that the APCW has been conducting successful audits of casinos and affiliate programs since 2004, and that those audits have produced positive results in the industry, even when they were not flattering of the casinos or programs themselves.

Just another un-original copy of another's hard work, and re-branded with the all-important CAP Logo.

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I know I know, some of you will say I am bitter or bringing up the past or whatever... I expect to hear it. But do you guys know Warren has actually asked Michael to apologize for "issues" related to Cardspike... twice???!!! It's true!

So with the deliberate deceptions we have seen over the past month... with the audacity of Lou and Warren to now expect GPWA and APCW to apologize to them... with the years and years of taking others hard work and re-branding it as their own... I ask you all:

Why have Lou and Warren made NO PUBLIC APOLOGY about all the Cardspike lies?

Why do they NOT CARE enough to come clean and explain their actions to everyone?

Are webmasters, players, and operators not worth FINALLY hearing the truth come from their mouths?

Tell ya what... let's just forget all about it, look the other way, and get back to "business as usual" or whatever... Everyone ok with that?

PS > I PERSONALLY DO NOT WANT AN APOLOGY FROM LOU FOR HIS ACTIONS TOWARD ME IN LONDON BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST TRULY GENUINE ACT WE'VE SEEN FROM HIM IN A WHILE.

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**Webzcas** · 8 February 2009, 6:42 am

JTodd,

Whilst CAP pretend everything is forgotten and move on hawking their CAP Euro event thanks for reminding us all what has gone on.

Going back to CAC Vegas 2006 it all makes sense now, the fact Lou was warning anyone who would listen that the feds would raid the event. Of course that never materialised.

**Integrity** · 8 February 2009, 7:11 am

Originally Posted by Webzcas

Going back to CAC Vegas 2006 it all makes sense now, the fact Lou was warning anyone who would listen that the feds would raid the event. Of course that never materialised.

Yes sir, I have on good information that Lou did indeed spead that rumor.

I also heard some disturbing information from more than one affiliate mananger at the convention in London. Warren apparently told them that if they continued to support GPWA and/or APCW then it may be "difficult" for CAP to work with them in the future.

I guess there's no need to change tactics that have worked in the past.

**Dominique** · 8 February 2009, 7:34 am

Originally Posted by Integrity

Lou's friend, Alan (the Captain here) actually came up with the original idea of "Spring Break". Lou took it and ran, piggybacking off the timing of GIGSE in Montreal. The original event was in 2004, I believe.

Actually, I put on the Gigse piggyback for the GPWA at that time. (was it 2004? Seems longer ago)

It was in protest against "gator", a scumware program that was allowed to speak at "affcon", then a part of gigse.

It was simply called the "alternative conference" and was only one day long - the day that Gator was scheduled to speak at affcon.

Instead of listening to Gator, affcon visitors were invited to hang with the GPWA for the day.

It was a nice success too, lots of people showed.

**joeyl** · 8 February 2009, 7:47 am

Now you're cooking Todd. I presume you know even more, but i'll settle for the above rundown.

It's about time you defended yourself with something tangible rather than the "you type of nosey people" arguement.

I know you know the point of view, that it's a bit strong you turning Lou out after the GPWA buyout is distasteful, is an honest point of view, and the correct view too, even if only I say it. Others just are'nt as forthright.

However, you did so after being forced to choose not to throw out the Auditor etc, which subsequently made Lou show his true colours.

Well done for not selling out your bud old boy.

**Integrity** · 8 February 2009, 7:48 am

Hi Dom,

I wasn't actually referring to the GPWA Boycott of 2003 or 2004 (whenever we did that... I forget, too! LOL!).

I was speaking of the "original" Spring Break, and how it was always scheduled in Miami just a few days after GIGSE finished. This was so that Affiliate Managers could pack up their gear and simply head south... since they were already in this hemisphere.

The meeting you're talking about was actually held in Montreal across the street from the GIGSE.

**Webzcas** · 8 February 2009, 8:09 am

Warren apparently told them that if they continued to support GPWA and/or APCW then it may be "difficult" for CAP to work with them in the future.

Would not be surprised if true. However from talking to several affiliate managers if I were Warren I would be more concerned in ensuring they retain the programs that currently support CAP, not the other way round.

Incidentally this whole Cap Drama is being followed by the entire industry. I had a meeting with a journalist from EGaming Review at ICE which was meant to cover google adwords opening up for portal webmasters. Instead 90% of the meeting was based on Cap, Cardspike et al.

**Dominique** · 8 February 2009, 8:52 am

Originally Posted by Integrity

Hi Dom,

I wasn't actually referring to the GPWA Boycott of 2003 or 2004 (whenever we did that... I forget, too! LOL!).

I was speaking of the "original" Spring Break, and how it was always scheduled in Miami just a few days after GIGSE finished. This was so that Affiliate Managers could pack up their gear and simply head south... since they were already in this hemisphere.

The meeting you're talking about was actually held in Montreal across the street from the GIGSE.

Ahh ok, it's getting confusing.

Actually, the original spring breaks were in Miami but no aff managers were allowed.

At the time all the participants were GPWA members.

Captain knows most about these, I was just starting out then and wasn't part of it...

