Main Event Breaks

[King of Queens]

Just want to add: this thread is pure comedy.

[TParsons]

Krys, Greg answered why we don't have breaks for the Online Main Events and why we are unlikely to provide them in the future. I have nothing to add to that nor has our position changed. I will say speaking only for myself that going from two breaks to one in the live events is something that may be worth discussing in the future. Perhaps that would be worth its own thread now, to be updated with additional thoughts after the live events and then revisited as we prepare for 2015.

As an exclusively online drafter, I've been hesitant to respond to this thread mainly because i feel like no break gives me a slight edge and I really need whatever edge I can get. That being said, this response and all of the cult followers basically requesting that the thread be closed is the exact reason that people think that there is favoritism toward the veteran and live drafters (sorry BKMets, but this is the reason people believe what you are so outspoken against). Maybe we should think about why he doesn't stop arguing instead of immediately shutting him down. You guys always say you're open to suggestions, but then when somebody posts something you don't agree with, you immediately try to shut the outspoken person down and then your minions scream for the end of the thread. What's wrong with keeping the thread open through the live drafts? See how people like it online with no breaks and have them report here. I know there are guys that do both online and live. Why not have them come back here and list the pros and cons while it's fresh on their minds?

The reason that people keep posting here is because Greg's response was ridiculous. Surely you guys can come up with a better excuse than "people might not be able to get back online." JohnP is right, that's such an archaic response. If Dough is right and it's a technology/lack of staff issue on the back end, just admit it. You are still charging event fees to online drafters the last time I checked. Maybe it's time you get a few extra people to "moderate" if this is the issue. I mean we are paying event fees for a for a speed draft you clearly can't wait to get over with, not an event. A better alternative might be to have synchronized breaks for the online leagues. It's pretty obvious based on stoppage of the DC drafts that you have the ability to stop all drafts simultaneously, so that should be easy enough.

It's clear by reading this that all participants believe that their way is the more difficult way to draft. That's fine, maybe live drafting is more difficult. You say that you don't use the breaks for additional prep. Perhaps that's true, but the problem is that you do have the option to use that time for additional prep. Online drafters don't have that option. Just like you choose to not use your live draft break for additional prep, I don't use my draft time to run to the restroom, walk the dog, take out the garbage, get a beer, or stare at 15 yr old girls dressed in skimpy outfits like Coz apparently does at the restaurant. I use my draft time to DRAFT. My focus is on the draft. Like I said, I think I have an edge with no break, but it would be nice to have the option of a break and extra prep, or taking a piss without the clock running just like the live drafters do.

Greg/Tom- If you don't want somebody asking questions like this and continually arguing against it, put it in the damn rules. I don't know how you can act like this toward paying customers when your rules say- "Breaks: There will be a 15-minute break after Round 10 and another 15-minute break after Round 20, and we will finish the draft after the final break."

[Tom Kessenich]

Ty, with all due respect I'm not sure why my response would lead anyone to believe I'm showing favortism to anyone. All I did was say Greg had replied to the question (which he has), I had nothing to add to his reply (which is true) and our position has not changed since his post (also true). If you believe Greg's reply is ridiculous, that's your right. I also don't recall Greg or myself saying that this thread would be closed and no one else was allowed to discuss the matter. So your accusation that we shoot down anyone attempting to post something we disagree with lacks merit in my opinion.

I would like to believe that all veteran players of our contests know that Greg and I listen to all suggestions. That doesn't mean we agree with all of them or will implement every one brought forward. But all of our events have evolved in many ways due to the input provided by our players. In fact, there are some people who believe we listen too much to our players and shouldn't be so open to your suggestions. Greg and I hear that criticism all the time.

Like I said, Greg and I both know that not all of our decisions are going to be met with 100% approval. That's the nature of the beast. This would appear to be one such topic and that's fine. Feel free to discuss it and feel free to disagree with how we handle the differences between live drafts and online drafts. Neither Greg nor I is going to put a stop to the discussion. That's not how we do things around here.

