jontm
Hi all, for all of those who don't know me, I am the official PFC shill, as awarded by long time member GTA. Blondefish asked we are a bit more open.
I'm either insecure or braggy today, so here goes:
Was with CPT & Canadian Poker Player Magazine on both freelance & contract level for several years, named as "Social Media & Networking Manager" in some mags and PRs
Created FB page and following they use today.
Created/Launched Playground Poker Club FB & Twitter accounts they use today, started communication with club a year before doors opened. "Winners Circle Photo Galleries" was one concept I put in play they kept.
Worked with Poker Atlas on some Room Reviews and adding venues, now owned by All Vegas Poker. Was named "Canadian Poker Room Manager". Not easy to sell services here though.
Was involved with numerous design meetings for Players Poker Canada, the newsletter you see in casinos now and website. Introduced owner to web designer who plays in our home game circle. I would love to help out more, but too many conflicts of interest as...
Staff writer for Canada Poker since around launch.
Freelance content for WPT Magazine, through own Party Poker contract, CanadaPoker and whatever I successfully pitch the editor. Forum stuff is all me and not paid work or their opinions.
BetrthanPhil & Actyper article would be better example of commissioned work. Also the official announcement of last years WPT Montreal was sub headed "CanadaPoker.com's Jon Harnish welcomes the WPT to Canada..." My name appears in several issues between Mike Sexton and Kara Scott's in contributors, kinda like that!
Obv proud and attached for having any role as it became one of the largest events in Canadian history. I was also credited with some of the success of COPC 2010, the largest series in Alberta history.
Poker Pro Magazine
Regular contributer, done several cover stories, including Xuan Lui (your fav Blondefish), helped coordinate her meeting with Jon Young in Montreal to get that happening (intro). Matt Jarvis, Sorrel Mizzi, Shawn Buchanan, Antonio Esfandiari (first cover interview i ever did back in 2010) are some others either wrote or helped line up or complete in someway.
Proudest pieces there obv bracelet prediction for Tyler a year before and while I missed slightly (so far) with Steve, also having an OPT member win didn't hurt. In Kirk's article, did a paragraph on Simon Charette as one to watch and he won his the following year.
Also had a feature Black Friday piece over 2011 WSOP that had 80k copies distributed in all strip poker rooms and at Rio.
In obtaining photos, permissions etc, have worked with Stardust, Stars (EPT/PCA) Titan, 888 to name a few. With Poker Pro some content did hit US and Europe editions as well.
Some content and networking for launch of VIP poker room, but under new management (not ownership)
Regular host or guest on QuadJacks Radio, specifically PokerEH! before management change. I'm sure some seen old owner drama on 2+2. Also done Hold'em Radio, PokerPod Radio, The Playground Poker Show on TSN network and the Poker Show on the Fan 590, though some very brief.
Bernard Lee of ESPN invited me to Foxwoods with some perks and to hang out with entire 2010 November Nine for a special event. We brought CanadaPoker in and was blast.
4 Aces, introduced DeepStacks to them via contacts, made commission when buddy closed deal and they had camp. As Steve Kerr is their contact in East, I am in West. Would be comfortable saying initiated their relationship with GPI & Hendon.
Via all this was introduced to Miriam Foundation and their FTP event. Was offered a trip to Vegas for finals and seats to event, but declined having son with Autism of own, wanted to strictly volunteer to "give back" to groups like these that help us when he was young. (Now my hostility towards old FTP make more sense?)
By my count, I have content in about 40 magazine issues. My name isn't always on it as if it is content I sold to a company, they can do as they wish. It's often swapped for ad space or branding. Occasionally it's disappointing, but I realize we aren't writing novels here and nobody notices author anyway.
Regardless, whole situation stank, which was why pitched story, gathered facts and testimonials for Chad Holloway and Matt Parvis to do properlly and legally. Also done some intros like BTP & Jason Grad for features and submitted PRs they used, but nothing "by" me.
