Viktor Nacht: Parker Takes Command of Trackjack.com

[Viktor Nacht]

Dear Friends,

I'm very happy to announce that AP.com's own Parker - friend, moderator, authority and raconteur - will be taking the mantle of Trackjack Editor and Head Honcho starting October 1st. Parker's mission will be take Trackjack to a new level by expanding our paid reporter network, adding more timely news, etc.

And, like I said, Parker is the head honcho. If there's some new feature he wants, I'll add it. It sounds like the first couple things we'll be doing is creating a SCORE column for data reports, and compiling this into a "Top 40"-type list (likes the ones on VPinsider.com). We're also going to add tighter integration between the VP and BJ services for people who play both games.

I'm confident Parker will whip Trackjack into even better shape, and provide our subscribers with even more value.

OK P, it's all you. And you know where to send marching orders if you need something done.

Good Cards,

V

[nycfudu]

Ability to download trackjack in Excel Spreadsheet Format (only games/rules not messages)

[Bettie]

go out to Sam Kumar, who did some really great work for us for what was supposed to be a very temporary situation. I guess the work he did was so good that we didn't want to let him go! Good luck in your future endeavors, Sam, and I hope we'll still benefit from your contributions to TJ in the future.

Thanks, Parker, for taking this on; I know it'll be great!
Bettie

[Parker]

> Ability to download trackjack in Excel Spreadsheet
> Format (only games/rules not messages)

I'm not sure how feasible it is, since TrackJack is already in the form of a searchable database, but we'll certainly look into it.

Let me emphasize right from the start that I am very, very open to suggestions as to what we can do to make TrackJack even better than it already is.

[nycfudu]

I did an online search and it's quite good. I also tried to copy the search results into excel with good results. It also has an option to filter regions and the expert edit is nice too.

The only thing that bothered me was the colors carrying over to the excel file. I don't really like the colors, to get rid of them I had to select the whole worksheet and choose "no fill".

How about using the same color scheme as RGE? I think a white background would be nice.

Maybe if we had more discussions on the trackjack forum page it would become more popular.

[Parker]

> I did an online search and it's quite good. I also
> tried to copy the search results into excel with good
> results. It also has an option to filter regions and
> the expert edit is nice too.

Yes, indeed. TrackJack has a number of unique features, of which I believe many people are not even aware.

> The only thing that bothered me was the colors
> carrying over to the excel file. I don't really like
> the colors, to get rid of them I had to select the
> whole worksheet and choose "no fill".

Funny you should mention that. While I'm trying to take a "go slow" approach at first, let's just say that I'm less than enamored with the current color scheme, and will be looking at alternatives.

Glad to hear that you encountered no major problems in converting it to an Excel file. Viktor is in charge of the programming end of things, but it appears that it would not be difficult to add this feature.

> How about using the same color scheme as RGE? I think
> a white background would be nice.

This is certainly a possibility. Once again, let me emphasize that I am most open to suggestions.

> Maybe if we had more discussions on the trackjack
> forum page it would become more popular.

Great minds think alike! :-)

I agree that this is an under-utilized forum, and one of my top priorities will be to do whatever I can to stimulate discussion.

I will be guest-hosting the Don's Domain chat Sunday night (6:00 pm PDT), and encourage all members to drop in with their suggestions, comments, rants, etc.

For non-members, there is still time to join!

[nycfudu]

If the casino name can be on the same table row as the rest of the columns. Then I can cut and paste it into excel.

I think if any resources or money is to be spent on Trackjack then it should be for souting reports rather than programming because it is already a powerfull tool.

I think the concept of users reporting info is doomed to fail because no one really wants to report good info.

[Parker]

> If the casino name can be on the same table row as the
> rest of the columns. Then I can cut and paste it into
> excel.

> I think if any resources or money is to be spent on
> Trackjack then it should be for souting reports rather
> than programming because it is already a powerfull
> tool.

My top priority will be taking whatever steps are necessary to insure that the information in TrackJack is as accurate and current as possible.

> I think the concept of users reporting info is doomed
> to fail because no one really wants to report good
> info.

I'm going to try something different. It is not a new or unique idea, but one that has proven to be effective: give them money.

I'm still working out the details, and as usual am very open to suggestions, but we will be establishing a network of paid reporters.

I also want to make the TrackJack forum more active. Again, suggestions are welcome and greatly appreciated.

No, we're not going to pay people to post. :-)