Keeping the Beat alive

[jdns321]

If the reason The Poker Beat is ending its run is because the participants all have better things to do (that actually pay), then I fully understand and wish to add my thanks for all the time and effort they did give up for us while it lasted.

But if the only thing stopping The Poker Beat from continuing on is the lack of a host, then I think the answer is pretty simple. Have Jess Welman be the new host. She has the broadest knowledge base of players and contacts in the industry, is probably the most hands-on involved in the poker scene due to Bluff Magazine and WPT, and has obviously been understudying the host position with her "Jess and BJ" show on the WPT. It's obvious in watching a few of those that she is the pants-wearing host on that show as she does all the topic introductions and transitions, and is quite good at it. She can also keep the lighter touch she has on that show and bring it with her in any new incarnation of TPB.

She also seems genuinely enthusiastic about doing media other than writing as she certainly doesn't seem shy about appearances on any poker show. The poker community would benefit greatly if Jess' enthusiasm for bringing poker news had a platform as established as TPB. TPB has such credibility as an honest look at poker that it really should not be allowed to die if it is only because Huff can't continue.

Huff was and is the best poker host, I don't dispute that. But Jess is very good and getting better, and is much more enthusiastic about being involved in poker than Huff was towards the end and probably more than just about anyone (hoping that lasts).

A show with Jess, BJ (who will follow his crush anywhere, ha), Michalski on legislation, and an occasional guest panelist from Jess' wide range of contacts (a player, a TD, an editor, or someone pimping something) is a show that I would seek out and follow.

Even if it doesn't have the name "The Poker Beat" or come from Pokerroad.com, if that core is willing to continue and the only thing stopping them is they don't have a "host", than they could overcome that quite easily and let Jess host if she is willing and able.

The Beat should go on.

[The 6th Wilbury]

I like this. Even if I'd bet against it ever happening, I like this.

[5carab]

Originally Posted by The 6th Wilbury

I like this. Even if I'd bet against it ever happening, I like this.

+1

I would also support a rotating host system (we've had BJ guest before etc). Would be awesome if a solution could be found.

[Gary Wise]

1) Jess doesn't have the time. Hosting is far different than showing up to participate in panel discussions.
2) A rotating host concept doesn't work as such a show would never find a rhythm
3) Money
4) I didn't want to be on your stupid show anyways **sniff**

[nitzilla]

The times Huff wasn't there the show just wasn't the same. Time to move on.

[rokudan]

I have been saying for a while they could do a fan skype show and just rotate people in and out. A weekly pre-game show for the league games.

[jdns321]

Originally Posted by Gary Wise

1) Jess doesn't have the time. Hosting is far different than showing up to participate in panel discussions.
2) A rotating host concept doesn't work as such a show would never find a rhythm
3) Money
4) I didn't want to be on your stupid show anyways **sniff**

Once again, your strange impulse to present the contrarian viewpoint just for the sake of doing so rears its ugly head. Why you think you need to speak for Jess when she is more than capable of speaking for herself is puzzling.

1) Are you sure she doesn't have the time? She prepares for that live Wicked Chops show with a list of the news in poker for the week and her segment there is about 15+ minutes of her speaking mainly alone. That same list was usually very similar to topics discussed on The Poker Beat when both ran in the same week, and in fact could be used in any reincarnation of the show. Since she is already doing a 15+ minute segment on poker news by herself, if one were to add 3 more panelists who also spoke 15+ minutes on average on those same topics, you have a one hour show where Jess did not need to do any more preparation work than she is already doing for the Live Wicked Chops show.

2) I agree that the identity of a show is tied most to the one who hosts it. Jess obviously puts a lot of work into the "Jess and BJ" show with its scripted gags and running jokes. She seems very interested in running a show.

3) If pokerroad is not willing to pay her, that is their choice. But I don't see why Bluff magazine could not sponsor and even be the download source for the new show, and have it tied into Jess' current job as Managing Editor to increase traffic to that site. I for one find myself watching just the Jess and BJ segments on the WPT, and virtually ignoring the Kimberly Lansing videos and all the other content there. If she were to bring the podcast to Bluff, she would undoubtedly raise traffic and the website's profile a great deal (even if it meant excluding themselves from the Bluff Awards due to conflict). Bluff might even be able to pay the panelist a small token fee if needed.

4) Thank God. It'll give you more time to cover the huge wave of "really young, live-only tournament players" who are flooding the scene.

[Tyresias]

You're just creating a new podcast. And I imagine Gary's actual personal relationship with Jess trumps your non-relationship in terms of ability to speak for her.

Also check out The Rabbit Hunt or the 2+2 Pokercast if you're starved for poker geeks talking news.

[jdns321]

Originally Posted by Tyresias

You're just creating a new podcast. And I imagine Gary's actual personal relationship with Jess trumps your non-relationship in terms of ability to speak for her.

Also check out The Rabbit Hunt or the 2+2 Pokercast if you're starved for poker geeks talking news.

I don't care whether or not it is called "The Poker Beat". If it's called Poker Happenings presented by Bluff Magazine, that is fine. I'm sure people can figure out that it is the heir to the previous show. They can even insert the stuff Jess writes up like the online Sunday tournament recap as part of the podcast to free up her time. What makes this worth keeping is the core talent, not the name of the show.

I am not trying to speak for Jess. Unlike Gary Wise's blanket statement here that Jess can't do it (and very much like his blanket statements on all things poker), I had an inquiry on whether or not she could. I backed up my inquiry with FACTS that logically indicates she might have both time and interest. Nowhere did I say that she DOES or DOES NOT have the desire. That would be speaking for her. I'm saying she is capable of hosting and asking if she would.

Wise doesn't concern himself with facts, he just happens to know it all. Speaking of facts, what facts do you have that Wise's relationship with Jess is close and personal, so much so that he should speak for her and we should accept that? They were on a podcast together, they aren't life-long companions or even workmates. I don't know either way, and I'm pretty sure you don't either. That being the case, it is simply rude and unprofessional to make professional decisions on other people's behalf.

Simply put, since you seem to need simplicity based on your comprehension of the discussion, I would like to hear from Jess whether she has the time and interest to host a show with the core of TPB team.

[Tyresias]

All I was implying is that YOU assumed he was speaking on her behalf without knowing anything first hand. It is quite likely he has spoken to her about this.

It seems odd for you to not get that is a hugely likely possibility, especially when someone like me, with a need for simplicity and an inability to comprehend your high-level discussion, managed to reach it.