I think most would agree that the character of these two individuals is not the thing that's on trial here. I think what most are concerned with is what were the true intentions of Ray & Fletch for ever coming to this site in the 1st place. With their announced decision to start a "Pay" service, I believe it's obvious to most everyone.
It's no secret that 99% of professional gamblers
LOSE money in the long run. There aren't a handful of people that have kept exact and detailed W/L records in regards to gambling, that have found themselves way ahead of the pack. Rich one day, poor the next. It's possible to have good W/L records for 1 year, or even 2 or 3, where in each individual sport, the person was on the positive side in units won. But the law of averages and numerous other things will eventually eat into those profits, and in the long run, you're fortunately either where ya started, or dug yourself a very very very DEEP hole. 1% of the population in this entire universe can consistently make money year in year out betting on sporting events. Lots of folks don't like to look at the big picture, and this is probably THE MAIN reason that most gamblers don't like to keep detailed records. Doing such, would be a drawn out blueprint that your endeavor has failed. I know, b/c there is a person in my immediate family that DOES do this for a living.
He started out like most everyone else, selecting particular teams based upon news blips from ESPN or some other info. he dug out of the paper or a magazine. After numerous failed attempts, he finally realized that if he was gonna continue to do this and make a decent living, he was gonna have to get on the other side of the coin. Instead of makin' bets, he started taking them; which in a round about way, is exactly what Ray and Fletch are doing. If you're seriously gonna pursue a career in professional gambling, you either better be taking people's bets or making people pay for YOUR bets. Any other way, is a shortcut to the poor house. Residual income in this biz. is of the utmost importance. Like I stated earlier, there are a few exceptions to the rule, but most have to find other avenues to supplement theiir gambling income, b/c they couldn't stick to their original plan.
Many thousands of posts ago, I can distinctly remember making fun of ANYONE that tried to sell their picks to the unsuspecting and foolish public. This sentiment was expressed by most everyone that posted here at Jack's place. Some of these goofs would even pop in to tout their service, and they'd be met with a barrage of hilarious remarks and comments. Over the years, there is no telling how many touts we all made fun of. DAMN, how times have changed. If someone would have bet me that four of the most popular posters at MadJacks would have had Pay sites of their own, run by the creator of this wonderful place, I, quite frankly, wouldn't have believed them. But really knowing what I know about the ins and the outs of the industry, it really makes quite good sense.
Fletch, it's no secret that you've developed quite a few friendships since you started coming around. I truly hope your intentions were sincere, and had nothing to do with fostering a business relationship based upon your announced news today.
All in all, I
SINCERELY hope you guys find fullfillment and happiness in your new undertaking, but I think you'd agree that the odds stacked against your customers, will be extremely hard to overcome. If you truly want to differentiate yourself from the others, why not offer a money-back guarantee? I know.....I know....you're much smarter than that!