Portal Webmaster Interview Series: Kathryn A. ("Katsmeownvista")

[CityGuard]

A Chat with the Kat . . . She’d Enjoy Being a Bird!


Full Name: Kathryn A.
Current Hometown: San Diego, California
Age: 42
Favorite food: SPICY! I love anything spicy!
One book everyone must read: The Bible (even if you are not religious or spiritual, an incredible book!)

How did you learn about the online gaming industry?
Well, I was a gambler at land-based casinos for about 5-6 years before I discovered online gambling. I downloaded my first casino and went to town…LOL. Then, AFTER THE FACT… I decided that I needed to learn more about what casino I was downloading and I began to do research. I discovered online forums, found other people who shared my interest and a marriage was born, so-to-speak. It is also where I met some of my closest friends and the other 2 G.O.T.B. partners.

What about the industry interests you?
There is so much about the industry that is yet unknown to me. I would love to get behind the scenes and see a casino operation. The ethics of the industry is of interest to me and, along with so many others, I am of course interested in seeing how this whole gambling ban will eventually play out.

When and why did you decide to become an affiliate?
One of my first affiliations, when I was working for another site owner, was with Brightshare. It is kind of a funny story. The site I was working for didn’t really have too many big sponsors, so when I took on Brightshare I went about pursuing them for sponsorship of our board because I had been a player there and really enjoyed a lot of things about the group. Now at this time, they really were not sponsors of any sites like mine and in fact, I don’t think they did too much sponsoring at all. I was told by the site owner I worked for, “Good luck; they will never sponsor.” LOL! Well, I love a challenge so I went about pestering Lloyd, and I mean pestering! LOL! He told me NO, several times, but I didn’t give up. Eventually he gave in. I wonder if he remembers that? The promotion was a success and soon, they/Jackpot Factory Group, were popping up as sponsors on every site. In some way, I like to take credit for that. LOL

You work with a partner on your site. Who is it? How did you meet? And what prompted the decision to enter this business together?
I actually have two partners, Lee and Bee. I met Lee first – again, through another gambling forum. We immediately hit it off and eventually, as a team, were offered a position working for another site. We learned a lot about the business there and felt like there was something we could offer different and better and so we set about birthing Gamble On The Boardwalk. I liken us to Beauty and the Brains…LOL! The site wouldn’t be what it is without both parts. Lee handles most all the technical stuff – PR, SEO, Link Exchange, Key Words, and so much more. I focus more on the Sales and Advertising end of it. I am the one who mostly works with the affiliate managers, developing and designing our promotions/contests and things of that nature. Bee was added later, first as an administrator and then recently as a partner. Bee had a background in Poker, which neither Lee nor I had the least familiarity with. Since bringing her on, the board’s traffic has probably doubled. She has been a huge part of the current success of our site.

How do you divide up the responsibilities?
Like GPWA, we are additionally a forum. So unlike stand-alone portals we also have a member base to service. We have a couple of remarkable staff members, Lisa and TJ, each of whom has different responsibilities in the forum. We all interact and address member issues. I guess it all works smoothly because we all have our different expertise and then when it comes specifically to interacting with the members we all participate.

You also hold down a full-time job as a transportation manager in plastics and run a portal. How do you balance the two? And how do you still maintain a life??!!
Who said I have a life? LOL! Well some describe me as “hyper.” I get bored easily and am constantly looking for new challenges. In fact, in the initial stages of developing G.O.T.B, I wasn’t working. After the gambling ban hit and business plummeted, there wasn’t really much choice. In fact we had just begun another portal site that we had to make a decision to shut down. I can’t reiterate enough though…I couldn’t do ANY of it without the incredible support of the staff and my 2 partners!

As a Transportation Manager, I have great hours: 4am – 12pm, straight through. So, I am home by mid-day, which gives me time to get quite a bit accomplished. I of course also have G.O.T.B up 24/7, even at work, and often do both at the same time. I like to stay busy. LOL

What experiences from your full-time position, and other jobs you’ve held, help you in your work as an affiliate?
I have a background in Advertising as well as Sales and Management. All of these things, I think, have played an essential role in helping me develop some of the current relationships we hold with sponsors and help to keep the site running smoothly.

You easily have one of the best and most recognizable avatars on the GPWA. Where did it come from and what inspired it?
Thank you! I found that one fairly recently somewhere on the net and had an excellent graphic artist (actually our original first partner, Rechelle) fix it up for me. The names I am known by are: Kathryn, Katsmeownvista, Kat, Kitty, KitKat, Kitty, KatBrat. LOL! Kind of fitting, don’t you think?

Does your partner have an avatar picked out? And if so, what is it?
We are still waiting for her private membership to be approved, but no doubt it will be something dynamic. I imagine something with a dragon. She loves dragons! [Editor's Note: Since the time of the interview, Kat's partner has been approved for private membership. Her member nickname is "Krypto."]

What do your loved ones, friends and family think about your gaming business?
I would say there are two groups, “those who do” and “those who don’t.” I have a wonderful group of friends I have met through the gaming business; they are obviously the “dos.” Then I have my family and other friends who don’t gamble and would fall into the “don’ts.” LOL!