Whether it be through CPT, CP or any of the mags, have submitted pieces that were run after BCLC approval for PlayNow.com & RiverRock, Casino Edmonton & Yellowhead, Deerfoot Inn, Cash Casino, Edgewater, Manitoba Lotteries, Casino Regina & Caesars Windsor. Am in contact with almost every poker manager in Canada.
I used to work for BigSlick Poker Tour, developed 3 locations that were eventually sold. One is still running after 3 years, the Royal Canadion Legion branch which was my first actually got gaming approval to do 50/50s and offer monthly freerolls awarding money. I can comfortably say poker has been a significant part of their branch survival. Relatedly, I did some content for Red Hot Poker Tour, published in members area.
Blue Shark Optics gave suggestions for several players they ended up going with.
Oh and I wrote most of the content on PokerNews.ca, owned by this site.
BUT it's a hobby that I mostly profit by via perks and some pay. I am not employeed, and this is actually spelled out even in formal agreements by any of them. My big mouth is my own. I'll watch what I print (web news or paper) according. But when I am on my own accounts, these are my "safe places" and opinions.
So there you have it. No secrets and hope I have properly answered original question. Really am a rolling stone and always considered my role as more Of a "networking blogger" than anything.
There might be more, but I forget right now....
moose
Nice. What is your RL job?
jontm
Plumber Gasfitter with a side of H&S coordinator. Oil & Gas manufacturing related
And yes I wrote this mostly on break. The other few minutes ill make up
moose
So did you do writing on the side through school or was it purely interest and opportunity based that you became a poker writer/smoozer?
jontm
Obv not school as I need some serious Language Arts refreshing.
Great question though as many people ask why I don't play more for someone loves game; I was introduced to game so I would be more social, but took it too far. Love playing, but my bubble has also been burst in terms of dedication and effort put in, having met so many good players.
Eric Danis answers much same
I know how to spot the sucker and often times its in the mirror, so I don't donate. There are times I feel I have a fighting chance and get in though.
I started the writing part trying to win prizes on poker sites when they have blog promotions. (I'm a sucker for free shit). Eventually I started getting it. From there I kinda kept getting recruited up (?). Most of the time I wasn't looking. I also work way too cheap, so that's helped.
jontm
Ps. Smoozer is a fun word.
Generally my writing is focused on looking to recognize players, events and keeping the dream alive.
Game needs role models and ton of rec players don't have a clue who's "winning" or where.
jontm
Sitting here reminiscing and realized I should actually say Str82Ace predicted Kerr. Then you all introduced me to P5s, which was a great tool until they went and fucked with everything....
DataMn
jontm;358542 wrote
Also had a feature Black Friday piece over 2011 WSOP that had 80k copies distributed in all strip poker rooms and at Rio.
I didn't realize they had official rooms for strip poker now!
jontm
DataMn;358568 wroteI didn't realize they had official rooms for strip poker now!
Good one! Las Vegas Strip. Maybe "popular", or "main" is a better :)
Milo
DataMn;358568 wroteI didn't realize they had official rooms for strip poker now!
Yeah, but the rake is obscene . . .
actyper
Forgot biggest promoter of anything poker and Canada related in the scene today
jontm
DataMn;358568 wroteI didn't realize they had official rooms for strip poker now!
Yes. And they allow spectators.
On the Rail at a Game of Strip Poker 18+ | Canada Poker | Canadian Poker News
jontm
actyper;358574 wroteForgot biggest promoter of anything poker and Canada related in the scene today
By biggest you physical size right? I think I've got about 20lbs on Kelly, but I'm swearing off milkshakes and hitting the gym once summer ends
Milo
Sure you are . . . and I am going to start lifting again in an effort to get back the physique I had in my 20's. Just wallow in your decrepitude . . . it's more enjoyable.
BlondeFish
jontm;358542 wroteFreelance content for WPT Magazine, through own Party Poker contract, CanadaPoker and whatever I successfully pitch the editor.