[TParsons]

I also have a question for you. Do the people that are in a joined live/online draft get breaks? These people have access to the "sweet live draft board" and I believe the live participants are in a cushy suite, which I can only assume is complete w/ a restroom and I know has beer. The live drafters there clearly have everything they need at their disposal to not have a break. Additionally, everybody knows that the phone has a good chance of cutting out, just like the internet connections, so probably shouldn't take a break. Those drafts get no breaks, correct?

[BK METS]

I also have a question for you. Do the people that are in a joined live/online draft get breaks? These people have access to the "sweet live draft board" and I believe the live participants are in a cushy suite, which I can only assume is complete w/ a restroom and I know has beer. The live drafters there clearly have everything they need at their disposal to not have a break. Additionally, everybody knows that the phone has a good chance of cutting out, just like the internet connections, so probably shouldn't take a break. Those drafts get no breaks, correct?

In New York, the restrooms are not in the "cushy suite" Not even close. The 1st break is typically for food. The second is typically just a bathroom break.

[KJ Duke]

Why not have them come back here and list the pros and cons while it's fresh on their minds?

Ten years of drafts are fresh in my mind, Ty. Here are the top 3 pros for each format.

PROS - Online over Live
1. Your odds are somewhat better at avoiding a league completely stacked with really good, proven winning drafters.
2. You can monitor all news outlets while drafting with no distraction.
3. It's a lot cheaper than flying/driving, staying in a hotel, paying $19 for a sandwich at the Bellagio, and gambling.

PROS - Live over Online
1. You can watch people draft in reality rather than on a computer screen, and you can make picks without a mouse.
2. You can talk to many people about baseball and drafting, none of whom is your wife/g'friend (who doesn't give a shit).
3. After the drafts you can talk to Greg or Tom, voicing all displeasure and/or requests for improvements in a manner that is much more effective than a message board rant. And he'll tell you why or why not those improvements may or may not be possible. And you can see that they actually do care, and do listen to customers, in a way that isn't going to come across in a message board post.

CONCLUSIONS
1. You have to beat 14 other guys no matter where you draft; and those guys have the same adv/disadv as you.
2. If you think drafting either live or online is a better fit for your personal method, do that.
3. If you want to have somewhat greater influence in the future of this event, get your ass to Vegas, because selling an idea in person always beats selling over the phone (or even worse, over the Internet).

p.s. I think having one break for the online main event drafts makes sense. And I'll tell Greg why when I him see in Vegas over a Corona or two.

[Potter]

In Vegas, I used to take my break to stretch. But once Greg got us fixed up with those bikini clad masseuses that hook us up in-draft, I now use that time for the 18 year old single malt, or sometime the milk-fed veal sliders. Very rarely do go to IE table (Industry Expert). I appreciate the fact Greg supplies us with a half dozen pros to analyze our teams strengths/weaknesses and give draft suggestions, but I can pick my own losers thank you. I often spend the second break picking up the pre-wrapped gifts NFBC supplies for our wives.("Three pounds of Godiva Chocolates!!! This must of cost you a fortune! You should go to Vegas for both weekends next year.") I also take this time to admit I've taken more than the allowed 2 signed and authenticated game worn jerseys from the bonus table. After getting Ted Williams' and Stan Musial's, I couldn't leave without Dimaggio's, right?

[Yah Mule]

CONCLUSIONS
1. You have to beat 14 other guys no matter where you draft; and those guys have the same adv/disadv as you.

This really sums up my feelings on the subject. Whether you're online or live, the playing field in your individual league is level for everybody. If you're gaining no direct advantage in building your team, I'm unclear how an indirect advantage materializes over Main Event teams from other leagues.

[Yah Mule]

.

[TParsons]

Why not have them come back here and list the pros and cons while it's fresh on their minds?

Ten years of drafts are fresh in my mind, Ty. Here are the top 3 pros for each format.