What is currently the most difficult part of your work? And why?
I would say most recently it is staying current with all the changes taking place in the industry. Almost none of the Affiliate Managers I deal with now are the same as when I began. Also, keeping the site constantly fresh and current and finding new ways to attract different, new players. I rely on forums like GPWA for so much. It is nice to be able to come to one place and get updated on a vast amount of information!

How has the GPWA helped you as an affiliate?
Well, let me first say I consider it such an honor to hold private membership at GPWA. There is so much experience and talent amongst the community and staff. Frankly, I was really taken back when the interview request came over. There are so many webmasters who have been in the industry for longer than I and who have my complete respect. I feel honored just to be in their company and really came to GPWA to learn from them.

What advice can you offer people who are just starting up in the industry?
I guess I would say keep it simple initially. Stick to the basics. Research; educate yourself on the industry first. This is a tough time to start a site and I think to make it a success a lot of patience is needed. I know for me, it was surrounding myself with the right people who had talents that I didn’t, interests that I didn’t. Places like GPWA are so valuable to new webmasters. Not only is there a vast amount of helpful and educational tools here, but there is also a wonderful, supportive community! The other thing we pride ourselves on at G.O.T.B is ethics and researching every affiliate thoroughly before promoting them.

We want our client base to know that we stand behind every gaming site we promote, and should a member need assistance with anything we are able to provide that!

How long did it take for you to start earning money?
Well…I suppose it didn’t take too long to see “some” dividends; however, I suppose as is common, it took probably about 8 months to 1 year to really be self-supportive. With the industry changes recently we find that the income fluctuates pretty dramatically from one month to the next sometimes.

You mentioned that you worked with another GPWA member, Mojo, on a forum before. How did that come about? What was it like working with her?
Yes! Lee and I both worked with Mojo at another site. I call her “MoMo”…LOL! Heart of gold, that woman! I actually learned things I didn’t know about her, through the prior GPWA article/interview with her. I am completely impressed and give her much respect for her knowledge and dedication to the industry! Great sense of humor, all-around good gal!

What was your favorite subject in school? And why was it your favorite subject?
I really was not a good student – not bad, just not good. I matured at a very early age and school bored me. I much more enjoy the school of life and think that has had much more of an impact on my education than anything I found in books at school.

Do you gamble online? If so, what's your favorite game and why?
Yes, I do! Much more a few years back than now. My favorite game is Keno, and at land-based casinos I used to do fairly well with it, but that never translated over online, so I tried the “Ladies Night” slot and was hooked. My first decent win was at a Jackpot Factory casino, and I have played there and the game ever since. I also like Avalon and Dolphin Tales and don’t deviate too much from those three. I enjoy spinning the slots once in a while and find it relaxing; I haven’t had any decent wins in forever…LOL!

If you could pick any animal to be for one day, which one would it be? And why?
Wow! I think this is the hardest question so far! Now I suppose a “cat” would be the obvious choice BUT I would have to say “bird.” If I only had one day I suppose that would be the easiest way to cover a lot of space. Flying would be amazing in itself but I could fly by and check on people I have either never seen or haven’t seen in a while and check on them (assuming I get to keep my brain/memory…LOL!!). I am curious by nature . . . maybe that is the “cat” in me!

[mojo]

I enjoyed this very much kitty! Great job. Now you have me visiting memory lane when we worked together. You started probably the funniest thread I have ever read. It was about an ongoing fued between some of the members. The subject was who owned the fattest cat. You put it to the members to vote and the winner would become "Mayor" of the fat cats. "Shermie" won. They posted pics and it was hilarious.

I also remember your unwavering, unending persistance with Brightshare lol. You knew what you liked and went for it! When they finally accepted (they really never had a chance ), we were all proud of you.

Mostly I remember you giving 100% to your members and I can honestly say the highest standards of ethics I've seen. You and lee balance each other to make a fantastic team. I'm so glad you both found your way to the GPWA.

[katsmeownvista]

I enjoyed this very much kitty! Great job. Now you have me visiting memory lane when we worked together. You started probably the funniest thread I have ever read. It was about an ongoing fued between some of the members. The subject was who owned the fattest cat. You put it to the members to vote and the winner would become "Mayor" of the fat cats. "Shermie" won. They posted pics and it was hilarious.

I also remember your unwavering, unending persistance with Brightshare lol. You knew what you liked and went for it! When they finally accepted (they really never had a chance ), we were all proud of you.

Mostly I remember you giving 100% to your members and I can honestly say the highest standards of ethics I've seen. You and lee balance each other to make a fantastic team. I'm so glad you both found your way to the GPWA.

Ok...darnit! You are making me emotional. We have come a long way baby eh? Wow! You endear my heart MoMo!!

It was totally unexpected to see my mug in the newsletter. LAWD! LOL! Haven't you all had enough of me yet? My experience with GPWA has been amazing so far, I look forward to many years of learning and friendships with all the good folks here at GPWA!

Thank you!!!!!!

Kat