What about getting any of the Canadian magazines (or websites) to do a comprehensive article comparing all the huge events going on in Canada in the next six months? This is probably the best year ever for tournaments in Canada with two WSOP-C series, two WPT series in 2013, the CPT events in Montreal & elsewhere, scummy FTP's series, and maybe even Fallsview may make improvements to its three-event Poker Classic to keep up with all these world-class events. I'm sure many Canadian players would love to play in these events and would be interested in reading about the structures (e.g., Patience Factor), cash games, hidden and total fees/rake, etc.
Having written for the
Canadian Poker Player magazine, I thought of pitching it to a magazine myself, but I would rather be PLAYING more live cash games and tournaments from now on than writing/posting so I'm hoping
somebody else with OCD ;) would take the time to write good articles.
jontm
It's a great idea, and I did this last year for WSOPC, WPT and Stardust's Stars events in one massive article but the negatives outweighed the effort.
Stardust really didn't even have the courtesy to comment, and I did a 2 page follow up, weird with kinda attitude that they've already closed their doors several times....
Really, the biggest challenge is finding one magazine that wants to talk about ALL the events...some will be getting paid advertising by event hosts, so it's hard to give the completion a free ride without rocking the boat or cutting your own grass. Even from a freelance only POV same deal, is it fair to plug a clients competition when they are paying for editorial and the others do not?
Last year, it was all new to players, including much of the Montreal scene, so out of "service to the players", I felt it just had to be done. This year, all the events have been introduced, so those that want attention are going to have to reach out or do it on their own.
I received tons of compliments for WPT coverage, but RiverRock brought American reports that really focused on US players and didn't know our grinders. The live stream wasn't able to be viewed by Canadians for WSOPC Van, huge mis-click!
To do another "intro" piece, I'd guess WPT would be interested in half, Canadian Poker Player Mag the other half. Poker Pro is really mostly e-zine now, which is fine for really big stuff, but with paid subscription only, it's going to have to be a popular topic for anyone to see it anyway IMO.
BlondeFish
jontm;358695 wroteReally, the biggest challenge is finding one magazine that wants to talk about ALL the events...some will be getting paid advertising by event hosts, so it's hard to give the completion a free ride without rocking the boat or cutting your own grass.
I will sadly agree with you. Almost all of the poker media is not about journalism, but maximizing revenue from their affiliate and advertising masters. Many poker affiliates are scared of the risk of losing the huge guaranteed lifetime income from their referred players' affiliate account.
Just like with UB and AP, it will be up to playing members of 2+2 to advocate for players since the poker media don't have the editorial integrity for even constructive criticism of their masters. Another example is the many bad actions of bwin since it took over PartyPoker, but I have rarely seen any coverage except from affiliate-free
Pokerfuse.com.
Maybe after my next decent cash, I'll take the time to pitch it to sites such as ca.pokernews.com and allontariopoker.com. Or maybe another player advocate like SteveKerr will post the analysis for us players. ^-^
compuease
Perhaps we have to sell em individually on posting on here, then steering their people here. Best of both worlds, they get one common place and we get readership and hopefully more posters.
BlondeFish
Unfortunately, there does not seem to be many regular players left. When clubs or hosts post about their illegal games where ANY money does not go to the players' prize pool, I can't help but laugh because those posts are more likely to attract the police than playing members. It's almost like posting a roll call to go to a ribfest in a vegetarian forum! ;)
Unless the owner can find a way to market this forum to more actual players in the hopes that they will want to stay long enough to sign up with one of the affiliated poker sites, then I don't see why player-UNfriendly businesses like Fallsview, bwin.party, Stardust & Harrah's will bother posting here. While the owner will keep the site open until the rest of the sites cancel the affiliate agreements like FTP & bwin.party have, more & more threads will have nothing to do with poker.
compuease;358704 wrotePerhaps we have to sell em individually on posting on here, then steering their people here. Best of both worlds, they get one common place and we get readership and hopefully more posters.
jontm
To be fair, most journalism is supported by affiliates or ad revenues. With that said, these big companies have had more than their fair share of freebies and often take the stance of "we are such a big deal, anyone in the business has to report on us, or their hacks".
Not true and just NO.