PROS - Online over Live
1. Your odds are somewhat better at avoiding a league completely stacked with really good, proven winning drafters.
2. You can monitor all news outlets while drafting with no distraction.
3. It's a lot cheaper than flying/driving, staying in a hotel, paying $19 for a sandwich at the Bellagio, and gambling.

PROS - Live over Online
1. You can watch people draft in reality rather than on a computer screen, and you can make picks without a mouse.
2. You can talk to many people about baseball and drafting, none of whom is your wife/g'friend (who doesn't give a shit).
3. After the drafts you can talk to Greg or Tom, voicing all displeasure and/or requests for improvements in a manner that is much more effective than a message board rant. And he'll tell you why or why not those improvements may or may not be possible. And you can see that they actually do care, and do listen to customers, in a way that isn't going to come across in a message board post.

CONCLUSIONS
1. You have to beat 14 other guys no matter where you draft; and those guys have the same adv/disadv as you.
2. If you think drafting either live or online is a better fit for your personal method, do that.
3. If you want to have somewhat greater influence in the future of this event, get your ass to Vegas, because selling an idea in person always beats selling over the phone (or even worse, over the Internet).

p.s. I think having one break for the online main event drafts makes sense. And I'll tell Greg why when I him see in Vegas over a Corona or two.

Nice post, KJ. Now if we put those buckets to use at the live events once the beer is gone, that will eliminate one break. We're on our way, buddy!

[TorontoGamblers]

If nothing else, you guys are entertaining!!

ps. Pretty sure I only got 1 autographed jersey in Vegas last year!

[Glenneration X]

I know there are guys that do both online and live. Why not have them come back here and list the pros and cons while it's fresh on their minds?

I just finished a 3 1/2 hour 12-team Online Championship draft. Yes, that's right. 3 1/2 hours.
Thank God there were no breaks.

I draft both live and online and have different feelings towards breaks for each.

I appreciate the breaks live. They come in handy for food, restrooms, and most importantly for me... a smoke. I would vote against eliminating either of the two breaks. They are needed in my mind, because you can't get something to eat, go to the bathroom, or have a smoke at a live draft without them.

Online, the last thing I want is a break. These drafts last long enough as is. We also don't need the breaks for the "MAIN REASON" breaks were added to the live drafts in the first place. Again...to get something to eat, go to the bathroom or have a smoke. You can do any of those things while drafting online by just dragging your laptop or smartphone with you. You just can't do that live.

It seems so simple to me. These are different conditions that require different needs.

[Deadheadz]

CONCLUSIONS
1. You have to beat 14 other guys no matter where you draft; and those guys have the same adv/disadv as you.

This really sums up my feelings on the subject. Whether you're online or live, the playing field in your individual league is level for everybody. If you're gaining no direct advantage in building your team, I'm unclear how an indirect advantage materializes over Main Event teams from other leagues.

I thought the OP's whole point was regarding the overall prize, not the league prize.
The live drafters tend to be players who are more serious about Roto so they tend to do better overall. I don't think it's because of the breaks they get. It's all a crapshoot. You'll see winners come from both formats.

Conclusion:
"Thems tha breaks, kid"

[Yah Mule]

CONCLUSIONS
1. You have to beat 14 other guys no matter where you draft; and those guys have the same adv/disadv as you.

This really sums up my feelings on the subject. Whether you're online or live, the playing field in your individual league is level for everybody. If you're gaining no direct advantage in building your team, I'm unclear how an indirect advantage materializes over Main Event teams from other leagues.

I thought the OP's whole point was regarding the overall prize, not the league prize.
The live drafters tend to be players who are more serious about Roto so they tend to do better overall. I don't think it's because of the breaks they get. It's all a crapshoot. You'll see winners come from both formats.

Conclusion:
"Thems tha breaks, kid"

My point considers the overall prize. Nobody is buying a Main Event team just to compete for the league prize. Whether you're in a live league or an online league, you're not gaining any advantage as you construct your team because everybody else building their team from that player pool is playing under the exact same rules.