**Chips** · 8 February 2009, 9:13 am

This whole drama that has totally unraveled over the past few months just gets deeper and as in a former APCW show quote of the "onion" it appears to me that Lou and Warren are more and more like Pinkey and the Brain "What are we going to do today Lou?" "The same thing we do everyday Warren… try to take over the world!"
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It is a true shame that so much energy (that could be used in a more positive effort) is used as a way to see what great idea someone comes up with, bastardize it and then attempt to take all the credit for the idea.<O:p></O:p>
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Sick is about the only way I can describe what the evil doers at CAP are up to. Next thing you know they will be concerting their efforts on seizing domain names in an attempt to become the next NAZI regime in the online world.<O:p></O:p>
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When I became more involved in the deeper passages of the affiliate world I (as many others have done) thought that CAP was a reputable choice to broaden my horizons and become a stonger and more educated affiliate. Now it is very clear to me that the opposite is true. <O:p></O:p>
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Cap is nothing more than a money machine that preys on the ignorance of younger and more impressionable affiliates by appearing to be a ground breaking, innovative force in the market place.<O:p></O:p>
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Apologies from the CAP crew will never happen. Anyone that thinks that they will ever admit to being less than honorable are mistaken. This regime is a festering boil on the rear end of the gambling affiliate world. One day, someone will lance this disgrace and see them for what they really are. <O:p></O:p>
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I applaud J.Todd, Anthony and the GPWA leaders for the hard work, many hours and efforts used thus far to diagnose this infection and hope for a surgical removal in the very near future.<O:p></O:p>
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The days of CAP scandals, innovative theft and cloak and dagger actions must stop. As I mentioned to another affiliate at one point, they need to grow up, admit the wrongs and be a representative of the affiliate world they presume to be and not a be the scourge of the internet affiliate gambling world.<O:p></O:p>
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Let's give credit where it is due and not attempt to steal ideas and make (vain) attempts to copy the work of others. (Eyes on your own papers please). <O:p></O:p>
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**mojo** · 8 February 2009, 10:52 am

I dont know if it's that candy dish Chips but you do have a way with words.

If CAP won't be transparent then I think we will start seeing more independant articles on individual websites regarding all of this.

Nice post on the history JTodd. There were some things I didnt know.

**Chips** · 8 February 2009, 11:01 am

Originally Posted by mojo

I dont know if it's that candy dish Chips but you do have a way with words.

I dunno either, but the round white ones get me really chatty LMAO!

**ppw** · 8 February 2009, 12:25 pm

I am simply going to say:

Mr Todd, Some people are innovators, others are followers, You are a Innovator, and we all now know who are the followers.

**casinobonusguy** · 8 February 2009, 12:31 pm

The last few weeks I think what people are feeling about CAP is showing.Look at the postings lately ,nothing of substance being talked about there except Nathan's new ,the seo guy postings and of course the thank you posts from London.

Cardspike is the thing on every ones mind and face it if affiliates are not engaging in conversations over there because the question that needs answering is not being addressed.

Personally I feel that programs may be brainwashed int hinking they need to be certified for us to deal with them ,when in fact all they need to do is play fair take care of their affiliates and the players.

Also Lou 'retiring' and hiding behind Dominique seems disrespectful to Dominique who I am sure is trying to do the best she can.I fell for the health problems but if he is wellenough to challenge fist fights then suck it up be a man and face people in the forums .

**Webzcas** · 8 February 2009, 12:50 pm

Well on the thread on Meisters entitled 'Should Cap Be Rogued' I voted no. However after their ( Lou/Warren = management of CAP ) continued slience on the Card Spike Issue and their show of Business as Usual on here of all places - Hey guys get free beer at the seo meet in London Sponsored by Cap Euro Amsterdam - Which is akin to getting the finger in my view, I am seriously considering roguing CAP on my webmaster resource pages.

**TheCPA** · 8 February 2009, 1:20 pm

What can you say?
Pardon the pun, but that was one hell of a historic RE-CAP J.Todd!

**Rhino** · 8 February 2009, 2:31 pm

Originally Posted by Webzcas

However from talking to several affiliate managers if I were Warren I would be more concerned in ensuring they retain the programs that currently support CAP, not the other way round.

Well said. Have had similar discussions with programs on CAP.
AM's talk, and the term I heard was "exodus" amongst them.

Decision it seems based on business (ROI on CAP Fee), CardSpike and Absolute Slot suspicions. Some AM's seem to know more about the Absolute Slot deal then they are willing to say.

Some AM's have said they have been concerned with the way CAP has been marginalizing themselves from the rest of the industry, and p155ing people off.

Some also said they don't agree with CAP's cocky attitude, they need the support of affiliates and affiliate programs to survive - but CAP sees it the other way round - we need CAP - cocky attitude which will come back to bite you.

My prediction.. 80% of the current programs will not renew.
Exodus.

**krystall** · 8 February 2009, 3:03 pm

Originally Posted by Captain

Hey Eveyone,
CAP Springbreak was started by friends including the Captain back in the day. I have no resoect for what has become of it.

Captain you started Springbreak for affiliate friends to get a break from business and just enjoy each others company. Yes some affiliate managers came but there was no fees involved. It was awesome!!!!

SpringBreak was never intended to be a conference.. Your idea was taken and made commercial.

Well said JTodd, People who know and have been involved in the industry for years, know the truth in your words. Only newbie's are fooled.

**Jinnia** · 8 February 2009, 3:07 pm